Recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

Recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

Ingredients

12 oz Cavatappi, macaroni or bow tie pastacook to package directions, rinse in cold water when done
1 (8.4 oz) pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
1 (8 oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, no need to drain the oil
1 cup chopped red onion
1 yellow or red bell pepper, chopped
2 cups baby spinach
2 tbsp freshly chopped basil
2 tbsp freshly chopped Italian parsley
5 oz shaved parmesan cheese
Champagne Vinaigrette
cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup Champagne vinegar
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 pinch granulated sugar
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook pasta to package directions. Drain and toss with cold water. Set aside.

Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients.

Toss everything together in a very large serving bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

~ Marla Meridith

Recipe: Asian Cucumber Salad

Recipe: Asian Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

1 English cucumber (about 1 pound)
3 tbsp seasoned rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 pinch garlic powder
1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp chopped pickled ginger
2 sliced green onions

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and serve immediately. Adjust any ingredients to taste.

~ Marla Meridith

Recipe: Greek Barley Salad

Vegetarian Greek Barley Salad recipe is healthy and delicious! Great for summer entertaining as a side or main dish.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups barley, cooked to package directions
1/2 tsp grated lemon zest
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, plus more for serving
pinch of sugar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, cut in half
4 ounces sheep or goat feta cheese, crumbled, plus more for serving
2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
4-6 sliced pepperoncini

Directions

Cook the barley to package directions, transfer to a large serving bowl and set aside.

For the dressing: In a bowl whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, dill and sugar. Whisk in the olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss the barley with the salad dressing. Fold in the cucumber, tomato, onion, olives, cheese, mint and pepperoncini. Season with more salt and pepper to taste if desired.

Garnish with more crumbled feta cheese and dill. Serve cold or at room temperature.

~ Marla Meridith

Recipe: Greek Salad with Salmon and Creamy Feta Dressing

Ingredients

Directions

~ Marla Meridith

Recipe: Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

Ingredients

Directions

~ Marla Meridith

Recipe: Barley Salad with Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Cranberries & Feta

Ingredients

Directions

~ Marla Meridith

Recipe: Spinach Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Shallot Vinaigrette

We love this healthy and delicious Spinach Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Shallot Vinaigrette recipe, a gluten free, vegetarian dish great for the holidays!

Ingredients

2 cups Maple Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes (see notes)
for the salad
8 cups baby spinach
1 firm pear, thinly sliced
1 cup toasted walnuts
3/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
salt and pepper to taste
freshly chopped parsley
sea salt and pepper to taste
for the dressing
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
pinch of fine sea salt
drizzle of honey
freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil

Directions

Roast the sweet potatoes (see notes)

Assemble the spinach, pear and roasted sweet potatoes in a large bowl or serving platter.

Place all the dressing ingredients in a mason jar or bowl. Shake or whisk the ingredients to combine. Adjust ingredients to taste.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad, top with the walnuts and goat cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle with some fresh parsley and serve.

~ Marla Meridith

Recipe: Beef Kofta Kebabs with Cucumber Salad & Tzaziki Sauce

Ingredients

Directions

~ Marla Meridith

Recipe: Strawberry Feta Salad with Balsamic Dressing

We love this simple, fresh and healthy Strawberry Feta Summer salad with a delicious homemade balsamic dressing. Enjoy as a side dish or main course.

Ingredients

‘–for the salad
6 cups artisan lettuce, rinsed, dried and coarsely chopped
2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
1 1/2 cups feta cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
for the dressing
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp garlic powder
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl.

To make the dressing: Add all ingredients into a mason jar. Shake until well combined. Using a piece of lettuce for tasting, dip it into the dressing and add salt and pepper to taste.

Toss the salad with dressing to taste before serving.

This dressing will last for a few weeks stored in the refrigerator, simply shake before serving to emulsify it again.

~ Marla Meridith

Pesto Tortellini Salad

Ingredients

Directions

~ Marla Meridith

Recipe: Mediterranean Salad Platter

Ingredients

Directions

~ Marla Meridith

Recipe: Asian Chicken Salad

Ingredients

Directions

~ Marla Meridith