Wednesday, May 25

some old favorites

One of the best parts of warmer weather is eating light.  So I decided to revisit two older posts that have two of my favorites.   I love to cook, but finding easy no cook (or little cooking) recipes makes my day.  These really fit the bill.   Let me know if you try them.   007 This one my whole family really loves.  It is easy to make ahead too, so it is also good for company or a summer buffet.    And no mayo to worry about on warmer days.  

Take grilled chicken chopped up into bite sized pieces, (I either grill a few extra pieces when I am making it for dinner and set them aside for this salad or pick some up at the deli counter) and toss with seedless red grapes, granny smith apples, and Newman’s Own light olive oil and vinegar dressing.  (If you can’t find that in your area, a very light olive oil and vinegar will do just fine seasoned with a little salt and pepper.)  Add in some chopped walnuts.  (I took the photo before I added the nuts.)  It is light but still very satisfying.   This one is low calorie, low fat, healthy AND delicious.  Especially delicious. 

This is one of my favorites – it sounds weird if you haven’t had it, but Watermelon and Tomato salad with Feta and basil… oh my … it makes a great side to almost any summer meal.  004

This one is a staple in Greece.  And the combination is delicious.  I didn’t try it for the longest time, thinking it was too strange, but when I did, SOLD!   If you grow your own tomatoes, you are going to want to give it a try.  It’s best with the tomatoes still warm from the sun.  This is so light and refreshing – you will make it all summer long.  Just chop up some watermelon, add tomatoes, some feta cheese, chop up some fresh basil and drizzle with a good quality olive oil.  So easy and SO summery!   We grow tomatoes and basil, and always have feta cheese in the fridge, so this is one that I throw together a lot. 

More summer favorites coming up in the weeks ahead.    Hope all is well with you, and asking you all to say a prayer for everyone affected by these terrible storms and tornados. 

Best,
Stephanie

14 comments:

  1. i love eating lighter too. last year i discovered the joy of fresh basil. yummo. i could put it on everything. thanks for the recipes.

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  2. The first one is a new one for me, never thought of using oil and vinegar. The watermelon and feta is a staple here, we love it! Always interested in new salad ideas. Our routine dinner salad is one with romaine, chopped fennel, feta, black olives, navel oranges, olive oil and white balsamic vinegar. So fresh and tasty. XO

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  3. this looks delicious and easy! thanks for sharing always looking for something new to make! have a lovely day! xo susan

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  4. Those might have to go on my Memorial Day cookout menu! Mmmmmm!

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  5. Oh gosh, both of these sound really yummy and I love that there's no cooking (well except for grilling the chicken, or you could use rotisserie I bet). Perfect for the hot summer's we have here. All this week is in the mid 90's!! Thanks for always stopping by my blog:)
    hugs Denise

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  6. Thank you for these great ideas! They look delicious and I definitely need some easy light recipes.

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  7. Thanks for the yummy recipes, Steph! I MUST try that chicken salad, for sure. The watermelon one looks fabulous, but I can't eat watermelon...although I'd love to make this and bring it to a family gathering. I'll look forward to seeing more food on your blog! ;o)

    PS: Go Scotty!!! xo

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  8. I sat here looking and reading chanting...yum,yum,yum,yum...
    Love them all...we have similar taste buds too! Why am I not
    surprised !!

    Jeanne xxx

    PS..thx so much for your lovely comment...I would spend a day with you anytime!

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  9. I certainly would enjoy having any meal at your house. What great sounding goodies.

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  10. I think both your recipes deserve center stage at our Memorial Day BBQ - love watermelon and tomato salad and never tried it with feta (only ricotta salata which is also yummy!) Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!
    xxoo

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  11. Watermelon and tomato - I can't imagine but I'll take you're word for it! It looks really good though. I might try making a little one to give it a try.

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  12. They both look delicious!
    The strangest combination of ingredients always end up being my very favorites, so I will give the watermelon salad a try for sure.

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  13. Hi dear Stephanie
    I think I remember that yummo salad from a previous post. I so wish it were warmer weather here!!haha.. but we didn't do too badly.. has only become chilly in the last few weeks.. we had the hottest May in decades.. and now the coldest May in decades.. go figure

    Have a lovely weekend.. ciao xxx Julie

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  14. The first salad is new to me and I will give it a try very soon because it sounds yummy.
    I make the watermelon and tomato salad often because it's so refreshing and delicious.
    Thanks for the new ideas. I hope you and your family have a wonderful long weekend.

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