Whether you are trying to maintain your bikini-ready bod for trips to the pool or you simply want to escape the heat of the kitchen when the temps are hovering near 100, the following healthy dishes really hit the spot on a sweltering hot summer day:
MEDITERRANEAN PITA POCKET
Ingredients:
2/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Juice of 1 fresh lemon
3 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper
4 cups spring mix lettuce or baby spinach
4 cups hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
4 Roma tomatoes, halved and thinly sliced
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
English cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1/3 cup pitted kalamata olives
6 pepperoncini, chopped
4 (5-6 inch) pita rounds, cut in half
Directions:
Combine the feta, oil, water, mayonnaise, lemon juice and oregano in a blender or small food processor and blend until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, chickpeas, mint leaves, olives, and pepperoncini with the feta dressing.
Divide the salad mixture among the 8 pita halves and serve.
SUMMER CRAB SALAD
Ingredients for Dressing:
1 cup Lite mayonnaise
1 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons chopped hard-boiled eggs
1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
1 tablespoon horseradish
Directions:
Whisk together and chill. Makes about 1 cup of dressing.
Ingredients for Salad:
Spring mix greens
Chopped Romaine Lettuce
Chopped green onions
Diced celery
Lump crabmeat
Sliced hard boiled eggs
Directions:
Toss mixed greens with lettuce, celery and onions.
Arrange crabmeat on top.
Garnish with eggs.
Serve dressing on the side.
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