Simple Tuna Salad Recipe You Can Make Before Work

Not only is this a simple tuna salad Mediterranean style, but it is also an extremely healthy one. No processed ingredients are used and best of all, the top stays firmly on the mayo jar! This recipe will provide enough for several large plate servings where it is the main attraction or for many more where it is part of a larger catering operation such as a buffet. Of course if it is just for yourself then scale back accordingly. This salad is best made before going to work as the flavors really intensify while it is stored.

Photo: Taste.com.au

To make the dressing:

• 4 Tb good olive oil.
•  Juice of 1 whole lemon.
• 1 Tb Dijon mustard. 
• A few finely chopped tarragon or basil leaves, to taste, or 1 ½ tsp dried tarragon or 1 tsp dried basil.
• Fresh ground pepper & Kosher salt to taste.

Then Stir dressing into a salad mix made up of:

• 2 finely shredded medium sized carrots. 
• 24 oz canned tuna, drained and crumbled. 
• ½ bell pepper, chopped. 
• ½ small onion, chopped. 
• ½ c pitted and chopped olives. 
• 2-4 oz crumbled Feta cheese. 

The salad can be eaten immediately after preparing but the combining of all the different flavors is the thing that really makes this dish work. Admittedly it is a little bit more involved than just slapping some mayo and the contents of a tin of tuna into a bowl and stirring in some chopped onion but your taste buds will really thank you for the small amount of extra effort. Serve on a bed of crisp lettuce or with cut tomatoes. 

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Is it Too Late For a Summer Garden?

Summer is here and with it comes summer gardens. These summer gardens are not only a delight for the eye, but for the body too. Now is the time to put on the finishing touches. If you did not put out seeds then plants are still a viable option. There are many great plants available. Greenhouses and nurseries offer a wide variety.  

Even if you are a little late in the planting season you still have plenty of time for reaping. The later planting only means more watering for some plants and finding a shade for others. Consider what you are planting then go ahead and take a step out.
 
Herbs do well in well drained soil and lots of sunlight. Herbs include thyme, basil, oregano, tarragon, and mint. These will thrive well in small areas or containers and make a great addition to your recipes.

Tomatoes are available for just about every climate. Most tomatoes thrive in mild temperatures, but need lots of direct sunlight. Some tomatoes are more heat and drought resistant. Know your climate and plant accordingly.
 
There are so many peppers it would take pages just to name them. Peppers are also available in plants. I have found peppers are about the easiest plant to grow. They do well in direct sunlight and can withstand the afternoon sun. However, for me, the best produce is during the fall. Don't get me wrong, peppers produce all summer, but when fall comes. . .WOW can they put out!
 
Cucumbers are also a great garden plant. There are so many things to do with these delights. Eating them raw is just one option. If you are into canning they make great pickles. These can be canned without a lot of trouble. 

 
Peas and green beans come up from seed rather quickly and put on fruit almost as fast. If you have never tried fresh peas or green beans you have missed out. These little wonders can provide the body with much needed nutrition such as vitamin A and calcium. Fresh peas can provide one of the best colon cleanses available. For this reason eat fresh peas and beans with care. You may enjoy the moment, but despise the after effect.
 
If you live in a cooler region, you can plant lettuce. It is a cool weather plant and fresh lettuce is a real treat. If you have a green house with a shade, or an area with lots of shade you can still get by with planting lettuce even in the summer time. 

 
One of my favorite vegetables is okra. This plant tolerates heat well and is usually planted in May and ready to harvest around July. Okra provides many great vitamins, minerals, and is a source of protein and fiber as well. Okra is one that needs to be planted from seed. It does not transplant well. 

 
There are so many plants available for a great garden. Some I didn't mention include: squash, melons, and eggplant. Enjoy your summer and add some freshness to it with a great garden. It not only provides a great meal, but also a great work out!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Growing Your Own Fruit & Veg Is Simple And Easy | VIDEO

Growing your own herbs, fruits and vegetables is a very easy task and can be done in very different places and various ways, you just have to be creative, dedicate some time to take care of your plants and nature will reward you with amazing, fresh and home-grown produce that can be used for your health, nutrition and beauty purposes.

Potted sweet peas

No matter if you own a house with a large outdoor space or live in the smallest of apartments, you can have your garden adjusted to your space and needs. In apartments - balconies and even windowsills can be used as little gardens where herbs or smaller vegetables, e.g., mini tomatoes, lettuce, peas or beans can be grown. Larger spaces will allow you to plant all kinds of fruit and veg in designated veg and fruit raised beds, you will have enough space to plant also fruit trees and even have your own greenhouse.

Greenhouse

The simplest way to start a garden is by obtaining potting soil and plant containers from local garden centers or from neighbors who already do some gardening. This will work the best for people who want to grow their own herbs and veg but does not have enough space.  

Raised veg beds for carrots (in front), garlic (to the right), spring onion and scallions (at the back)

Last weekend I spent some time in Waterford, visiting my family and had a great chat with my Dad who is a proud gardener with huge experience growing his own food. He walked me through his garden and we had a great chat about different herbs, fruit & veg he is growing this year. Watch the video to see my Dad's garden and find out how easy it is to grow your own food and how little you really need to start your own little garden project:

Feeling very inspired myself and might give it a try. I am keen to start growing my own herbs for tea and food, especially sage which is super great for the health of your skin & body, has anti-inflammatory effects for rosecea skin and acne, and is just really tasty and adds lots of flavour to your food.

Sage

Apple trees

Greenhouse and raised beds with herbs