Mediterranean Garbanzo Salad

MEDITERRANEAN GARBANZO SALAD

Serves 1

This quick and easy meal is a testament to the satisfaction of a good main course salad and is just one example of how to include healthy, protein-packed beans in a warm-weather menu. It's simple to double this recipe for two, or increase further to serve even more. Maybe it will become the summer potluck dish you're famous for! Serve with pita chips or warm pita bread on the side.

Ingredients

5 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved 
1 small zucchini or yellow squash, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced 
1/2 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained 
4 pitted black olives, such as Kalamata, halved 
2 tablespoons roughly chopped parsley 
1 tablespoon prepared balsamic vinaigrette or Italian dressing 
1 tablespoon lemon juice 
Ground black pepper to taste 
2 or 3 lettuce leaves, torn into large bite-size pieces

Method

Toss together all ingredients, except lettuce, in a large bowl. Arrange lettuce on a dinner plate and top with bean mixture.

Nutrition

Per serving (about 18oz/504g-wt.): 320 calories (110 from fat), 13g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 43g total carbohydrate (12g dietary fiber, 8g sugar), 15g protein

Crunchy Cole Slaw

DRESSING
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup vinegar
2 package beef Ramen seasoning
1 cup oil

SLAW
1 lb coleslaw mix
2 pkg Ramen noodles broken into small pieces
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 cup sliced green onions

Mix dressing ingredients night before. Toss slaw ingredients together just before serving.

Oriental Tossed Salad

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup vinegar
7.5 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 package (12oz) ready-t-serve salad greens
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
1 cup fresh snow peas

In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce and ginger; shake well. In a salad bowl, combine the greens, bean sprouts and peas. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.

Pasta Crab Salad

4.5 cups uncooked tricolor spiral pasta
1 package (16 oz) imitation crabmeat, flaked
1/3 cup chopped celery, green pepper and onion
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 teaspoon dill weed

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add the crab, celery, green pepper and onion. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, salad dressing and ill. Pour over the pasta mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hrs before serving.

**Yield: 10 servings

Crisp Fruit Salad

1 medium Golden Delicious apple, chopped
1 medium red apple, chopped
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup honey

In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Add honey; mix well. Serve immediately.

**Yield: 6 servings