Spring has sprung in Athens! Summer is right around the corner and yes, that means the return of bathing suit season. With the weather heating up, it’s time to think about eating lighter, fresher dishes that are satisfying and will keep you in tip-top bikini shape. Here are some delicious, fresh and economical side dishes that are not only healthy, but very simple to prepare!
Lemony Lima Beans with Parmesan
When many see the words “lima bean”, an automatic ew comes to mind but this dish may change your mind. This simple recipe comes from Martha Stewart. No mushy, overcooked cafeteria beans here! You can use regular or baby lima beans for this recipe but I recommend baby ones.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of frozen lima beans, unthawed
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup of grated or shaved parmesan cheese
- salt & pepper
Directions:
1. Follow cooking instructions on back of lima bean bag. Cook the lima beans for only about 7-9 minutes to
avoid making them mushy. Drain and rinse with cold water. Pat try with paper towels.
2. Transfer lima beans to a large bowl. Stir in olive oil, lemon zest and lemon juice. Season with salt and
pepper.
3. Serve and sprinkle with parmesan
White Bean, Grape Tomato and Feta Salad
This recipe involves no cooking and can easily be made in a dorm kitchen! I like great northern beans but any kind of white bean works for this recipe. Though not an essential ingredient, I like to sprinkle a little bit of dried oregano into the dish.
Ingredients:
- 1, 15 oz can of white beans rinsed and drained.
- 1 pint of grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup of feta cheese (you can add more if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
- Salt & pepper
Directions:
One of the simplest dishes to prepare, all you have to do is stir together the ingredients in a large bowl. Voila!
Green Beans with Lemon & Feta Cheese
Got any of that feta cheese leftover? This is the perfect side dish to use it with! Spring and summer are the seasons for fresh green beans, but frozen green beans work just as well.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 of a small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 lb of fresh green beans, ends snapped. Or use 1 bag of frozen green beans.
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup of feta cheese
- Salt and pepper
Directions:
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Saute garlic and onion until tender. Stir in green beans. Stir in lemon juice.
2. Cook the beans for about 5 minutes, making sure you stir them a few times. If you are using frozen it may
take a bit longer for the beans to cook.
3. Pour green beans into a bowl or on a platter. Top with feta cheese and sprinkle with salt and pepper if you
wish. Serve warm.
4. If you so desire, feel free to squeeze a bit more lemon juice on the beans.