A superfood summer supper

Summer supper recipe for brilliant brain health

Did you know that the Mediterranean and MIND diets are celebrated for their incredible benefits to cognitive function and their role in protecting against neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s? These diets, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, deliver essential antioxidants and healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids from fish. These nutrients work together to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, helping to maintain its structure and function as we age.

Studies consistently show that those who follow a Mediterranean eating pattern tend to have a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and experience slower cognitive decline. It’s all about nourishing your body and mind with balanced, whole foods.

Ready for another delicious way to support your brain health? This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is excellent for cognitive function because its key ingredients—chickpeas, peppers, and avocado—provide a powerful mix of nutrients that support neurotransmitter production. Packed with flavonoids, folate, and B vitamins, this delicious recipe works to further reduce inflammation while protecting against cognitive decline.

Here’s how to make this vibrant and brain-friendly salad:

Photo Credits: Ali Redmond

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Chickpeas, peppers and avocado are excellent for brain health because they provide a powerful mix of nutrients that support neurotransmitter production. Packed with flavonoids, folate and B vitamins this delicious recipe works to further reduce inflammation while protecting against cognitive decline. 

For the dijon dressing:

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 lemon juiced
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• Salt
• 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil

For the salad: 

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 roasted red peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1 small red onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 cup chopped parsley leaves
• ½ cup chopped mint leaves
• 1 avocado, pitted and roughly chopped

STEP 1: Make the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the Dijon, lemon juice, garlic, Aleppo pepper, sumac, and salt and pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon each). 

STEP 2: Whisk, and while whisking, drizzle in enough olive oil to make it nicely glossy and well-balanced. Continue to whisk until emulsified.

STEP 3: Mix. To the bowl with the dressing, add the chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, onion, parsley, and mint. Toss gently. Add the avocado and toss very gently once more.

Find the full recipe here by The Mediterranean Dish.
Photo Credits: Ali Redmond