Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Culinary:

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Top with crumbled feta and fresh parsley.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Culinary:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until golden.
3. Add red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Toss in the cooked spaghetti and mix until evenly coated.
5. Stir in fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot and enjoy.

Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Culinary:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. In a large bowl, mix together quinoa, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers and place them in a baking dish.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. If desired, remove foil, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Serve hot.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Lemon wedges for serving

Culinary:

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and pepper.
2. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 15-20 minutes.
3. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
4. Grill shrimp skewers over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until cooked through.
5. Serve with lemon wedges.

Creamy Avocado Toast

Ingredients:

• 2 slices whole grain bread, toasted
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Culinary:

1. Mash the avocado in a bowl with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread the mashed avocado evenly on the toasted bread slices.
3. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
4. Drizzle with olive oil if desired.
5. Serve immediately as a delicious snack or light meal.