Eating health-consciously and indulging in flavorful meals don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Instead of embracing restrictive diets that reduce one’s options down to a tiny list of foods, millions are embracing the “Mediterranean Diet,” enjoying delicious meals packed with heart-healthy ingredients.
The Mediterranean diet differs from country to country, but it’s the Spanish Mediterranean diet that Robin Keuneke shines a light on in her new book, The Iberian Table: Healthy Cooking Secrets from the Land of Longevity, Introduction to The Spanish Mediterranean Diet.
Keuneke is a natural foods chef, fine artist, and former food editor for Total Health Magazine, making her well-versed in how to eat nutritious foods while satisfying one’s taste buds. Her previous work includes best-sellers like Total Breast Health: Power Foods for Protection and Wellness, a Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of the Year; and The Detox Revolution, which she co-authored with nutrition scientist Thomas J. Slaga. Both books explored the art of using food as a tool for health and longevity, giving the reader insights into nutrition alongside easy-to-make recipes.
The Iberian Table introduces the reader to a whole new style of eating: The Spanish Mediterranean diet. Unlike the French or Greek Mediterranean diets, the Spanish Mediterranean diet embraces classic Spanish ingredients that are commonly associated with longevity and disease prevention. As the country with the second-highest life expectancy (behind only Japan), Spain is one of the best places to look for nutrition and longevity.
“Think smokey pimentón,” says Robin Keuneke. “It acts as a detoxifier of carcinogens and cholesterol. Noted Chefs are just starting to use this undiscovered ‘on trend’ flavor. Did you know that Spanish pimentón has more health benefits than regular paprika due to its extremely high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds? This is just one example of why I am passionate about this book.”
Spanish Recipes For The Mediterranean Diet
In a world where fad diets are endless, it can be tough to find a balance between nutritious, healthful foods and indulgent treats. Many folks looking to eat healthier turn to science, trying to follow the evidence to see which way of eating is associated with longevity, vitality, and a healthy body weight. While scientists have yet to unlock the recipe for perfect eating, most agree that the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest ways of eating.
Rich in nutritious ingredients like olive oil, fresh vegetables, and lean proteins, the Mediterranean diet has been named the “best overall diet” by U.S. News and World Report for the last eight years in a row. Studies such as a recent 2024 JAMA report on olive oil’s health benefits serve as further proof of the Mediterranean diet’s association with longevity. By eliminating processed foods and red meat in favor of nutritious Spanish ingredients, Keuneke’s portrayal of the Spanish Mediterranean diet allows for endless exploration with different recipes, proteins, and delicacies.
In The Iberian Table, Keuneke pairs detailed recipes with personal stories and insights from Michelin-starred chefs Carme Ruscalleda and Elena Arzak. She guides the reader through every step of the food planning process, introducing them to flavorful recipes with ingredients that can easily be found in any grocery or health food store. In The Iberian Table, Keuneke boasts a wide range of recipes, including:
- Minced Leek and Tomato Salad with Manzanilla Olives
- Pa Amb Tomáquet (Catalan tomato, garlic, and olive oil on bread)
- Cod on a Bed of Multi-Colored Vegetables
- Cazuela Shallot-Turkey Thighs in Red Wine Pan Sauce
- Chicken and Vegetable Paella
- Mediterranean-Style Orange Rice Pudding with Meringue
“My hope is for The Iberian Table to be a reference guide to a healthy life while offering simple, delicious recipes and flavors that extend life and help prevent disease,” says Keuneke.
Accolades For The Iberian Table
The Iberian Table has been acclaimed by readers and critics alike, as evidenced by its recent recognition in the 2025 Eric Hoffer Awards. Named in honor of Eric Hoffer, an American philosopher and author who was no stranger to unconventional ideas, The Eric Hoffer Awards honor freethinking writers and independent books of exceptional merit. As an Honorable Mention in the “Home” category, The Iberian Table and Keuneke have been highlighted for a lack of fear in challenging conventional perspectives.
Indeed, Keuneke’s passion for nutrition, longevity, and the Spanish Mediterranean diet shines through on every page of The Iberian Table, drawing the reader in and giving them the tools they need to start changing the way they eat today. Few books educate the reader while also providing them with small, actionable steps to make changes in their life. Whether trying out all 100+ recipes in The Iberian Table or just starting with one, readers will be able to explore a new way of eating with the confidence of Keuneke’s expertise and guidance.
