Pineapple and Bacon Salad with Toasted Coconut

                     I have to say that this has to be one of my all time favorite salads. It has a
                     perfect combination of salty and sweet with an added crunch from the
                     macadamia nuts....not to mention the toasted coconut is divine in this.
                     

                                        Pineapple and Bacon Salad with Toasted Coconut

                                        1 large head of romaine of a bag of mixed greens
                                        2 cups of fresh pineapple, cubed
                                        red onions, sliced
                                        8 slices bacon, chopped
                                        1/2 macadamia nuts or almonds
                                        1/3 cup toasted coconut

                                        Dressing

                                        1/4 cup pineapple juice
                                        3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
                                        1/4 cup olive oil
                                        salt and pepper

                   1) Assemble the salad to your liking, mix the dressing and add on top.

Tomato, Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

                                                  Tomato, Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

                                                   2 containers of cherry tomatoes, halved
                                                   1 English cucumber, cut into small chunks
                                                   1 small red onion, sliced thin
                                                   1/4 cup olive oil
                                                   1 to 2 lemons, juiced
                                                   2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
                                                   2 teaspoons oregano
                                                   salt and pepper
                                                   1 cup feta cheese
                                                 

      1) In a large bowl add your tomatoes, cucumber and red onions. Drizzle the olive oil,
      lemon juice and red wine vinegar. Sprinkle oregano, salt and pepper. Stir well and add
      feta cheese on top. Serve with dinner as a side dish or with bread and a glass of wine.

Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese

                        I think we all have a favorite strawberry salad in our repertoire. I make
                    many versions but this one is my favorite. It's salty and sweet. I think every -
                    think tastes better with feta. You can add mozzarella or any cheese and the
                    nuts, you like best. Simple and easy. A perfect lunch or add chicken and it
                    will be a great dinner choice. Either way it's so tasty.

                                                             Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese

                                                             1 container fresh strawberries
                                                             feta cheese
                                                             candies walnuts
                                                             1 small red onion
                                                             1 bag baby spinach
                                                             Briana's strawberry salad dressing

        Servings will depend on the size of your family. Enjoy and let me know what you think.
        The bottled dressing I suggested for this goes amazing with it. You will love it and you
        can find it in most grocery stores.

Steak Salad with Balsamic Dressing and Blue Cheese

     I love a great salad and I love it even more, when there is a little protein in it and what
     better protein non other than, a great steak. Soft and tender and done to perfection.
       
   This is a great salad for a crowd and perfect to use any left over steak that you may have.
                You can easily adapt it to your liking. Men will really like this.

                               Steak Salad with Balsamic Dressing and Blue Cheese

                                         2 Fillet mignons - cooked to your liking - room temp
                                         1 pint of cherry tomatoes - I roasted mine with garlic
                                         1 bag spinach spring mix
                                         1 shallot - minced
                                         3 ounces blue cheese

                                  Assemble your salad and drizzle with balsamic dressing.

                                                             Balsamic Dressing

                                                          1/4 cup balsamic dressing
                                                          2 teaspoon brown sugar
                                                          1 garlic clove, minced
                                                          1/2 teaspoon each, salt and pepper
                                                          3/4 cups olive oil

                 1) Whisk all of the ingredients until well blended and sugars dissolved.

Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad with Lime Dressing

                This salad has Summer written all over it. I think we all make a similar version
                of this. It's tried and true and the best part is how the dressing goes perfect with
                       it. Every bite is delicious. I like to serve this with grilled chicken.

                                       Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad with Lime Dressing

                                                          4 cups cubed watermelon
                                                          7 ounces of arugula
                                                          4 ounces feta cheese
                                                          5 to 6 fresh mint leaves, chopped

                                                       Balsamic Lime Dressing

                                                       2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
                                                       5 tablespoons olive oil
                                                       2 teaspoons honey
                                                       2 limes, juiced

                      1) In a large bowl place all of your salad ingredients and mix dressing and
                      pour over salad.

                                                            Drizzle me with balsamic =)
           

Arugula and Peach Salad with White Cheddar

           Hello everyone - Happy Summer. Don't you just love the simple joys of Summer?
           It's the time of the year just to kick back and relax. I love that no pressure feeling
           of rushing the kids to school. I tend to eat tons of salads during the warmer months.
           Be prepared for tons of delicious and easy salads that the entire family will love.

        You are just going to love this simple and easy salad with only 5 ingredients. I make it
        with a a honey-balsamic dressing but you can use a bottle if you'd like. Enjoy!!

                                           Arugula and Peach Salad with White Cheddar

                                           7 ounces of baby arugula
                                           3 peaches
                                           3 ounces of dried cranberries
                                           5 ounces sharp white cheddar, cubed
                                           5 ounces glazed pecans
                                       

              1) In a large mixing bowl combine all 5 ingredients. I like to dress the salad with
              dressing individually so that nothing gets soggy.

                                                Simple Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

                                                2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
                                                1 tablespoon honey
                                                1 teaspoon dijon mustard
                                                1/4 cup olive oil
                                                a dash of salt and pepper

               In a small bowl whisk together vinegar, honey, dijon and olive oil. Season with
               salt and pepper. I usually double the vinaigrette recipe.

Healthy Garbonzo Bean Salad

            Often on weeknights I like to eat something light and healthy. I try and save my
          calories for the weekend. When I tasted this I knew it was going to be a hit and will
          go on my menu rotation. Serve this with whole grain pitas and you have yourself a
            wonderful meal. Any night that I do not have to turn the oven on is a great night!

                                                        Healthy Garbonzo Bean Salad

                                                 2 cans garbonzo beans ( rinsed and drained )
                                                 1 red bell pepper, diced
                                                 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
                                                 1 English cucumber, peeled and diced
                                                 1 small red onion, diced
                                                 3 garlic cloves, minced
                                                 1/3 cup feta cheese
                                                 3 tablespoons fresh parsley
                                                 1 lemon, juiced
                                                 1 lime, juiced
                                                 1/4 cup olive oil
                                                 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar ( or your favorite )
                                                 1/4 teaspoon each, salt, pepper and oregano

                    1) Place rinsed beans in a large bowl. Add the next 7 ingredients. Mix olive oil
                   lemon, lime, vinegar and spices. Pour over bean salad and serve with pita bread.

This salad would be great to bring to work and perfect for the warmer weather.

Strawberry Avocado Salad

        Spring is just around the corner and Southern California is having Summer weather
          right now and I'm loving it. As it gets warmer, I love to eat salads and start craving
          lighter food. I'm lucky to live in an area that has fresh strawberry fields as long as
              the eye can see. There is nothing like eating berries that were picked today.

           There is something magical that happens when you pair strawberries and avocados.

                                                               Strawberry Avocado Salad

                                                               4 cups baby spinach
                                                               1 pint strawberries, sliced
                                                               1 avocado, sliced
                                                               almonds
                                                               1 shallot, sliced

                                                               Simple Strawberry Dressing

                                                               1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
                                                               1/3 cup olive oil
                                                               2 tablespoons strawberry jam

               1) In a large bowl place spinach, strawberries, avocado, shallots and almonds.
               Mix dressing and pour over salad. This salad could be doubled to feed a crowd.

Greek Cucumbers

      I have had a long love affair with Greek food. I grew up in a pretty big city and lived
      4 minutes, walking distance to a Greek restaurant..that's when it all started. I was
      obsessed with baklava, moussaka, spanakopita, and all things feta related. I was the -
      only 10 year old that I knew that would order a spinach pizza with feta over a cheese
      pizza. Fast forward 20 years and not much has changed. I will cook anything Greek
      and I will throw feta on just about anything. This recipe is very easy and can be served
      alone or as a side dish...it would go prefect with lemon chicken. Enjoy!!
       
                                                                   Greek Cucumbers

                         2 English cucumbers, sliced
                         2 tablespoons red onion, minced
                         1 garlic clove, minced
                         1/2 lemon, juiced
                         1 tablespoon olive oil
                         1 teaspoon oregano
                         4 ounces feta
                         salt and pepper

                      1) Mix all of the 9 ingredients in a bowl and serve.

                                         Here are a few more of my favorite Greek dishes.
                                 Greek Pasta Salad - Greek Couscous - Avocado Feta Salsa

Antioxidant Salad with Lemon Dressing

          Happy New Year, my friends! Let's start the New Year off on the right foot.
    Every year we make resolutions, some we keep, some we break. I told myself this year
    that I would drink more water, eat more greens and exercise a little more. I'm the type
    of person that likes to indulge a bit and keep a happy balance in life. You will always
    find delicious baked goods and that won't stop with this coming year but I do plan on
    posting a lot more healthy treats for you. It's going to be an amazing 2013!!!

                                                Antioxidant Salad with Lemon Dressing

                                                                 3 cups of spinach
                                                                 1/2 cup blueberries
                                                                 1/2 cup raspberries
                                                                 8 strawberries
                                                                 1 green apple
                                                                 2 celery stalks
                                                                 1 cucumber
                                                                 walnuts or almonds -optional

         1) Mix your salad and I served it with a Honey Lemon Dressing posted below
            but feel free to use your favorite. Enjoy.
     
        Honey Lemon Dressing. 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoons grated lemon zest,
         1 tablespoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix well.

                      I wish you all a very happy and warm new year, full of joy, happiness and
                      success. Happy New Year!
                   

Endive Spears with Figs, Gorgonzola and Walnuts

            Can you believe it's already November? Where has this year gone? I'm already
       in party planning mode for the upcoming holidays. This right here is the most tastiest
          party appetizer, ever. ( In my humble opinion ) Not only is it tasty but it super easy
             to make and you don't need to cook. Pick up the spears and eat as is. I love that.
                 Fresh Figs are so delish. I already wish I had more of these to eat. Enjoy!

                                         Endive Spears with Figs, Gorgonzola and Walnuts

                        Endive
                        Gorgonzola
                        Fresh Figs...dried would work also
                        Walnuts
                        Honey for the drizzle

          Wash Endive...assemble with figs, walnuts, gorgonzola and honey. You can make
          as much or as little as you'd like. I made a lot so you'll need the desired amount that
          you would us for your own guests.

Mexican Corn Salad

     The end of Summer is winding down and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than
      to have a little feast with this Mexican Corn Salad and an ice cold beer or sparkling
      water. I love all things mexican. I make a few corn salads but this one is my favorite.
                Once you try it....it will be yours too. A perfect light and healthy meal.

                                                                   Mexican Corn Salad

                      4 (16 oz) bags frozen corn, thawed or fresh when in season.
                      3 bell peppers, red, orange and green, diced
                      1 jalapeño ( optional
                      1 red onion, diced
                      1 small container cherry tomatoes
                      1 avocado , cubed
                      2 garlic cloves, minced
                      1/2 cup queso fresco cheese
                      1/2 cup cilantro or fresh basil
                      salt and pepper
                      1/2 teaspoon cumin
                      1/4 teaspoon oregano
                      3 tablespoons olive oil
                      4 limes, juiced

            1) In a large bowl mix first 7 ingredients.
            2) In a small bowl mix, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper.
            Pour over salad. Add basil and queso fresco

               

Greek Couscous

                      If you have been reading this blog for awhile you know it's no secret that
                   I'am a huge fan of Greek food. This salad is so fresh and delicious. A perfect
                         Summer meal. Light and extremely good for you. My kind of meal.  
                          I like simple easy meals in this hot weather. You can add anything
                               to this couscous that you'd like and remember the more feta
                                    the better. Go get your veggies and have a great meal.

                                                                    Greek Couscous

                                   3 cups couscous
                                   3 cups vegetable broth
                                   1 container cherry tomatoes, cut in half
                                   1 English cucumber, sliced
                                   1/2 red onion, diced
                                   1 container crumbled feta
                                   corn off of two cobs
                                   1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
                                    black olives, optional.
                                    2 lemons, juiced
                                    salt and pepper
                                    fresh basil

                     1) Heat broth on stovetop and add salt. Cook until boiling.
                     Add the couscous and stir. Let it sit for about 4 to 5 minutes and than
                     fluff with a fork and add lemon juice.
                     2) Put couscous in a large serving bowl and add vegetables and feta.
                     Season to your liking and serve.

               
                         

Corn and Lobster Salad

                               You didn't think I would leave you this weekend without coming
                  up with fantastic Mother's Day brunch recipe? Your mom would be overjoyed
                       if you showed up with this amazing corn and lobster salad. You could
                           even make it for yourself!! Trust me when I tell you it is nothing
                            short of spectacular. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

                                                                  Corn and Lobster Salad

                                                      3 (16 ounce) bags of frozen corn, thawed
                                                                8 ounces mozzarella, cubed
                                                                    1 red bell pepper, diced
                                                                 1 orange bell pepper, diced
                                                                         1 red onion, diced
                                                                   10 basil leaves, julienned
                                                                           3 lobster tails

                                                                        For the Dressing
 
                                                                        1/3 cup olive oil
                                                              2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
                                                                          4 limes, juiced
                                                                    2 garlic cloves, minced
                                                                    3 tablespoons of honey
                                                                       1/2 teaspoon thyme
                                                                      1/2 teaspoon oregano
                                                                      1/2 teaspoon parsley
                                                                         salt and pepper


                    1) Boil water in pot with 1 tablespoon of water. When water comes to a boil
                   add lobster and cook about 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool.
                    2) Add corn, bell peppers, red onion, basil leaves, and mozzarella in bowl.
                    Mix and add diced lobster.
                    3) Mix dressing and pour over corn salad and toss well.                                           

Grape, Feta and Orzo Salad

                                Hmm, How do I describe how good this is....Let me try, here.
                  Fresh, Flavorful, Delicious, Amazing, Easy, Great, Fantastic. Well, that's how
                      much I loved this easy healthy meal. Bring this to your next function, Share
                          it with your bff....it's too good not to share. Try it and let me know
                                       what you think. It will not disappoint your taste buds.

                                                                 Grape, Feta and Orzo Salad

               1 Box of orzo
               2 cups of purple grapes cut in half
               2 lemons, juiced
               2 cups of baby spinach
               2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced
               1 small red onion
               1 4oz container crumbled feta
               2 tablespoons of olive oil
               salt and pepper
               1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

      1) Cook orzo according to box directions, drain and cool with cold water.
      After that place in large bowl.
      2) Mix lemon, oil, salt, pepper, garlic and garlic powder, set aside.
      3) Add all of the fruit and veggies to the pasta.
      4) Add dressing and feta. Serve or chill in refrigerator