Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Simple Greek Garbanzo Salad


Friends drop by for lunch? Nothing in the fridge? I recently wanted to make something with garbanzos since I love them, love the protein and the gluten-free nature of a salad. This is a simple and quick salad you can whip up for friends or just for yourself. The feta cheese gives it a Greek edge, but I'm guessing that goat cheese or no cheese is just as good. The longer it sits around, the more the flavors mesh, so make enough to last a few days.

I tend to always have cans of beans in the cabinet, but if you have the time and want to soak your dried beans overnight, by all means go for it. Usually, I want something now rather than waiting overnight-I'm just that way.

Simple Greek Garbanzo Salad
1 can of garbanzos, rinsed thoroughly
2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
6 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
2 TBS fresh basil, chopped
Juice of one large lemon
1-2 Tbs olive oil
salt/pepper to taste

1. Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix (except for 1 Tbs olive oil and salt/pepper).
2. Add one Tbs of olive oil first and taste. If you need more, add it. Depending on the size of the lemon, you may need to cut the acidity a little more.
3. Add salt/pepper to taste.
4. Done.

This is so simple, yet tastes so great. Simple dishes are sometimes the best in so many ways. I also like to separate it into small containers that I can eat whenever I'm hungry or grab it on the go. I even grabbed a container and brought it to my mom in the hospital when she was sick of hospital food. Worked like a charm!

Enjoy!