Do you love summer food as much as I do? To my way of thinking, summer is prime time for eating. The foods of summer look beautiful, taste delicious and make the task of eating healthy extremely easy. So, while I’ll never turn down yummy pot roast or hearty soup come mid-January, I’m much happier eating salads, fruit, fresh vegetables and grilled meat during May through September.
Last summer, my family’s favorite dinner was Salad with Grilled Chicken. This year, even though summer is barely underway, I think we’ve settled on a new favorite – Greek Chicken Pitas. Oh my, these are good. They’re also a quick and easy family dinner. And, you can adapt them easily for young children and picky eaters.
Greek Chicken Pitas don’t really require a recipe (but I’ve included one below because the recipe format is easy to print). Start with enough boneless, skinless chicken breasts to serve your family, plus extra if you want leftovers (you will!). Grill or pan saute the chicken. While it’s cooking, cut up tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and Greek olives.
Crumble some feta cheese (or buy it already crumbled) and get out the hummus (my friend Christina’s hummus recipe is awesome, but you can also buy hummus at the grocery store) and a nice simple salad dressing (preferably your own red wine vinaigrette – bottled dressing will not do for these pitas!) When the chicken is finished, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice it thin. Cut whole wheat pita breads in half.
Arrange all of the ingredients on one or two large plates, with the hummus and maybe the feta in small bowls and the vinaigrette in a bottle or small pitcher. Invite the family to the table and let everyone make his or her own sandwich. Chicken goes into the pita halves first, but beyond that each person can add his or her favorite ingredients and leave off non-favorites.
Picky eaters can go super simple – chicken in pita, with maybe a milder cheese on top. Vegetarians can forgo the chicken. Be sure to drizzle some vinaigrette over the top after all of the ingredients have been added!
Serve with some fresh fruit and enjoy an unbelievably delicious and healthy summer meal. And the next day, the leftovers are equally delicious for lunch.
Are you a “summer food fan” like me? What are your favorite summer foods and meals? And do you have a favorite quick and easy family dinner? Please share them in the Comments – I would love to hear from you.
Are you looking for more quick and healthy family dinners? Download a copy of my free ebook – 24 Quick and Healthy Family Meals.
Greek Chicken Pitas
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- Whole wheat pita breads
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Lettuce
- Feta cheese
- Hummus
- Greek olives
- Red wine vinaigrette
Juggling Real Food (@JugglngRealFood) says
Thanks for the great idea Gaye! I’m sitting here putting my weekly meal plan together and was looking for a quick meal to eat before my daughter’s softball game. You know I love hummus……..and this is a great way to use it in a satisfying meal. I love your vinaigrette too.
dishofdailylife says
I love this kind of meal! And it’s easy to put together too, which is even better. I can’t wait to try it! Thanks for linking it up with us at Foodie Fridays!
GC says
Thanks Michelle! I am all about easy and delicious!
Gaye
DeDivahDeals says
I love Pita sandwiches! Thanks for posting this week at the #WWDParty.
GC says
I always enjoy linking up with WWD!
Gaye
DeDivahDeals says
I always enjoy seeing your posts!