As the weather gets cooler, many families take their meals outdoors to enjoy the nice fall temperatures while sharing special moments together. More time spent eating meals on the deck or patio calls for recipes that fit your al fresco theme from plant-forward takes on traditional summer fare to platters and spreads that offer everyone something to smile about. For a unique twist on the classic backyard burger, prepare fresh Falafel Burgers with Cucumber Sauce that provide a plant-based way to emphasize nutrition at the center of your plate. As a trendy way to rethink summer cooking, this family-friendly recipe keeps flavor top of mind while adding plants to the menu.
If lunchtime or snacking in the sunshine calls for an even lighter dish, this Mediterranean Platter offers an opportunity for stylish expression that can be prepared ahead of time. As a simple snack that encourages people to gather and socialize, it’s a perfect summer spread that combines veggies, hummus, cheese and pita bread. Visit Aramark’s Feed Your Potential website, www.fyp365.com, to find more ways to celebrate the season.
Mediterranean Platter
1/2 Lemon, thinly sliced
3/4 Teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/4 Teaspoon sugar
3 3/4 Teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 Cup diced tomato
1 Cup diced English cucumber
1 Tablespoon diced dill pickle
2 Tablespoons sliced green onion
2 Tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
1 1/2 Teaspoons red wine vinegar
1/8 Teaspoon ground black pepper
1 Pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
3 Cups hummus
1/2 Cup crumbled feta cheese
1 1/4 Cups pitted mixed olives
6 Pita breads, warmed and quartered
In bowl, mix lemon, 1/4 teaspoon salt and sugar. Cover and chill 2-6 hours. Dice lemon. Mix diced lemon and 1/4 teaspoon olive oil. Cover and chill. Mix diced lemon, tomato, cucumber, pickle, green onion, parsley, vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and chill.
Lightly oil grill rack and heat grill to medium. Mix pepper, asparagus, remaining oil and remaining salt.
Grill asparagus 2 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Let cool. Cover and chill.
Set large serving platter on work surface. Place hummus and tomato salad in small bowls. To assemble, place larger items on platter then arrange smaller items around them. Group pita in several small stacks next to bowls. Arrange feta and olives in remaining space.