When I feel like a treat, I will always go for Mediterranean food -- in fact, I lost 140 pounds because of it (stay away from the pita bread, though). My absolute favorite place to go is Market Grill Café, located on Lake Mead Blvd. They have an amazing salad that I can never get enough of. It is light and refreshing, yet so hearty and nourishing. I do hope that you enjoy making it. It is traditionally prepared with lamb shawarma (and that’s how I eat it), but today we will make it grilled chicken.

(Or you could just head there and get the real deal; more than likely, you will see me there!)

Mediterranean cuisine is known for its healthy benefits. They use a different food pyramid index which has worked wonders for my diet. You will feel full and healthy when you follow their particular index, and it's good for children, too!

Chicken Chopped Mediterranean Salad with Feta Vinaigrette

Ingredients

• 2 precooked chicken breasts, diced
• 1 (10-ounce) bag romaine hearts
• 1 English cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup chopped kalamata olives
• 1/2 medium red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup red wine vinaigrette
• 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning (recommended: Spice Islands)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, plus extra for garnish
• 3 Roma tomatoes, sliced, for garnish

Directions

In a bowl large enough for tossing salad, add diced chicken breast.

Chop the romaine and add to salad bowl. Toss in the cucumber, olives and red onion and set aside.

In a sealable jar or container with a lid, combine red wine vinaigrette, Greek seasoning and crumbled feta cheese. Seal lid and shake vigorously.

Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Divide among chilled salad plates and garnish with extra crumbled feta cheese and sliced tomatoes.

Until next time…Samantha Bann

Vegas Valley Catering