Pork Souvlaki Salad with Black Pepper Tzatziki
by David Bonom
Souvlaki, a traditional Greek dish of skewered and grilled meat, is often served in pita as a sandwich. Here, it’s reimagined as a fresh, summery main course salad.
serves 4
4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil; more for the pan
3 Tbs. red wine vinegar
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. dried oregano
1-1/2 lb. pork tenderloin, cut into 20 rounds (about 1/2 inch thick)
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 English cucumber, peeled, grated, excess liquid squeezed out
1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice; more as needed
Kosher salt and coarsely ground black pepper
8 cups mixed baby greens
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup crumbled feta
Prepare a grill for direct grilling over medium-high heat (about 400°F). In a medium bowl, combine 1 Tbs. of the oil, 2 Tbs. of the vinegar, a third of the garlic, and the oregano. Add the pork, toss to coat, and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together 1 Tbs. of the oil, the remaining garlic, the yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Set aside. Thread 5 pieces of pork horizontally onto each of four 12-inch metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers, leaving about 1/2 inch of space between pieces. Season the pork with 1/2 tsp. salt. Grill, turning the skewers occasionally, until the pork is well marked and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes total.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the greens, tomatoes, and feta with the remaining 1 Tbs. vinegar, then with 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/8 tsp. pepper, and the remaining 2 Tbs. oil. Arrange the salad on plates or a serving platter. Lay the pork skewers on top, spoon some of the tzatziki over the pork, and serve with the remaining tzatziki on the side.
Serving Suggestions
To round out the meal, serve toasted pita alongside.
nutrition information (per serving):
Calories
(kcal):
490;
Fat
(g):
31;
Fat Calories
(kcal):
270;
Saturated Fat
(g):
11;
Protein
(g):
45;
Monounsaturated Fat
(g):
15;
Carbohydrates
(g):
11;
Polyunsaturated Fat
(g):
2.5;
Sodium
(mg):
650;
Cholesterol
(mg):
135;
Fiber
(g):
3;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 118
, pp. 13
July 5, 2012