Greek Salad

Salad Ingredients:

1 red bell pepper (chopped 1/2 inch)

1 green bell pepper (chopped 1/2 inch)

1 yellow or orange bell pepper (chopped 1/2 inch)

1 english cucumber (chopped 1/2 inch)

1 large red onion (chopped 1/4 inch)

6-8 roma tomatoes (seeded and cubed 1/2 inch)

Feta cheese to taste

Greek house dressing (see recipe below)

Directions: 

Mix all chopped veggies in a serving bowl. Add feta cheese to taste and cover with dressing (Dressing recipe below). Serve chilled.

Absolutely Fabulous Greek House Dressing 

Ingredients:

3/4 cup olive oil

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons dried basil

1-1/2 teaspoons pepper

1-1/2 teaspoons salt

1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder

1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard

1 cup red wine vinegar

Directions:

In a very large container, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, basil, pepper, salt, onion powder, and Dijon-style mustard. Pour in the vinegar, and mix vigorously until well blended. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

* Dressing Recipe from Allrecipes

Pear Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

Salad Ingredients

§  Mesclun greens, 4-6 cups

§  2 pears, peeled (toss with some lemon juice to keep them from discoloring)

§  1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion rings, halved

§  1/3 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese

§  2/3 cup Maple Candied Walnuts or Pecans (in a pinch, just toast some nuts), roughly chopped

Maple Candied Walnuts or Pecans

§  1 tablespoon butter

§  1 tablespoon maple syrup

§  pepper to taste

§  1/2 cup pecan or walnut halves

Preparation

1.    Melt the butter in a pan

2.    Mix in the maple syrup and pepper

3.    Add the pecans and toss to coat

4.    Cook on medium low heat about 15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes. Watch carefully so they don’t burn.

5.    Turn out on aluminum foil and let cool for 5 minutes.

Nordstrom Champagne Vinaigrette

§  1 tablespoon chopped shallot

§  1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

§  2 tablespoons sugar

§  1 teaspoon minced garlic

§  1/2 cup Champagne wine vinegar

§  1 1/2 cups salad oil

§  3/4 teaspoon salt

§  1/2 teaspoon white pepper

For dressing, mix all ingredients in bowl using wire whisk. Place greens on individual plates. Sprinkle pears, nuts and gorgonzola on top of salad greens. Drizzle dressing over salad or serve on the side to suit individual tastes. Beautiful and delicious.

Serves 4-6