18 Easy Mediterranean Diet Lunch Ideas For A Refreshing Midday Meal

Yes, you can make corn salad any time of year—but it’s never as good as it is in the summer, when fresh corn is at its sweetest. This is a corn salad to end all corn salads—with juicy tomatoes, salty feta, and zesty lime—especially when you dress it with Tomatillo-Avocado Salsa. But if you’re short on time or just want to get back outside as quickly as possible, you can assemble the salad and finish it with just lime juice, olive oil, and salt to your liking—add two diced avocados for extra oomph.

Ingredients for Corn Salad

• 8 ears corn
• 12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, diced
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• Kosher salt and freshly ground
• Black pepper
• Pinch of sugar
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
• Tomatillo-Avocado Salsa (page 61, chunky or blended; optional)
• 6 ounces queso fresco or feta cheese, plus more as desired
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for serving

Directions for Corn Salad

1. Shuck the corn, then slice the kernels off the cobs (you should have about 4 cups). In a large bowl, combine half the kernels, the tomatoes, onion, and lime zest and juice. Toss to combine with 1 teaspoon salt, lots of pepper, and the sugar. Let sit for at least 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the remaining corn kernels, season with a big pinch of salt, and toss to coat. Cook, undisturbed, until charred on one side, 1 to 3 minutes. Toss and cook until totally charred, another 3 to 6 minutes. Transfer the corn to a plate to cool.

3. Reserve some whole cilantro leaves, then finely chop the remaining leaves and stems and add to the bowl with the corn-tomato mixture. Stir in the cooled charred corn and salsa (if using). Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. The salad can becovered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours beforeserving.

4. Stir in the cheese, then top with the reserved cilantro leaves and drizzle with the olive oil. Enjoy immediately.

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This vibrant cookbook is packed with more than 80 recipes for snacks, apps, mains, desserts, and cocktails, all ideal for serving a crowd and simply making the process feel more special. Lewin incorporates easy hosting tips into each and every recipe so you can find moments of joy in the kitchen and at the dinner table.

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The Feel Good Foodie Cookbook: 125 Recipes Enhanced with Mediterranean Flavors by Yumna Jawad

This cookbook is penned by one of our faves, Yumna Jawad of Feel Good Foodie. It's packed with a whopping 125 recipes that leverage simple ingredients, plus tons of time-saving tips so you can get food on the table in a jiffy.

From more fully-fledged Mediterranean recipes to dishes that put a Mediterranean spin on your everyday favorites, you're sure to find joy in this cookbook. Try out everything from White Zucchini Pizza with Garlicky Labneh and Harissa-Grilled Shrimp Skewers to Olive Oil Cake!

The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook: 500 Vibrant, Kitchen-Tested Recipes for Living and Eating Well Every Day by America's Test Kitchen

You won't ever run out of Mediterranean inspiration if you snag this cookbook. There's 500 different recipes to whip up! Drawing inspiration from countries like Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, and Morocco, each meal is hyper-focused on using healthy ingredients. This cookbook also prioritizes recipes that are done in 45 minutes or less, which is simply perfect for the busy, busy bees out there.

The 5 Ingredients Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners: 125 Budget-Friendly, Mouthwatering Recipes for a Happier and Healthier Life by Lisa Santos

This Mediterranean cookbook is prepped and ready with a helpful grocery list and meal plan to kickstart your Mediterranean journey! The recipes included (there are 125 of them) use up only 5 ingredients each, which is super life-saving if you're not into intricacy when cooking. The recipes range from breakfasts to dips and snacks, plus lunches, dinners, and desserts. Who's hungry?

The Mediterranean Dish: 120 Bold and Healthy Recipes You'll Make on Repeat: A Mediterranean Cookbook by Suzy Karadsheh

The search for ultra-vibrant Mediterranean recipes has officially come to an end. This cookbook by Suzy Karadsheh is filled with fun fares like Chicken Shawarma Bowls and Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf with Toasted Vermicelli and Pine Nuts, plus sweeter treats like Orange-Cardamom Olive Oil Cake. Each dish is tested to perfection and ensured to be easy to make, even on busy weeknights!

The 30-Minute Mediterranean Diet Cookbook: 101 Easy, Flavorful Recipes for Lifelong Health by Serena Ball RD and Deanna Segrave-Daly RD

This collection of 101 Mediterranean recipes also outlines what the Mediterranean diet is and what it can do for your health. There's a good range in terms of difficulty in the dishes, so there's gonna be something that aligns with what you're craving, whether it's an easy honey nut granola for breakfast or a nourishing mushroom-barley soup for dinner. Each one takes half an hour (or less) to make, so they're all very easy to incorporate into your everyday meal rotation.

Weekly Horoscope Themes For July 1-7

This week presents opportunities to explore our relationships and things that bring happiness. The love planet Venus is in the sign of Cancer, and it will be our guiding celestial body, shedding light on where we are in our journey regarding relationships and emotional security. Like last week, the best course in navigating Cancer season is to align primarily with your heart and intuition to help narrow down the root of your needs.

Listen carefully before reacting.

We begin the week by focusing on deepening our emotional connections and commitments, as Venus is in sextile with Juno on July 1. If you are in a relationship, your union will turn toward harmony as you engage in heartfelt discussions while factoring in compassion for past misunderstandings. If you're not in a relationship and need to make amends with anyone else who pulls your heartstrings, you can get to the source of your disconnect. If this isn't possible, write a letter, journal, or meditate on what you desire to release to attract peace.

Energetically, you will experience a breakthrough in your love story as you open your heart.

The veil begins to lift as Neptune's retrograde starts on July 2. It will remain in this backspin motion until October 11. You are encouraged to reflect on your spiritual beliefs and intentions in life. Slow down and assess your approach to living your authentic self while becoming aligned with your soul. This retrograde period also invites you to reassess your dreams and bring the truth to light regarding unresolved matters. On the same day, Mercury enters Leo, infusing you with the ability to articulate your ideas with confidence and charisma. If you're also in need of star power in your relationship, this day will fully support you if you wish to initiate a conversation regarding structure and intention with Venus in trine to Saturn. Prioritize your responsibilities while narrowing down what's needed to create stability in your love life. It will also be favorable to solidify your bonds and make practical investments.

On July 3, be mindful of intense communications and power struggles as Mercury opposes Pluto. This aspect may bring hidden tensions to the surface, urging you to navigate through deep psychological insights and potential conflicts. Then, the New Moon in Cancer on July 5 marks a powerful new beginning in matters of home, family, and emotional security. Set intentions for nurturing relationships and creating a supportive environment for personal growth. Factor intuition and perform a manifestation ritual involving what you desire within your emotional security.

Healing in relationships takes center stage on July 6 with Venus square Chiron. This planetary duo highlights vulnerabilities and past wounds, encouraging you to hold a compassionate space for yourself and others. This day will show how to step into your self-acceptance regarding unresolved issues. Let go and believe in your light as you focus on the good you have done solo or in a partnership. Observe your relationship dynamics with empathy and openness to facilitate healing and growth. July 7 brings surprises and opportunities for excitement in both love and creativity with Venus sextile Uranus. Expect a flash of insight or inspiration that will ignite innovation and spontaneity in your relationships and artistic endeavors. Mercury sextile Jupiter on the same day will boost your mental agility, bringing optimism and positive communication. This aspect supports learning, travel, and sharing ideas, making it an excellent time for broadening your perspective and seeking new opportunities. Overall, this week invites deep emotional insights, healing in relationships, and expansive growth in creativity and communication. Stay open to new experiences and embrace the transformative energies at play.

Key Transits This Week

• 7/1 Venus sextile Juno
• 7/2 Neptune Retrograde, Mercury enters Leo, Venus trine Saturn
• 7/3 Mercury opposite Pluto
• 7/5 New Moon in Cancer
• 7/6 Venus square Chiron
• 7/7 Venus sextile Uranus, Mercury sextile Jupiter

Read Your Sun, Moon, & Rising Signs For Your Weekly Horoscope

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Prepare to set your priorities in order, Aries. This week, you can strengthen your family bonds and find security in your home life. Mercury's shift into Leo will power up your creativity and stimulate endless sweet nothings with your beloved. Rekindling the fire in your love life will begin as you solidify your terms. Midweek, be mindful of your choice of words or messages when Mercury opposes Pluto. Be the observer in this scenario and avoid jumping to conclusions. Then, the New Moon in Cancer will open a new chapter for you that invites intentions for nurturing domestic harmony and emotional well-being. This cosmic event will seal the deal of powering up your manifestation game when you set a new and intentional path involving your emotional comfort and security.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Expect to be a busybody this week, Taurus. This is your time to focus on your genuine connections while powering up your self-expression. As Venus textiles Juno, your social calendar will be filled, or you will experience fun-filled conversations with friends or siblings as Venus sextiles Juno. If single, go to a local fair or singles event – it can be your lucky week to make a connection. As Neptune retrograde happens, this is your time to reflect on your aspirations and to get involved with the community. Focus on service to get inspired. Make practical decisions regarding your spending and learn how to budget for your future when Venus trines Saturn. The New Moon in Cancer prompts fresh starts in learning new skills or communication ventures.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

What does security mean for you, Gemini? Your focus this week will be on how you can claim financial stability while powering up your self-worth. Venus sextile Juno encourages discussions and investments, ensuring security in your material resources. Name your terms. Reflect on your personal beliefs and communication style as Neptune retrogrades, scoping your ideas with philosophical ideals and enhancing self-expression. It is time to accept the life you have built and analyze what needs to change. As Venus trines Saturn this week, you will make sense of your past ideas and be able to utilize them for financial gain. Revisit the root of your passions to help you get started. As an extra boost to your future venture, the New Moon in Cancer initiates a new path for you to pursue stability while gaining confidence in pursuing your goals that align with your heart.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Your birthday month continues, Cancer! Who do you want to be? The early part of the week will grant you cosmic stardust to help you express your true self while nurturing your emotional well-being. As Venus sextiles Juno, your charisma will level up, and your connections will deepen with your local connections. Your voice will strengthen as you communicate from a heartfelt space. The Neptune retrograde will reset your approach to life and help you reignite your sacred self. Begin a meditation practice, go to a sacred place, or start setting goals that involve travel or enhanced study. You also turn over a new leaf as the New Moon shines in your sign, igniting a fresh start in your personal growth and confidence. Believe in your light, and know you shine even stronger as you remain open and receptive to the Universe

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Are you ready to roar loud and proud, Leo? This week will be cathartic regarding how you approach your unhealed insecurities as Venus sextiles Juno, and your intuition and connectedness to the Universe will magnify. You will understand the root of what needs healing and acceptance. Mercury's presence in your sign will power up your voice and grant you the confidence you need to pursue your dreams. The Neptune retrograde upgrades your understanding of how your energy works. Begin your process of inner work or self-care practices that involve vulnerability and energy work. The New Moon in Cancer infuses renewal into your dreams and subconscious realms. Slow down and become selective in how you extend your energy. Know and fall in love with yourself again.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Are you in love, Virgo? Get ready to open your heart and deepen your connections. It's time to ignite the spark back into your life, and it all begins from the inside. Venus sextile Juno will grant you the space to build solidity in your connections with friends and networks. This week will be golden as you take a chance. A Neptune retrograde in your relationship sector will lift the veil regarding your commitments with partners. Truthful exchanges lead to progression in your story. If you feel stagnancy regarding your aspirations, things will change as the New Moon in Cancer revamps your vitality to pursue your goals. Like a boss, step out of your comfort zone and try a new approach to attract the desired changes.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

Get ready to witness a paradigm shift, Libra. Expect to feel magnetic and inspired to take on challenges that will get you one step closer to your goals. Your love planet, Venus, in sextile with Juno, will revamp your profession and elevate you to a different status. As Neptune retrograde begins, it prompts you to slow down and review your daily routines and working environment. What needs to change? As you cater to your mind, body, and spiritual needs, you will witness positive changes in your life. Luckily, the New Moon in Cancer will spark a fresh opportunity in your career. It's time to launch a project, extend a pitch, or step into a more defined position. You are ready.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Do you believe in magic, Scorpio? This week, witness the quintessential upgrades in your connectedness to life and love. Whatever you set your eyes on, your life will begin to pan out better. Venus sextile Juno will extend support and authentic connections with friends or networks. Reach out and express your passions. Neptune retrograde will slow down your processes and enable you to see clearly what you truly desire in love and creative pursuits. Still yourself and observe your inner world to help clear out any unresolved dealings. A new wave of inspiration awaits regarding your personal development and self-improvement. The New Moon in Cancer will empower you to elevate your life by exploring new paths of spirituality and approaches to life. Step out of the mundane, open your heart, and explore the unknown.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

Wearing your heart on your sleeve isn't your kryptonite, Sagittarius. It is your strength and outlet in forming bonds with others. This week will extend an open window for you to deepen connections with those who genuinely care for your well-being. Venus sextile Juno will extend its support for you to name your terms with authority figures, and by truthfully expressing your needs, it will lead to promotional opportunities or knowing where you stand in your career. Build your case. Neptune retrograde marks the beginning of you retracing your family connections, reflecting on emotional wounds, and rebuilding your sense of self. The New Moon in Cancer will let you focus on your inner needs and root down your intentions moving forward.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

Lost in translation lately, Capricorn? The good news is that this week, you will have the opportunity to clear the air or hash it out with those you are wondering about. Mercury in Leo will grant cosmic support to you to narrow down the details of what has been confusing you about intimacy or resources. Allow your intuition to be your guide. Neptune retrograde will allow you to slow down your mental processes and help you connect with receptive messages from the Universe. Anything that has been hovering in your imagination will be retrieved seamlessly. Start writing or begin an artistic endeavor to consolidate results. The New Moon in Cancer grants you the chance to turn over a new leaf in committed partnerships. Focus on harmony and integrate empathy in the course of your new chapter.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

If only people can get inside your head and keep up with your brilliance, Aquarius. You will have to fly solo this week and keep doing you. Venus sextile Juno will power up your productivity and ability to strategize your long-term plans, financially or romantically. Take notes about your plans and share them with those you can trust later. Things are about to get interesting as Neptune retrograde will compel you to dial down your spending habits and break free from illusions such as materialism. Focus on the bigger picture and avoid divulging into frivolity. The New Moon in Cancer extends a new approach to your health and daily routines. Now is your chance to begin a wellness goal and rebalance your approach to life.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Are you ready to take a chance on your heart, Pisces? This week is brimming with signs from the Universe that you have the green light to focus on your desires. As Venus sexiles Juno, your dreams become the source of your strength, and you hold the key to making it happen. It all begins in a single word or step. Neptune retrograde in your sign will enable you to be the channel of your life decisions while helping you face your fears involving who you are and your plans. The New Moon in Cancer initiates new beginnings in your creative endeavors or love story, hinting you to factor in your joy as the source behind your motivation. You have come so far in your journey, and remind yourself that you deserve all the happiness in the world and more. Believe.