A few weeks ago we had the chance to cook up a Greek Summer Salad of local goodness at the Franklin Farmers Market for our monthly Chef Saturday. We featured eggplants, tomatoes, summer squash and cucumbers from Delvin Farms, Kirkview Farms and Bloomsbury Farms, plus goat cheese feta from Noble Springs. This recipe is a “snapshot” of summer so to speak, and captures the beautiful fresh flavors of the sun. It’s so simple you should try it this weekend!

Greek Summer Salad

Serves 4-6

1 large eggplant
2 cucumbers
2 summer squash
2 large ripe tomatoes
1 large red bell pepper
4oz. goat cheese feta
a few basil leaves
3 tbls virgin olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Heat a large griddle pan or fire up the grill. Slice the eggplant into ½” rounds, season with a little salt and pepper and a little drizzle of the olive oil. Place them on the griddle or grill and cook for 2 minutes, then turn them over and cook for 2 more minutes or until the eggplant are slightly charred and soft in the middle. Set aside to cool. Peel the cucumber and slice in half and remove the seeds, then cut into strips and the dice cross-wise. Reserve to a large mixing bowl. Dice the squash, tomatoes and red bell pepper and add them to the bowl. Now dice the eggplant and add it to the bowl. Crumble the goat feta over the vegetables and then tear the basil leaves and add them, the remaining olive oil, the lemon juice to the bowl Season with a pinch of salt and the fresh ground pepper. Mix well and let sit for a few minutes to let the flavors develop. Serve as a side dish or as a flavorful base to grilled chicken or pork chops. We hope you agree this greek salad favorite reaches new heights with local farm ingredients. Enjoy!

Chef Michael R. Martin
South Fork Catering