Mediterranean Diet Cucumber Kimchi

Brighten your meals with the fresh and zesty flavors of Mediterranean Diet Cucumber Kimchi, a unique twist on traditional kimchi that's light, vibrant, and completely no-cook. This effortless recipe combines crisp cucumber slices, sweet red bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves, all tossed in a tangy garlic-lemon marinade with a gentle kick of crushed red pepper flakes. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or flavorful snack, this healthy creation is loaded with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and ready in just 20 minutes of prep. Plus, it’s a low-sodium take on the classic thanks to a quick rinse of sea-salted cucumbers. Packed with antioxidants and healthy fats, this cucumber kimchi pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or as a topping for salads and grain bowls. Whether you’re following a Mediterranean diet or just craving a bold new side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 large Cucumbers
• 1 tablespoon Sea salt
• 1 medium Red bell pepper
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
• 3 large Garlic cloves
• 0.5 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Start by cleaning and slicing the cucumbers into quarter-inch thick slices. Place the cucumber slices in a colander.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Meanwhile, slice the red bell pepper into thin strips and halve the cherry tomatoes.

Step 4

Rinse the salted cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, red bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes.

Step 6

Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the bowl.

Step 7

Add the fresh basil leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, and ground black pepper to the vegetables.

Step 8

Mix everything thoroughly until the vegetables are well-coated with the marinade.

Step 9

Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify as it sits.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(968.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	452.9

Total Fat 29.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 7004.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 44.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.7g	0%
Total Sugars 18.9g
Protein 8.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 171.4mg	0%
Iron 3.9mg	0%
Potassium 1640.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.1%

Protein: 6.9%

Carbs: 37.0%