Greek Quinoa Salad

Another well received recipe from First Methodist Church of Camden Cookbook.  This one contributed by Grace Murphree.

1/2 c. quinoa
1 c. water
2 T. lemon juice
2 T. olive oil
1/3 c. fresh parsley, chopped
1/3 c. fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 t. salt
1/2 cup spinach, chopped
1 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2-1 small purple onion, diced
1/2 c. Kalmata olives, sliced
1/2 c. feta cheese, crumbled
2 avocados, pitted, peeled, and sliced

Bring quinoa and water to a boil in small saucepan.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.  In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, oil, parsley, cilantro, and salt.  Mix with cooled quinoa.  Add spinach, tomatoes, onion, olives and feta to the quinoa and toss.  Top with avocado slices.  Serves about 10-12

Greek Watermelon Salad

I recently used this recipe for a buffet salad dinner and the recipe was requested by several guests.  I must give credit to Lucy Cyphers and First United Methodist of Camden Cookbook.

1 small (4 lb.) watermelon, cut into chunks
1/2 small purple onion, thinly sliced
6 oz. crumbled feta
8 oz. Kalmata olives
handful of flat leaf parsley, chopped
handful of fresh mint, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 T white balsamic vinegar (I used regular balsamic)
salt and pepper

Combine watermelon, onion, feta and olives.  Whisk oil and vinegar with salt and pepper until emulsified.  Pour over salad and gently toss to coat.  Sprinkle with parsley and mint.  Chill and serve.

Marinated Vegetable Salad

5 cups broccoli florets

2 cucumbers, peeled, sliced

1   red onion, thinly sliced

1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

3 carrots, peeled, thinly sliced

5 ounces sliced black olives

³⁄₄ cup parmesan cheese, grated

1 (8 ounce) bottle Olive Garden dressing or Italian dressing

12 ounces cherry tomatoes

Combine all vegetables except tomatoes. Chill and marinate overnight.  Add tomatoes and serve.

I used a large bag of fresh vegetable medley (broccoli, cauliflower and carrots) from Sams and added the other ingredients.