Blue Cheese Coleslaw

Barefoot Contessa has a blue cheese coleslaw recipe that I tried once, but it was much too rich. I found this version on the Cooking Light board, and it's great! If you like blue cheese or love blue cheese, you'll like it - it's not overpowering. It's another great cookout recipe - serve it with burgers or barbecue.

Blue Cheese Coleslaw

INGREDIENTS:
1 (16 ounce) package shredded coleslaw mix
2 cups seedless red grapes, halved (I used grape tomatoes, but I recommend grapes)
1/2 cup shredded carrot (or just use coleslaw mix that has carrots)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup prepared Dijon-style mustard
1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, cheese, sugar and vinegar. Add the coleslaw mix, grapes and carrots and stir until evenly coated. Chill until serving.

Greek Salad

I'm pretty sure I got this recipe from Rachael Ray around the time she first entered the national consciousness. It's one of my favorites - mediterranean flavors, strong cheese, fresh veg = bliss. I have changed it a little, but the key here is the dressing - it's quite easy but intensely flavored. Make everyone around you eat it, too, because the garlic (though partially cooked) is strong!

Use the amounts called for in the recipe as suggestions - I'm sure I add more cheese and tomatoes, and I keep the Kalamata olives to my side of the bowl!

Greek Salad

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

juice of one large lemon (at least two tablespoons)

salt and pepper

2 hearts Romaine lettuce, chopped

2 plum tomatoes, diced

1/2 medium red onion, sliced very thin

1/2 seedless cucumber, sliced thin

1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, chopped

1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives

1/4 pound feta cheese, crumbled or diced

2 T. fresh oregano (optional)

Put the minced garlic in a microwave safe bowl and cover with oil. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. Whisk in lemon juice, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Dip in a cucumber slice or piece of lettuce and check the taste - does it need more salt or lemon juice?

Combine the lettuce, vegetables, cheese, and oregano. Toss with dressing.