Family Village Salad ™

This is my version of a popular Greek style salad.

This salad is a staple at our family gatherings. It is my hope that you and your loved ones will love it too. Enjoy!

Salad

2 medium tomatoes (chopped)
1 cucumber (cut lengthwise, chopped)
1 medium onion chopped
1 bell pepper chopped
1 -2 oz feta cheese
1- 2 oz black Greek olives
2 T fresh parsley
1 clove garlic (crushed, sliced)
Zest of 1 lemon

Dressing

1/3 c olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
zest of 1 lemon
1 clove garlic
1 tsp dried oregano
1/8 tsp salt (optional)
1/4 tsp pepper

For Salad

Crush, chop 2 cloves of garlic (set aside 1 clove for dressing).

Combine remaining salad ingredients in bowl. Add garlic and half of zest. Toss.


For dressing

In small bowl combine oil, juice, oregano, remaining garlic and zest. Stir well.

Pour dressing over salad. Toss to coat well.

Serves 4

Tzatziki (Cucumber Sauce)

Tzatziki (cucumber sauce) is a zippy refreshing sauce that can be enjoyed as a dip or served along with many Mediterranean dishes.

The sauce is usually made with Greek yogurt (thick style). This version is made with plain yogurt which is strained to make it thick. Enjoy!

2 cups plain low fat yogurt (strained well)
1/4 c onion (diced)
1 clove garlic (chopped)
1/2 cucumber (chopped)
1/4 tsp each: pepper,  lemon juice
1/8 tsp salt (optional)
1 tsp each chopped mint, parsley (optional)

Cut cucumber in half lengthwise and chop into small pieces. Set aside.

Pour yogurt through strainer to remove any excess liquid (skip this step if you use Greek yogurt).

Combine yogurt, cucumber in bowl with remaining ingredients. Stir well. Refrigerate until use.

Makes 32 (2 T servings).