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Easy No-Heat Busy Mom Summer Dinner Recipe for Quick Refreshment

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A refreshing, no-cook summer dinner that comes together in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy moms or anyone wanting a cool, tasty meal without turning on the stove.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (dill or parsley), finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional add-ins: 1 cup canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained), sliced avocado, or toasted nuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables (10 minutes): Wash and dry the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the bell peppers into bite-size pieces.
  2. Make the dressing (3 minutes): In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika.
  3. Toss it all together (2 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced and diced veggies along with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to keep feta chunks intact.
  4. Final seasoning and serve (1 minute): Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes if preferred colder.

Notes

Slice cucumbers thinly to avoid watery bites. Drain watery veggies after slicing to keep salad crisp. Add salt gradually as feta adds saltiness. Chill salad for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors. Toss dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess. Variations include swapping feta for tofu for vegan option, adding protein like chickpeas or chicken, and using different herbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-cook, summer dinner, quick recipe, busy mom, refreshing salad, Greek yogurt dressing, easy dinner, healthy, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-no-heat-busy-mom-summer-dinner-recipe-for-quick-refreshment/