Greek Diva's Memorial Day Weekend Recipes

Hello Everyone!
 I went to a late lunch with my BFF's today and I was inspired to talk about grapes!  We had shared a bottle of house moscato and a cheese platter decorated with yummy grapes!!  I got to thinking, I need to share my Grape salad recipe today!!  

MY DIVA Grape Salad

What you need:
2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
1 cup of my Greek yogurt (whey strained out)
1 teaspoon of Bourbon vanilla
½ cup of organic cane sugar
1 cup of toasted pecans, chopped
2 pounds of green grapes (washed and dried)
Supplies:
Medium mixing bowl
Large spoon
Hand mixer
Serving bowl
1. Whip cream cheese on low speed until smooth, then add yogurt.
2. Add vanilla and sugar and whip until smooth.
3. Toss in pecans and grapes; stir until combined, then transfer into a serving dish.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve cold!
Serves 10-12

I also have to share my Greek Salad!!  I love bringing salad to a party because everyone is always bring heavy, fattening, meaty, cheesy sides. I think its okay but seriously I need some veggies to lighten up the party food!!!  

Greek Salad the DIVA way

What you need:
3 large organic tomatoes
2 organic cucumbers
1/4 of a large organic red onion 
1/2 cup Kalamata Greek Olives
3-4 oz. Greek Feta cheese
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Mediterranean Sea salt
1 large serving bowl and tongs
Cutting board and knife
1. Slice tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion and feta cheese.
2. Place all ingredients in bowl and mix with tongs
3. Place in refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Serves 3-4

So this four bean salad is a hit every time I make it!!  I apologize for this blurry picture but when I was writing my "Cook like a Greek DIVA" cook book this was one of the very first recipes I began to test.  I discovered features on my camera to take close up pics and boy you can tell a difference.  Anyways, I think your family and friends will be impressed with this tangy sweet balsamic dressing surrounding the beans!

My four bean salad
What you need:
2 – 12 oz. cans of organic green beans, thick cut
2 – 12 oz. cans of organic black beans
12 oz. can of organic red kidney beans
12 oz. can of organic garbanzo beans
8 oz. of water
1/4 cup of extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil
1/4 balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon of Mediterranean sea salt
1/2 teaspoon of organic black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Large pot
Large serving bowl and spoon
Large strainer

1. Put all beans in a large pot with water
2. Cook in medium heat for about 6 minutes
3. Drain all the liquid and place beans in a large serving bowl
4. Pour oil and vinegar on beans.
5. Sprinkle salt, pepper and garlic
6. Mix beans thoroughly and place in refrigerator to cool for 30 minutes
Serves 4-6

I hope you guys try some of these recipes. Please leave a comment below!
Please check back daily!
~Greek Diva
Helen Day

p.s. Go to: www.etsy.com/shop/greekdivaboutique to check out cute SUMMER decor for sale!!