Mediterranean Dishes

I've decided to try out some Mediterranean dishes this week since they mostly consist of fresh produce, olive oil, nuts, beans, fish, and turkey, and I've visited some farmer markets and we're loaded up with fresh produce.

I made two salads for supper tonight because my parents are joining us, but either one could be a meal by itself.

Ingredients for both dishes include:  cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, romaine lettuce, lemon zest and juice, lime juice, feta cheese, mango, chili powder, olive oil, chick peas, green beans, and honey.

First up, Green Beans, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad

Snap ends off of green beans.

Boil for about 4 minutes until tender but still crisp.

Blanch them.  (throw them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process)

Whisk together 3 Tbsp lemon juice and  2 Tbsp olive oil.

Half some cherry tomatoes.

Dice up some cucumber. 

The recipe didn't call for this, but I love cucumber so I added it.

Throw your veggies in with your sauce.

Drain and rinse one can of chick peas and add to veggies.

Next, throw in some diced red onion.

Now mix it all together.

Add some feta cheese and chopped parsley.

Give it another good stir.

Lay green beans out on a serving dish.

Top with mix.

Season to taste with some coarse salt and ground pepper.

Now for the Cucumber and Mango Salad w/ Chili-Spiced Pork

I can not even begin to describe the deliciousness of this salad.

While your skillet with 1 tsp of EVOO is heating up....

Mix together coarse salt, pepper, and 1 tsp chili powder.

Sprinkle on your pork.

Fry over medium heat until thoroughly cooked.

Remove from heat, and cover for 10 minutes before slicing.

Slice into thin strips.

Whisk together 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp chili powder, s & p, 4 tsp honey, and 2 Tbsp lime juice.

Roughly chop the Romaine lettuce.

Add to the dressing.

Add diced mango and cucumber and mix.

This is honestly one of the most delicious meals I have ever had, and the best part, it's only about 600 calories, and loaded with protein and fiber.  (37g of protein and 19g of fiber)

I will definitely be making this again.