In the Kitchen with 11 Magnolia Lane: Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad

Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad

I have to give credit to Amy for sharing this tasty and healthy little salad with me.  It is perfect for summer, a wonderful side to share at your next pot luck, and a high protein vegetarian meal tossed in one bowl.  This salad comes from the Barefoot Contessa, How Easy Is That? cookbook.  She is my personal favorite food network star, I have all her books and I really enjoy everything she creates.  This salad will not disappoint you, so bon appetit!!

Ingredients

• 10 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced
• 1 pound ripe tomatoes, seeded, cored, and 1/2-inch-diced
• 1 hothouse cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeded, and 1/2-inch-diced
• 1 can or jar (12 to 16 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/3 cup julienned fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup good olive oil
• 8 ounces good feta cheese, 1/2-inch-diced
• Toasted pita bread, for serving

Directions

1. Place the scallions, tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, parsley, mint, and basil in a large salad bowl and toss to combine.
2. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1-teaspoon pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to make an emulsion. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat all the vegetables. Add the feta, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently. Serve the salad with the toasted pita bread.

Thanks for stopping by~