When lunch or dinnertime calls for something healthy, turn to this Mediterranean-inspired salad. It’s meat-free, but still offers lots of protein thanks to garbanzo beans, mozzarella balls, and Kalamata olives. Toss the salad with the simple balsamic vinaigrette, and serve over warmed naan.
What Is the Mediterranean Diet?
This isn’t a diet in the way the word is typically used, with restrictions that limit or prohibit certain foods. This is a way of eating found in countries near the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean diet focuses on nutrient-rich foods and consuming less red meat and refined grains. Meals consist of fresh vegetables, grains, and lean proteins—quinoa, farro, beans, legumes, nuts, fruits, and healthy fats like olive oil. It’s a heart-healthy diet that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Salads like this one are a good way to incorporate these foods into a healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients
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3 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
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3 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon honey
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½ teaspoon salt
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4 cup baby arugula
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1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained
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1 (8 ounce) package bite-size fresh mozzarella balls
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½ cup pitted Kalamata olives
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½ cup torn fresh basil leaves
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4 miniature naan or flatbreads, such as Stonefire Authentic Flatbread
Directions
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Combine Dressing Ingredients
For dressing, in a small screw-top jar combine vinegar, oil, honey, and salt. Cover and shake well.
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Make the Salad
In a large bowl combine arugula, chickpeas, cheese, olives, and basil. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat.
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Warm the Naan
Heat naan according to package directions for microwave or skillet. Serve arugula mixture over naan.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 524 | Calories |
| 29g | Fat |
| 42g | Carbs |
| 19g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 4 | |
| Calories 524 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 29g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol 40mg | 13% |
| Sodium 1368mg | 59% |
| Total Carbohydrate 42g | 15% |
| Total Sugars 9g | |
| Protein 19g | 38% |
| Vitamin C 4.1mg | 5% |
| Calcium 420mg | 32% |
| Iron 2.2mg | 12% |
| Potassium 214mg | 5% |
| Folate, total 46.5mcg | |
| Vitamin B-6 0.1mg | |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.