One way that I make sure to always have a healthy option available at holiday parties, is to bring a healthy dish that I love eating!!
My go-to around the holidays is this delicious Mediterranean chopped salad that my friend Mouna taught me to make. When you look at the ingredients, you’ll probably think…isn’t this a summer salad?
Yes, it probably is! But here’s why I think it’s the perfect dish during the holidays, most of the food this time of year is so heavy and rich that I love bringing a nice light salad along to share. I think it creates a nice balance for all of the comfort food.
I’m telling you, your friends will be thank you for this one!!
I think we all crave more nutrients and freshness around the holidays. So I love bringing it to share. Everyone always loves it.
So here’s the recipe….
- 1 large English or 5 small Persian cucumbers, quartered lengthwise, seeded and sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 3 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- 2 large carrots chopped
- 2 red peppers, seeded and chopped
- ½ red onion, chopped
- ½ large lemon, juiced
- ½ cup mint leaves, loosely packed plus more sliced leaves for garnish
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions:
- Combine chopped cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, red peppers, mint leaves, and red onion in a bowl. Set aside.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the salad and add salt and black pepper to taste. The salt and lemon should bring out the mint flavor, so add until it it’s flavorful! Toss the salad and refrigerate until serving.
- Add olive oil and garnish with thinly sliced mint leaves right before serving.
Enjoy!
In health & happiness,
Jamie
PS. Haven’t grabbed my healthy holiday action plan yet?? Get it here and learn how to have a great holiday without overindulging!