Grilled Yellow Squash

This is a tasty way to use up all the yellow squash you have pouring out of your garden every summer. I also do this same thing with zucchini.

Ingredients

• 4 medium yellow squash

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Step 1

  Preheat the grill for medium heat.

• Step 2

  Cut the squash horizontally into 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick slices so that you have nice long strips that won't fall through the grill.

• Step 3

  Heat olive oil in a small pan, and add garlic cloves. Cook over medium heat until the garlic starts to sizzle and become fragrant. Brush the slices of squash with the garlic oil, and season with salt and pepper.

• Step 4

  Grill squash slices for 5 to 10 minutes per side, until they reach the desired tenderness. Brush with additional garlic oil, and turn occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Zucchini Patties

These cheesy zucchini patties are easy to make and an excellent way to use up that abundance of zucchini from the garden.

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated zucchini

• 2 eggs, beaten

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup chopped onion

• salt to taste

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

1. Place zucchini, eggs, flour, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, onion, and salt in a medium bowl; stir until well combined.

2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Scoop tablespoonfuls of zucchini mixture into hot oil and fry, working in batches, until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.

Black Bean and Corn Salad

This refreshing salad is a perfect combination of hearty black beans, sweet corn, crisp bell peppers, zesty green onions, and a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. This salad is ideal for those looking for a nutritious and satisfying option, as it is rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. Enjoy this versatile salad as a side dish, a topping for tacos, or as a tasty and healthy snack.

Ingredients

• ½ cup olive oil

• ⅓ cup fresh lime juice

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 ½ cups frozen corn kernels

• 1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• 6 green onions, thinly sliced

• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Place olive oil, lime juice, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small jar. Close the lid tightly and shake the jar until the dressing is well combined.

2. Combine in a salad bowl beans, corn, avocado, bell pepper, tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro.

3. Shake dressing again, pour over salad, and toss to coat.

Greek Green Beans

A nice mix of green beans, onion, and tomatoes simmered until soft and delicious!

Ingredients

• ¾ cup olive oil

• 2 cups chopped onions

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed

• 3 large tomatoes, diced

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• salt to taste

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Cook and stir the onions and garlic in the skillet until tender.

3. Mix the green beans, tomatoes, sugar, and salt into the skillet.

4. Reduce heat to low, and continue cooking 45 minutes, or until beans are soft.

Spanakopita

This is an authentic Greek spanakopita pie recipe featuring layers of crispy, flaky phyllo dough and a rich spinach and feta cheese filling. Serve warm for an impressive but easy to make vegetarian main dish.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 1 bunch green onions, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 pounds spinach, rinsed and chopped

• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

• ½ cup ricotta cheese

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 8 sheets phyllo dough

• ¼ cup olive oil, or as needed

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly oil a 9-inch square baking pan.

3. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute chopped onion, green onions, and garlic in the hot oil until soft and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

4. Stir in spinach and parsley, and continue to saute until spinach is limp, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

5. Mix feta cheese, ricotta cheese, and eggs in a medium bowl until well combined. Stir in spinach mixture.

6. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking pan, and brush lightly with olive oil. Lay another sheet of phyllo dough on top and brush with olive oil. Repeat the process with two more sheets of phyllo dough; the sheets will overlap the pan.

7. Spread spinach and cheese mixture into the pan. Fold any overhanging dough over the filling. Brush with oil.

8. Layer the remaining 4 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with oil. Tuck overhanging dough into the pan to seal the filling.

9. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes.

10. Cut into squares and serve while hot.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Combining these two classic spring crops is the perfect way to bring in some refreshing, uplifting flavors as bright as a sunny spring day.

Ingredients

Dressing:

• ½ cup white sugar

• ½ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup distilled white vinegar

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

• 1 tablespoon minced onion

• ¼ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Salad:

• 1 quart strawberries - cleaned, hulled and sliced

• 10 ounces fresh spinach - rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces

• ¼ cup almonds, blanched and slivered

Directions

1. Make dressing: Whisk together sugar, oil, vinegar, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion, paprika, and Worcestershire in a medium bowl. Cover and chill for 1 hour.

2. Make salad: Combine strawberries, spinach, and almonds in a large bowl.

3. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.