Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad (Fresh, Simple & Mediterranean-Inspired)

Sarah Smith
Jan 20
2 min read

A vibrant Greek salad in a white bowl, featuring cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta, and herbs. Fresh and colorful setting.

This Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad is fresh, crisp, and full of bright flavor, made with juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, olive oil, and herbs. It’s a light, refreshing side that pairs beautifully with Greek Chicken Wraps, Mediterranean Chicken Bowls, or grilled proteins marinated in Lemon Herb Marinade, making it perfect for easy lunches, dinners, or warm-weather meals.

Why You’ll Love This

Fresh, vibrant Mediterranean flavors with minimal prep
Light yet satisfying side dish that balances rich mains
Naturally gluten-free and easy to customize
Perfect for summer meals, meal prep, or quick lunches
Made with simple, wholesome ingredients

Recipe Card

Servings: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition Information

(Approximate, per serving)

Calories: ~140
Protein: ~3 g
Carbohydrates: ~9 g
Fat: ~11 g
Fiber: ~2 g
Sugar: ~5 g
Sodium: ~220 mg

Ingredients

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large English cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Add the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to a medium mixing bowl.
Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar (or lemon juice).
Sprinkle with oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Fold in the feta cheese and fresh herbs, if using.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Tips & Variations

Add sliced olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Swap feta for fresh mozzarella for a milder taste.
For extra crunch, add diced bell peppers.
Use fresh oregano or basil when available for a brighter flavor.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This salad can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerated until serving. For best texture, add the feta just before serving. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though the vegetables will soften slightly over time.

FAQ

Can I make this salad without cheese? Yes, simply omit the feta for a dairy-free version.

What tomatoes work best? Cherry or grape tomatoes hold their shape best, but chopped Roma tomatoes also work.

Can I add protein to this salad? Yes, grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp turn this into a light main dish.

Is this salad good for meal prep? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can be prepped a few hours ahead for convenience.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad is a simple, refreshing dish that proves great flavor doesn’t need to be complicated. With crisp vegetables, bright acidity, and classic Mediterranean seasonings, it’s the kind of side you’ll reach for again and again to round out easy meals, grilled dinners, or light lunches.