Salad Days
Salads are not just a side dish anymore; they have evolved into versatile and satisfying meals perfect for the warmer months of the year.
Yia-sas (Hello) from a sunny Kalamata
I cant believe it’s only a week to go before I return home. Gosh the time has gone fast. The weather has gradually improved with most days now in the high 20s to low 30s Celsius and the storms are no longer arriving every afternoon (hopefully). So we have managed to get out and about a lot more between days of working.
Our love affair with the Peloponnese has grown as we have enjoyed not only some spectacular beaches and coastline but also some amazing ancient Greek sites. We are already wondering when we can return.
During my time here I must have eaten my weight in salads. As soon as the temperature goes up they are one of my favourite foods. Of course that has included lots of classic Greek Salads but also all sorts of variations on that theme.
The wide array of ingredients, textures, and flavours that can be used in a salad are practically limitless. And that’s before you add meat, fish or cheese.
The local Mani salad served in most restaurants varies but always has a local cheese, smoked pork and orange segments in it. And it’s delicious!
With the odd exception adding fruit to salad is not something I do that often at home but over here I’ve been doing it a lot. Being in Kalamata an area known for its figs I’ve sometimes added chopped figs but have also added Goji berries and dried cranberries. Walnuts, hazelnuts and pinenuts are other additions I’ve frequently added recently to my homemade salads.
I’ve also been adding a little drizzle of some of the excellent local honey to my dressing. Yes there is definitely a bit of a sweet thing going on here but just a touch of sweetness is perfect in a salad.
When eating at the house I’ve tried to limit my meat consumption as the meat portions in the restaurants are huge! So mostly I’ve used cheese either Feta, Halloumi or a local cheese. But it has included some delicious local salami and cured ham.
Hopefully, now I have you craving salads, if you were not already (after all, the weather is also taking a turn for the warmer back home in the UK too). So now is a good time to share with you some of my favourite salad recipes from Recipes Made Easy. Or you can check out the full collection of salads here.
That’s it for now.
Until next time
Have a delicious week
PS As I am traveling back to the UK next Saturday I might not have a newsletter for you next week as we are hoping Mr B can take time off work for some more sight seeing ( and dining out) in our last week.
Chicken and Asparagus Caesar Salad
Enjoy this salad while British Asparagus is still in season (only a couple of weeks left)
Beetroot, Squash and Feta Salad
One of my most popular salads on Recipes Made Easy The earthy flavour of beetroot, the sweetness of butternut squash and the saltiness of feta make a delicious combination in this hearty Salad.
Warm Chicken and Brie Salad with Griddled Peaches
This Salad is packed full of summery flavours textures and colours. It makes a fabulous summer meal, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Goats Cheese Salad with Sun-dried Tomato Dressing
A fabulous combination of flavours and textures in this Goat's Cheese Salad with Sun-dried Tomato Dressing makes it a delicious light lunch for two or a starter for four people.
Niçoise Salad
Sometimes its the simplest of salads that taste the best. This classic Niçoise salad is a case in point. The combination of tuna, salty anchovies and hard-boiled eggs with crisp green salad leaves, green beans and ripe tomatoes is near perfect.
And now for something Sweet
Green Fresh Fruit Salad
Elevate your fruit game with this epic green fresh fruit salad! The combo of apples, pears, kiwi, melon, grapes, and a zesty ginger chilli syrup is pure magic!
Postcards from Greece
