Peppermints and Diamonds

  Ingredients: 3 firm ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped 1 ½ Lebanese cucumbers, coarsely chopped ½ red onion, sliced into rings ½ red capsicum, halved, deseeded, coarsely chopped 100g marinated Greek olives 110g marinated feta, coarsely chopped ½ teaspoon dried Greek oregano ½ teaspoon salt 62.5ml (1/4 cup) olive oil 30ml (2 tablespoons) white vinegar Instructions: Combine the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, capsicum, olives, and feta in a salad bowl. Sprinkle with dried oregano and salt. In a separate jug, whisk together the olive oil and white vinegar to make the dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Here’s a simple, flexible pattern for building a delicious and balanced salad using a wide range of ingredients: 1. Choose a Base (1-2 types) Start with leafy greens or a starchy foundation: Greens: lettuce (romaine, butter, etc.), spinach, kale, arugula, mixed greens Grains/Carbs: quinoa, couscous, rice, or pasta 2. Add Colorful Vegetables (2-4 types) Add fresh, roasted, or grilled vegetables for flavor and nutrients: Tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, beets, radishes, red onion, corn, etc. 3. Include a Protein (1 type) Add plant-based or animal proteins to make it satisfying: Plant-based: chickpeas, black beans, tofu, tempeh, edamame, lentils Animal-based: grilled chicken, boiled eggs, tuna, salmon, turkey, or cheese (feta, mozzarella, etc.) 4. Toss in a Crunch Element (1-2 types) Add texture with something crunchy: Nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews), seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, chia), croutons, tortilla strips 5. Include a Sweet or Tangy Element (1-2 types) Balance...