Mediterranean Madness Salad Food

MEDITERRANEAN SALAD

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the couscous and cook until toasted and lightly browned, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Carefully add the stock, and the juice of 1 lemon, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the couscous is tender, but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the couscous.
• In a large bowl, toss the cooked couscous with the remaining olive oil, remaining lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper and let cool.
• Once the couscous is room temperature, add the fresh herbs, dried cranberries, and almonds. Toss to combine and serve.

MEDITERRANEAN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente; drain, then rinse with cold water to cool.
• Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette: Whisk the vinegar, mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in enough of the oil to make a smooth dressing; season with salt and pepper.
• Combine the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, onion, pepperoncini, olives and oregano in a bowl. Add the cooked pasta, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add the vinaigrette and both cheeses and toss. Chill until ready to serve.

MEDITERRANEAN RAW CORN SALAD

Steps:

• Combine the feta, yogurt, olive oil, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper in a mini food processor or blender. Puree until thick and smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally (the mixture will seem thick at first but will thin as you blend). Refrigerate while you make the salad.
• Combine the corn, cucumber, radishes, celery, olives and pickled peppers in a medium bowl. Add the vinegar, oregano and a pinch each of salt and pepper and let stand, about 10 minutes. Add the parsley and dill, toss and season with salt and pepper.
• Spread the yogurt sauce on a large plate or platter and top with the corn salad. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.

FAVORITE MEDITERRANEAN SALAD

Steps:

• In a very large salad bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.