Greek Garbanzo Bean and Sausage Salad

Makes 6 to 8 servings


Active time: 15 minutes


Start to finish: 45 minutes, including 30 minutes to chill

VARIATIONS

Substitute kidney beans or black beans for garbanzo beans.

Substitute bulk Sweet Italian Sausage, North African Lamb Sausage, or Lugangega for Lukanika.

Lemon and oregano, a classic Greek combination, are added to the dressing for this colorful salad with dotted with tomatoes, bell pepper, and scallions.

Dressing:

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/2 cup olive oil

Salad:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/3 pound bulk Loukanika, Hot Italian Sausage, or purchased hearty sausage

2 (15-ounce) cans garbanzo, drained and rinsed

1/2 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, and chopped

3 scallions, white parts and 3 inches of green tops, sliced

2 ripe plum tomatoes, cored, seeded, and diced

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1. For dressing, combine lemon juice, garlic, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake well. Add olive oil, and shake well again.

2. For salad, heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble sausage into the skillet and cook, breaking up lumps with a fork, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until browned.

3. Combine sausage, beans, red bell pepper, scallions, tomatoes, and feta in a mixing bowl, and toss with dressing. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to blend flavors.

Note: The dish can be prepared up to a day in advance and refrigerated, tightly covered. Allow it to reach room temperature before serving.