Howdy Partners,
How are you on this Wednesday? I’m just happy the week is half way over. We were discussing at work today about how we rush the week for the weekend, yet when we do, we rush life. Why do we do that? We should enjoy everyday to the fullest, but you know you don’t because the weekend is so much better. Than the next thing you know, days, weeks, months and years pass and where did it go? As a kid you couldn’t wait till you were 16, than 21 than 25, when you’re an adult you can’t wait for the your vacation, holidays or nights out, than the next thing you know you’re in your 30′s, 40′s,50′s ect… Really Guys, lets just try to enjoy our days. Thats easier said than done, isn’t it? Hmmm, maybe I’m the only one that rushes things? Speaking of rushing, I did eat this salad pretty quick!!
This my Friends is my Big Fat Greek Salad! I have been craving for weeks a Greek Salad, yet I didn’t make one until now. This salad tasted so Mmm, Mmmm, Good! And to boot Hubby ate the salad too!!! I know this is salad #3 he ate, but who’s keeping track? I think he has been eating salad because he doesn’t want to make dinner or run to Subway for his double Bacon BLT. I don’t get how he can eat that?
I was pretty impressed with the chicken in this salad. I used Trader Joe’s Sundried Tomato and Basil Marinated Chicken Tenders. The flavor was very good, it almost, just almost had a Mexican taste to it. I decided to use this chicken instead of a traditional Greek marinade, but you could so do that to and it would taste great. I’ll probably do that next time for a different taste.
The only thing missing from this salad was the pepperoncinis. I know, what was I thinking? I love peppers, but I was out. When I was making this salad I swear I had peppers, I searched high and low and they were nowhere to be found. So if you decide to make a Greek Salad, make sure you add your pepperoncinis or banana peppers. They would have simply been awesome in this salad!!! Next time for sure, they will not be forgotten!
The dressing for this salad is a traditional Greek Dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder and a little Dijon Mustard. The dressing was sure hit. That was my Husbands favorite part. To describe this salad I would say it’s very fresh, light, crispy and the dressing was a traditional balsamic. I honestly am not good with descriptions, I just know I like it, it tastes good and I would have it again. Here’s a picture of the dressing, but it’s not a great shot!
A traditional, light Greek Salad served with an olive oil, red wine vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 5 Cups romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomato
- 3 Tbsp. red onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup sweet red pepper
- 1/4 cup greek olives
- 1/4 cup banana peppers or pepperoncinis (I was out)
- 1 oz feta cheese, light
- 8oz Sundried Tomato Basil Chicken (Trader Joe's)
- Dressing:
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 4 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. oregano
- 1/4 tsp. basil
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Heat Grill on medium heat and cook chicken till done. About 5 to 7 minutes per sides. If not using Sundried Tomato & Basil Chicken, marinate boneless chicken breasts in the greek dressing or your favorite balsamic dressing for at least 1 hour.
- Assemble the salad; evenly divide ingredients between two plates. Start with romaine lettuce, cucumber, onions, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, greek olives, banana peppers, chicken and cheese.
- For dressing: Add all the ingredients together, whisk until combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Add 2 Tablespoons of dressing per salad
Notes
Calories per salad: 222, Fat: 2.6, Cholesterol: 71.5, Sodium: 756, potassium: 622, Carbs: 19, Fiber: 4.8, Sugar: 2.7, Protein: 32.7
Dressing makes 1/3 cup - Calories per 2 Tablespoons: 40, Fat: 4.5, Cholesterol: 0, Sodium: 203, Carbs: 0, Sugar: 0, Protein: 0
So tell me what is your favorite kind of salad? Any kind you think I should make? I have a few up my sleeve that I want to try, but I’d really like to know your favorites.
Well it’s dinner time here and I haven’t a clue what to make. I could go easy and make stirfry, or maybe a sandwich. I don’ know? Or maybe just a big sweet potato full of yummy goodness. My Husband isn’t home from work yet so I can’t bug him on what to make. I drive that poor man nuts with all my food talk, and I think know I do that to my poor co-workers too.
All right, off to stare at the refrigerator! Remember to enjoy your day, go for a stroll, maybe pick up a coffee on the way to work and do something to put a smile on your face!
See you tomorrow. I’m thinking I may post a special recipe that I made over the weekend, that I know you’ll just love, so stay tuned.
Toodles,
Jen
I’m always trying to get myself to slow down to enjoy life also! And to enjoy my food more…because isn’t that one of the best parts of life?
Me too! I tend to eat to fast and I never enjoy my creations as much as I like too!! I agree food is one of the best parts of life!
Totally agree about the rushing life thing, I’m always telling myself to slow it down some!
Salads are just awesome, they’re a blank slate only limited by you imagination…..ok, and you diet, budget, what’s in you kitchen….you get the point.
Ha, anyway, I’ve added fresh papaya seeds before and they are excellent! Nothing like the fruit, they have a peppery taste perfect for a cold salad. Hope you try sometime, let me know when you do please!
Ohhh, Papaya Seeds sound good! When I do my shopping on Saturday I’ll pick one up!! I bet making them into a dressing would be wonderful!!
Ohhh, yeah, I never took it to that level, but papaya seed dressing would be superb! I’m thinking of something creamy using Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and fresh herbs.
Please let me know if you make something of it!
Oh wow this looks awesome! And now I am craving a Greek salad, I think I will try and get one for lunch – not homemade for today, but soon I will recreate this one at home. I’ve seen those chicken tenders at TJs but haven’t tried it yet. Good to know it tastes good!
The chicken tenders are really good. I used the leftovers to make a wrap and my Husband had them plain with his dinner. There really good. I was impressed with them. Nothing worse than making a pre-marinated chicken or other meat to only find out the flavor is not very good.
This Greek salad looks delicious! I normally gravitate towards fruity salads, with berries and some kind of flavored vinaigrette. After reading this post though I’m definitely craving a veggie packed Greek salad!
I have been on such a fruit kick, a little to much, so I decided on veggies instead! But berries and a balsamic dressing is wonderful!!
So funny…I was getting ready to head out to TJs to pick up ingredients for some dinners and one thing I had in mind was Greek salads
I love Greek Salads, I don’t know why I waited so long to make it?
I make some sort of mixed green salad/veg for dinner almost every night. My husband gets a bit tired of them, so I let off for a few days then I am back. One of the ingredients I have found to give my regular green salads a little bit of a kick is chopped flat leaf parsley. Now it goes in almost every salad I make. I just love the bite it adds to the salad. Almost like a little surprise. Of course some folks don’t care for it but it sure liven’s up a salad.
I try to have a salad everyday, even if it’s just lettuce. My Husband is not a salad fan, but will suffer through it. Hmmm, flat leaf parsley, is a great idea. I’m growing some in my garden, I will definitely add it next time. Thank you for the tip!
This looks absolutely delicious! I LOVE Greek Salads. I think it’s the Feta/Olive combo. I agree with the previous comments, Salad is one of those platforms where you can go anywhere with it. Delicious!
Feta and olives are wonderful together!! I really wished I had the peppers to go with it, it would of been perfect then!
Wow that is a thing of beauty
Thank you!!
That looks like a very yummy Big Fat Greek Salad. I was thinking of you when I went to Trader Joe’s just recently when I was in Vegas. You are very lucky to have so close to you!!! Cheers, Tara
One of the reasons why we chose our house was knowing Trader Joe’s was near by. Our other grocery stores are stinky! I think it’s funny that you thought of me.
Greek salads rock! And yours looks almost too pretty to eat!
Ahhh thank you!! Trust me you’ll want to eat it!!