Last week I prepared an Italian Chickpea Salad and this “Greek inspired” salad runs along the same lines. It is quick, using simple, fresh ingredients that are not hard to find and rather inexpensive. A great accompliament to burgers or steaks on the barbeque or thrown together for your next family pot luck. My philosophy is simple, whole seasonal ingredients that don’t break the pocketbook. Also keep in mind to use a variety colors and textures, making every bite a party in your mouth. This means with this insider scoop on how to prepare these delicious dishes in a jiffy, there is no excuse for not eating healthy, leaving pre-packaged, processed foods a thing of the past. Bon appetit!

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

2 cups Garbanzo Beans 9chickpeas), prepared

1/8 cup Parsley, chopped fine

½ cup Cucumber, cubed

½ cup Artichoke, diced

½ Red Onion, thinly sliced

½ cup Roma Tomatoes, diced

1/8 cup Black Olives, sliced

½ cup Feta Cheese, crumbled

Dressing

1 Lemon, juiced & zest

1 tsp White Wine Vinegar

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Clove Garlic, minced

1 tsp Dried Oregano

½ tsp Dried Thyme

Salt & Pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS
In a large mixing bowl combine the garbanzo beans, parsley, cucumber, artichokes, red onion, Roma tomatoes, black olives and feta cheese.

In a small bowl whisk together, lemon juice, zest, white wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper. Pour dressing over salad and toss lightly.