Brighten up your table with Mediterranean Diet Cucumber Kimchi—a vibrant twist on the traditional Korean classic infused with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. This quick and refreshing recipe combines crisp cucumber slices, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sweet red bell peppers with aromatic garlic and fresh basil. A zesty marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes adds a perfect balance of tang and heat. Ready in just 20 minutes of prep time and requiring no cooking, this fusion-style kimchi is perfect as a light appetizer, crisp side dish, or a healthy snack. Bursting with bold flavors and packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a great addition to your Mediterranean diet repertoire. Ideal for clean eating, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with wholesome goodness!
Start by cleaning and slicing the cucumbers into quarter-inch thick slices. Place the cucumber slices in a colander.
Sprinkle the cucumber slices with sea salt, toss to coat, and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture.
Meanwhile, slice the red bell pepper into thin strips and halve the cherry tomatoes.
Rinse the salted cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, red bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes.
Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the bowl.
Add the fresh basil leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, and ground black pepper to the vegetables.
Mix everything thoroughly until the vegetables are well-coated with the marinade.
Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify as it sits.
Calories |
453 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.6 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 7005 mg | 305% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.0 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.7 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.9 g | ||
| Protein | 8.2 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 171 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 1640 mg | 35% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.