Spring Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

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Serve up this fresh Spring Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette. Spring Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_KitchenThe big debate: Are you for fruit on a salad or against it? I am ALL about adding fruit to salad. I love that little sweet bite. While I know some others who are completely against it, arguing otherwise.
Spring Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
Why not get fruits and vegetables in all in one shot? Salads don’t have to be boring. Someone recently said to me, “Since you are a Registered Dietitian, you’re probably going to tell me to eat more salads right”? As a Registered Dietitian, I’ll encourage you to eat more fruits and vegetables, that may be in the form of salad, but in other ways as well. The problem is “salad” sounds so boring. Unfortunately, most often the first thought of salad is the boring romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and maybe a few slices of cucumber.
Spring Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
The key to building a delicious salad is variety. Don’t get stuck with the same combination. Try adding different textures. I like to add roasted vegetables on top of a bed of greens to add an extra pop of flavor. Every week I roast a large tray of vegetables. Throughout the week they get tossed on salads, mixed into a stir fry or scrambled with eggs. That one meal prep solution has been a weekly staple for me.
Spring Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
I had the most delicious raspberry vinaigrette at a restaurant and I recreated my version for this salad. The sweetness naturally comes from fresh raspberries and balanced with white wine vinegar. Salad dressings are surprisingly very easy to make. This dressing can last for about a week in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle shake before using.

Yay or Nay? Fruit in Salad – This Spring Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette will make you say yay! @RD_Kitchen

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Spring Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen

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Spring Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette on a white plate

Spring Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Yield: 2
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Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups arugula
  • 1/2 cup roasted asparagus, chopped
  • 1/2 cup raspberries
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 ounces almonds, chopped
  • 2 ounces goat (or feta cheese), crumbled
  • For the dressing: (makes about 3/4 cup)
  • 1/4 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • Salt and ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. On two plates, layer the arugula, asparagus, raspberries, red onion, almonds, and goat cheese.
  2. For the dressing: Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Store extra dressing the in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  3. Drizzle salads with dressing.
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RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen

Pin this recipe for later!Spring Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen

 

Grilled Caesar Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Dairy Free, Dietary, Egg Free, Fall, MAIN DISHES, Quick & Easy, Recipes, Salads, Side Dishes, Spring, Summer, Vegetarian, Vegetarian
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Have you ever tried grilling leafy greens? Try this Grilled Caesar Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing this grilling season. 

Grilled Caesar Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing - try grilling greens for a whole new salad experience via Chef Julie Harrington @ChefJulie_RD #salad #caesarsalad #vegan #vegetarian #caesar #plantbased #dressing #tahini #glutenfree

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, but it’s never too early to start firing up the grill. I’ve been all about the grilling scene in the blog world lately.

I started contributing to Luvo’s Fresh Blog and my first article was recently published – A Dietitian’s Guide to Building a Healthier Burger. Check out some nutritious tips for grilling burgers this summer.

Grilled Caesar Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing - try grilling greens for a whole new salad experience via Chef Julie Harrington @ChefJulie_RD #salad #caesarsalad #vegan #vegetarian #caesar #plantbased #dressing #tahini #glutenfree

Then, to my surprise, I was nominated for the Wayfair Healthy Gas Griller Recipe Award, featuring my Chipotle Lime Shrimp Tacos.

Grilled salad?! Try this Grilled Caesar Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing
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While both articles are more about the traditional grilling fare, I tried something a little different – grilling romaine lettuce. I was pleasantly surprised with the results. If you want to try grilling leafy greens, use sturdier greens like romaine, cabbage, etc.

Grilled Caesar Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing - try grilling greens for a whole new salad experience via Chef Julie Harrington @ChefJulie_RD #salad #caesarsalad #vegan #vegetarian #caesar #plantbased #dressing #tahini #glutenfree

The key to this Caesar salad is the toppings. Skip the croutons and top with plant-based fiber packed roasted chickpeas and add creaminess with avocado.

The real star is the dressing! This combination of lemon, hummus, tahini, and the secret ingredient cashews combines to create a thick and creamy dressing, minus the unwanted saturated fats and replacing them with heart-healthy unsaturated fats. 

Grilled Caesar Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing - try grilling greens for a whole new salad experience via Chef Julie Harrington @ChefJulie_RD #salad #caesarsalad #vegan #vegetarian #caesar #plantbased #dressing #tahini #glutenfree

Have you ever tried grilling leafy greens?

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Grilled Caesar Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing on a white platter

Grilled Caesar Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 5
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2-4 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

Have you ever tried grilling leafy greens? Try this Grilled Caesar Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing this grilling season. 

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large romaine heart, cut in half lengthwise
  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

 

For the dressing:

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons garlic hummus
  • 1 tablespoon tahini paste
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire
  • 1/4 cup raw cashews, soaked in water
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a small bowl, combine chickpeas, olive oil, and garlic powder. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place chickpeas on baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20 minutes, turning occasionally.
  2. As chickpeas are roasting, preheat grill to high. Spray cut, flat side of romaine hearts and place cut-side down on the grill. Grill for about 1-2 minutes until grill marks appear on lettuce. Flip and grill for an additional minute, to sear. Remove hearts to platter cut sides up.
  3. For dressing, place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy.
  4. Drizzle romaine hearts with dressing and top with roasted chickpeas and avocado.
  5. Store extra dressing in an airtight container.

Keywords: Salad, Caesar Salad, Grilling, Romaine, Tahini, Dressing, side dish

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Chef Julie Harrington, RD - Culinary Nutrition Consultant of chefjulierd.com
Grilled Caesar Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing - try grilling greens for a whole new salad experience via Chef Julie Harrington @ChefJulie_RD #salad #caesarsalad #vegan #vegetarian #caesar #plantbased #dressing #tahini #glutenfree

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

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This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is light and refreshing, being a perfect addition to your spring menu.

Broccoli cauliflower salad with red onions and almonds in a white bowl

Now that the weather is finally warming up here in NJ, my cooking methods start to shift. Roasting is one of my favorite cooking methods for vegetables, but as the weather warms I begin to not use my oven as frequently.

cold broccoli and cauliflower salad with red onions

All winter long I’ve been on a roasted broccoli kick. Broccoli was on my shopping list every week. I am surprised I didn’t get sick of it after a while. This time when I grabbed the broccoli from the fridge, I knew I wanted to do something different.

Add this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad to your spring menu rotation.
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Instead of roasting this head of broccoli, this time I steamed it. Steaming was never my favorite until I figured out how to perfectly steam broccoli to my liking. Before steamed veggies would always be a little blah and mushy. I like a good crunch to them. Now I gently steam them, then shock them to keep their crisp.

broccoli cauliflower salad in a white bowl

Culinary term: Shocking

“Shocking” is a culinary term that refers to a rapid change in temperature, usually caused by plunging the food into an ice bath.  It’s most often used with veggies that are being steamed or boiled.

Oh, don’t forget about the cauliflower. I steamed and shocked that too to keep some crunchy texture to those florets too. This salad is so refreshing and a perfect addition to your spring menu.

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Broccoli Cauliflower Salad in a white bowl

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8–10 1x
  • Category: side dish
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is light and refreshing, being a perfect addition to your spring menu.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 cups broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1 red onion (small), thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons feta cheese
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, steam cauliflower and broccoli in a steamer basket for about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pot and plunge in an ice bath or run under cold water (to stop the cooking process). Drain well and place in a large salad bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Add red onion, almonds, and feta cheese to the broccoli and cauliflower. Toss together with the dressing.

Notes

Don’t love raw red onions? Try adding pickled onions instead!

Keywords: salad, broccoli, cauliflower, side dish, fresh

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Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl

Beans & Grains, Dietary, Egg Free, Fall, Gluten Free, MAIN DISHES, Make ahead, Nut Free, PREP, Recipes, Salads, Seasonal, Vegetarian, Vegetarian, Winter
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A comforting, satisfying plant-based bowl, this Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl is the perfect colorful fall dinner to cozy up to on a chilly night. 
Fall is my favorite season! I just love the cool, crisp weather, the beautiful fall foliage, and of course the food!
Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
This time of year, I find myself roasting vegetables daily. Roasting is one of my favorite cooking methods for veggies, but there’s something about cracking the windows on a cool fall evening and cozying up with fluffy blankets with a warm comforting meal.
Recipe ReDux members were challenged to create a plant protein power bowl, packed with protein, fiber and color, plant power bowls are trendy and delicious.
Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen

Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl – A colorful dish packed with protein, nutrients, and fiber #thereciperedux

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I decided to use sorghum as my whole grain in this recipe because I was inspired when I met Katie Cavuto, RD at the sorghum booth at FNCE this past weekend. She just released a new cookbook “Whole Cooking and Nutrition” and I was able to sample her sorghum recipe.
Have you ever used sorghum before? When I counsel clients, I encourage them to expand their variety of whole grains in their diet. I often see that their first swap is switching white bread to whole wheat bread or white rice to brown rice, which is great, but I don’t want them to just stop there.
Ancient grains, like sorghum, have more nutrition bang for your buck. Sorghum, which doesn’t have an inedible hull like some other grains, is commonly eaten with all its outer layers, thereby retaining the majority of its nutrients. One serving of sorghum contains 5 grams of fiber and is a good source of iron!
Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
I absolutely love how colorful this recipe is. More colors = more nutrients. Another plus is it’s so simple to make. Simply place your veggies on a pan to roast as you prep the remaining ingredients.
If you want a shortcut, you can use Love Beets instead of the mess of peeling beets at home. Love Beets come peeled, steamed and vacuum packed.

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Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl

Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Yield: 4
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Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 sweet potatoes, chopped
  • 4 beets, peeled and chopped
  • 4 carrots, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 bunch Swiss chard, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup sorghum
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup hummus (your favorite flavor!)
  • 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Toss sweet potatoes and beets with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes.
  2. Using a peeler, create long strands of carrots. Remove vegetables from oven, add carrots and toss. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until vegetables are fork tender. Remove from oven.
  3. In a large bowl, massage Swiss chard leaves with olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Add garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add Swiss chard on a large baking sheet. Roast for 10 minutes until Swiss chard is tender (not crispy).
  4. As vegetables are roasting, cook the sorghum. Add sorghum and water to a pot. Bring to a boil; cook 5 minutes. Turn heat down to low; cover and cook for about 45 minutes or until tender-firm. (for an extra boost of flavor, add a splash of vegetable stock with the water) Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Assemble your bowls, by adding sections of sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, Swiss chard, and sorghum. Add a dollop of hummus and sprinkle with goat cheese. Serve warm.
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RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen


Citrus Beet Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Dressing

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Add a pop of color and fresh flavors with this Citrus Beet Salad with a Champagne Vinaigrette Dressing.
Citrus Beet Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Dressing via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenOne summer in high school, I worked for this catering company and they had this citrus salad on the menu that majority of customers ordered. One busy weekend, there a bunch of catering events scheduled and I was working the prep station, segmenting hundreds of citrus. I became pretty speedy at the process. By segmenting citrus away from the connective membrane makes it more tender and visually appealing, especially for a salad.
Citrus Beet Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Dressing via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenBeets have a very distinct earthy flavor. By adding something acidic, like citrus fruit, it offsets it by giving the beets a sweeter note.
Beets contain two important nutrients that can help lower blood pressure: potassium and nitrate. Potassium works with sodium to maintain the volume of blood in circulation steady. More sodium in the body means more water, more blood volume and higher blood pressure. Consuming more potassium helps flush sodium out of our system, lowering blood pressure.
Citrus Beet Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Dressing via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen

Add bright colors and flavors to a salad with this Citrus Beet Salad with Champagne Vinairgrette Dressing #rdchat

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I just love the bright colors the ingredients in this salad bring. More colors, more nutrients!
Citrus Beet Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Dressing via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen

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Citrus Beet Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Dressing on a white platter

Citrus Beet Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Dressing

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Yield: 4
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Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 beets, greens and stems removed
  • 1 grapefruit, cut into segments
  • 1 orange, cut into segments, reserving 1 tablespoon of juice and the zest
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
  • 1/2 tablespoon honey
  • pinch of salt and pepper
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Scrub beets clean under cold water. Wrap each beet in tin foil. Place on a baking sheet; bake until beets are slightly soft to the touch, 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on their size. Cool beets in packets, then rub off skins (use a paring knife for tough spots). Quarter each beet.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, champagne vinegar, honey, orange juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the beets and arugula. Drizzle half the vinaigrette over the beet arugula mixture and toss to combine.
  4. Top with grapefruit segments, orange segments, and walnuts. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette on top. Garnish with orange zest.

Notes

Time-saving tip: Use Love Beets (See Supermarket RD’s Picks), which are already cooked and steamed.

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Warm Kale Salad with Delicata Squash and Pomegranate

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When you’re looking for a switch from the fall favorite butternut squash, try a new variety like a delicata squash. Start with this Warm Kale Salad with Delicata Squash and Pomegranate that just screams fall!

Warm Kale Salad with Delicata Squash and Pomegranate via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen
Butternut squash and spaghetti squash are very popular this time of year but can be intimidating. Sometimes they are a little hard to cut and peel. There are some really great how-to videos to help, but if you are looking for a squash that is a little easier to work with, try delicata squash!
Delicata squash has a thinner skin, plus the flesh in a little softer, making it much easier to cut through. No need to even peel the skin, it will crisp up when roasted.
Warm Kale Salad with Delicata Squash and Pomegranate via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen
All squashes provide vitamin A and vitamin C, some of the B vitamins and are a good source of fiber. One cup of cooked squash contains about 100 calories. Deep-colored squashes offer the most beta-carotene.
Some squashes can be so large in size. When you are only cooking for 1 or 2 it can be a tad overwhelming and you can be eating squash for breakfast, lunch, and dinner just to not be wasteful. Delicata squash is smaller in size, which can be helpful.
Warm Kale Salad with Delicata Squash and Pomegranate via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen

Bored of butternut squash? Try delicata squash and start with a Warm Kale Salad with Delicata Squash and Pomegranate – It screams fall flavor!

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I’m all about the less mess in the kitchen. Fewer pots and pans I have to wash, I am a happier girl. I was going to saute the kale in a pan to warm and wilt, but no need! Just add the kale right on top of the squash roasted during the last few minutes of cooking. This recipe is served warm, but it was just as delicious the next day as leftovers for lunch.

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Warm Kale Salad with Delicata Squash and Pomegranate on a white plate

Warm Kale Salad with Delicata Squash and Pomegranate

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 1x
  • Category: Salad
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Description

When you’re looking for a switch from the fall favorite butternut squash, try a new variety like a delicata squash. Start with this Warm Kale Salad with Delicata Squash and Pomegranate that just screams fall!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large bunch (about 6 cups) kale
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 tbsp pomegranate juice
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1/2 shallot, minced
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 small delicata squash
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/4 cup pecans, toasted

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Remove kale from stems, rinse, and pat dry.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, pomegranate juice, balsamic vinegar, & dijon mustard. Stir in minced shallot. Season with salt and pepper. Add kale to the bowl, and massage kale leaves. Set aside.
  4. Cut the delicata squash lengthwise, scoop out seeds, then slice in 1/4 inch slices horizontally. Place on a baking sheet in an even layer. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, turning halfway through until browned and fork tender.
  5. The last 3 minutes, place kale directly on top of the squash and drizzle any remaining dressing. Cook to just let the kale wilt, and warm through.
  6. Toss kale and squash in a large bowl. Top with pomegranate seeds and pecans.
  7. Serve warm.

Keywords: delicata squash, kale, fall, salad

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Chef Julie Harrington, RD - Culinary Nutrition Consultant of chefjulierd.com

Fresh & Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad with Chickpeas and Feta

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Looking for a refreshing, protein-packed salad that’s ready in minutes? This Tomato Cucumber Salad with Chickpeas and Feta is a must-try! Loaded with vibrant vegetables, plant-based protein, and creamy feta, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect for meal prep, summer cookouts, or a quick weekday lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Healthy & Fresh – Hydrating cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and fiber-rich chickpeas make it light yet satisfying.

Make-Ahead Friendly – The flavors get even better after a few hours in the fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

English cucumbers – peeled and diced

Cherry tomatoes – halved

Canned Chickpeas – drained and rinsed
Did you know by simply rinsing canned beans can reduce sodium by 40%?

Feta cheese – crumbled

Fresh Parsley – or sub with dried

Olive oil – for a heart-healthy fat boost

Lemon juice – adds brightness

Salt & black pepper – to taste

How to Make Tomato Cucumber Salad

Prep the veggies: Peel and dice the cucumbers. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas.

Toss it all together: In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, feta, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Taste and adjust: Mix well, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill to let the flavors meld.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Add Fresh Herbs: Swap dried parsley for fresh parsley, dill, or mint for a vibrant twist.

Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or quinoa for extra protein and staying power.

Vegan Option: Use a plant-based feta alternative or omit cheese entirely.

Meal Prep Tip: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Highlights

High in fiber and plant protein from chickpeas

Hydrating and low in calories from cucumbers and tomatoes

Rich in calcium and flavor from feta cheese

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white bowl with chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and parsley

Cucumber, Tomato, Chickpea Salad

  • Author: Chef Julie Lopez, RD
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 10 mins
  • Yield: 8
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Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 English cucumbers, peeled and diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Toss cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, feta cheese, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper in a large bowl.
  2. Adjust seasonings, to taste and serve.
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📌 Save This Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe!

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a colorful side dish for a potluck, this easy chickpea cucumber salad is a go-to that everyone will love. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients.

Don’t forget to pin or bookmark this post for later!

Blood Orange & Freekeh Salad

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Tired of boring salads? Spruce up your salad with this Blood Orange & Freekeh Salad recipe.

Blood Orange & Freekeh Salad - Recipe by Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen

Is anyone else as sick of the snow as much as I am? If you live in the northeast like me, you know what I mean..
Move over Winter, bring on Spring. My warm bowls of soup cravings have past and now my cravings have moved on to fresh colorful salads.
Blood Orange & Freekeh Salad - Recipe by Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen
I typically always pack a salad for lunch. It’s a sure way I will meet my fruit/veggie quota for the day. Someone I work with noticed my salad routine and asked if I ever got bored of salad every day. Honestly, no! But it’s because I don’t pack a plain ole salad. The key is to pumping it up with various colors, textures, and flavors!

Eat the rainbow with this Blood Orange & Freekeh Salad #NNM

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Blood Orange & Freekeh Salad - Recipe by Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen
I always like to make sure I have a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and plenty of fiber for the salad to keep me full through the afternoon.
Get adventurous! Find foods in your grocery store that you may not always pick up week to week. Blood oranges are fantastic and if you like navel oranges, you’ll definitely enjoy these too!

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Blood Orange & Freekeh Salad with a green napkin

Blood Orange & Freekeh Salad

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Yield: 4
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Description

Tired of boring salads? Spruce up your salad with this Blood Orange & Freekeh Salad recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup freekeh
  • 4 cups arugula
  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted walnuts
  • 1 pint yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 blood orange, peeled and segmented
  • 1/4 cup dried pomegranate seeds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook freekeh according to package directions. Let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, add the arugula. Add the chickpeas, walnuts, cherry tomatoes, blood orange, and dried pomegranates.
  3. Whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Toss to combine.
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 RDelicious Kitchen

Feta & Mint Watermelon Salad

Salads, Snacks
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I know there are many variations of this recipe. I like to keep it really simple – let the minimal ingredients develop powerful flavors that marinate together. The ingredients of this recipe contribute 3 out of the 5 taste sensations.

 So what are the 5 tastes you experience everyday when eating?

There are five known tastes that are detected by taste buds: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. Although these tastes are detected by all taste buds, some regions of the tongue have a slightly higher sensitivity to some tastes than others.

  1. The sweet taste is created by carbohydrates such as sucrose and fructose, as well as artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharine.
  2. The salty taste is generally created by salts containing sodium ions, such as sodium chloride (table salt) and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Salts containing potassium, lithium, and other alkali metal ions also produce a mildly salty flavor.
  3. Acidic compounds, such as citric acid and vinegar, produce sour flavors.
  4. Bitter flavors are produced by a variety of organic compounds and are generally considered an undesirable or unpalatable flavor. Many toxic chemicals produced by poisonous plants have a bitter taste, thus leading to the negative reaction to bitter foods.
  5. Umami, or savoriness, is the most recently discovered taste, found in foods that have a “meaty” taste due to the presence of the chemical glutamate. Meat, cheese, mushrooms, and the chemical monosodium glutamate (MSG) all contain glutamate.
    (source)

Feta & Mint Watermelon Salad

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Feta Mint Watermelon Salad

Feta & Mint Watermelon Salad

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 5 mins
  • Yield: 6-8 1x
  • Category: Fruit, Salad, Fruit Salad
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Description

Light and Refreshing Summer Salad. This salty and sweet combo adds a new twist to watermelon. Bring it to your next BBQ!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups watermelon, cubed
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Combine watermelon, feta cheese, and mint in a large bowl.
  2. Pour in lime juice and gently toss together.
  3. Serve immediately.
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Watermelon – Sweet

Feta Cheese – Salty

Lime juice – Sour

Feta & Mint Watermelon Salad 2