Reality Bites

It is amazing how DVRs have changed the way we watch television. Years before they were popular I read about this thing called a Tivo and knew I had to have one. One Christmas that wish became a reality. Now that every cable and dish company will rent you one, it is a piece of technology that has quickly become ever-present in our living rooms. Like many, much of what I watch is recorded from another date and time and when commercial breaks come they are quickly fast-forwarded through.

One season our family had watched the show Survivor. As the final show was on we decided we didn’t want to wait for a later day to watch, as we were afraid we would accidentally hear who won and ruin the suspense. The show started at 8PM but we waited until homework was done and we were ready for the next day so we didn’t start watching until about 8:30. As commercials came, we would do our usual fast-forward. At one point we caught up to the point where it was recording live and I said to the family, “We are back to reality.” My youngest son dejectedly replied, “I hate reality!”

Don’t fast-forward through this Greek dinner salad as you’ll want to enjoy every bite.

I had everything on hand but the yogurt and the chickpeas.

Dice and mix.

A great side salad.

Greek Diner Salad

Prep Time: 35 M | Cook Time: 35 M

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons nonfat plain yogurt
• 3 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 medium zucchini, finely diced
• 1 large red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 bunch radishes, finely diced
• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed
• 4 large Boston lettuce leaves, for serving

Directions:

1. Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, mint, garlic, honey and salt in a small bowl until creamy.

2. Toss zucchini, bell pepper, radishes and chickpeas in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables; toss gently. To serve, spoon into lettuce leaves, using them as cups.

Nutritional Info:

Per serving: 202 calories; 4 g fat ( 1 g sat , 1 g mono ); 3 mg cholesterol; 35 g carbohydrates; 1 g added sugars; 7 g protein; 7 g fiber; 585 mg sodium; 522 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (180% daily value), Vitamin A (70% dv), Folate (29% dv), Iron (15% dv), Potassium (15% dv).

Carbohydrate Servings: 1 1/2

Exchanges: 1 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 very lean meat

Source: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/greek_diner_salad.html