Light Summer Suppers - Greek Style

Light Summer Suppers

Greek Style

Greek cuisine is a wonderful platform for a healthy, light supper. In the heat of summer nobody really wants to eat a lot of heavy comfort food that will weigh down the body and pack on the pounds. Eating heavily can also cause your body temperature to raise and your metabolism to slow down. Greek food is a natural for the light lifestyle because there is an emphasis on grilled meats, seafood and fresh vegetables.

A light and delicious starter is grilled shrimp and a tzatziki dip. Toss the shrimp with some garlic and lemon juice and place on kebob skewers. They cook quickly so watch for them to turn bright pink and quickly remove them. Tzatziki dip is simply lowfat or fat free yogurt mixed with salt, pepper, lemon juice, peeled and diced cucumber, and a minced garlic clove. If you're not a fan of shrimp or are allergic to shellfish substitute with sliced lengths of zucchini, peppers, and lightly steamed asparagus.

Build your main course on a salad. Greek salads have become very popular in this country but traditionally they are laden with oil, cheese, and olives and full of fat and calories. Start with a base mix of spinach, romaine, and any other fresh greens you like. Top with cucumber slices and fresh ripe tomato chunks. Marinate chicken breasts, lean steak (flank or filet), lamb chops, or pork tenderloin in a mixture of garlic, lemon, chopped mint and basil, salt, pepper, and a small amount of olive oil. Grill until done, cut into cubes or shred and place on salad. Top with chopped Greek olives and lowfat feta crumbles. Chopping the olives adds fewer calories than simply throwing them on whole, and there are lots of delicious lowfat and fat free feta cheeses available. Toss with your favorite vinaigrette or simply whisk together the juice of two lemons, ¼ cup red wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, a clove of minced garlic, a tablespoon of honey, and some chopped mint and basil.