The sun is out, temps are actually above 60F, so I want something light for dinner.  And something I can tweak for leftovers tomorrow.  So, that leads me to Greek/middle eastern style food.  A lot of flavor, with healthy ingredients that don’t weigh you down.

Today we are having Marinated Chicken Thighs, with Garbanzo bean and cucumber salad with radishes, homemade Tsaskiki  or Tzatziki sauce and pitas.

Tomorrow, I will use the leftover chicken and add it to a Rice Almond Salad.  (one of my personal faves!)

Here we go:

2 lbs skinless chicken thighs

2/3 C Olive Oil

Juice from 1 lemon

Handful of fresh cilantro chopped

I can Garbanzo beans  (get the best you can.  I like organic.)

3 Persian cucumbers, cut in quarters then sliced

1/2 sweet onion chopped

1 C Grape tomatoes, cut in half.

1/2 C Crumbled Feta Cheese

3 Radishes cut in quarters, then sliced

1/2 C EVOO (good quality Extra-Virgin Olive Oil will make a difference here)

1/2 a lemon, juiced

good pinch of sea salt

Couple of grinds of fresh black pepper

good handful of cilantro chopped

Putting it together:

In a large, sealable Ziploc bag, place clean chicken, 2/3 C Olive Oil, lemon juice,  and cilantro.  Season with salt and pepper.  Place in refrigerator for at least one hour.  Turn the bag to ensure the marinade hits all the chicken.

Garbanzo Bean and Cucumber Salad:

Put 1/2 C EVOO, juice of half a lemon, sea salt and pepper in bowl.  Whisk together.  Add garbanzo beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta and chopped cilantro.  Mix gently.  Cover with plastic wrap and put in refrigerator to allow flavors to blend.   Let mixture chill.

Tzatziki Sauce:

2/3 C light Sour Cream

2 T finely chopped fresh dill

2 T minced garlic

1/2 juice fresh lemon

salt and pepper

In medium bowl, add juice, garlic, salt and pepper to bowl.  Stir together.   Add sour cream, mixing till blended.  Add fresh dill to bowl.   Stir till incorporated well.  Cover and place in refrigerator for flavors to meld.  I like a lot of garlic- so if this is too strong for you, begin with 1T and add till you like the flavor.

Dinner:

Heat the grill to high.  This is a HANDS ON grilling experience.   The marinade will cause a flare.  Grill on one side for about 3-4 minutes.  Flip and grill other side until done.  Serve with Garbanzo Bean with cucumber salad, Tzatziki Sauce, and warmed pita bread.

Bon Appetit!

Terri