Greek Salad

Celebrity dietitian and motivational life coach Tanya Zuckerbrot, author of www.ffactordiet.com and founder of www.skinnyandthecity.com, has helped thousands of people lose weight and keep it off with her program. Her philosohpy? Tanya believes you should never sacrifice taste, even when you're eating healthy foods.

Recipe may vary from photograph Photo: Getty Images

My favorite lunch at a diner is a Greek Salad. But did you know that a Greek Salad can pack as much as 600 calories and 50 grams of fat due to all the feta cheese, stuffed grape leaves and olive oil? Most people think they're doing their bodies right by ordering salads, but this one can be a disaster if you're not careful. That's why I love making this low-cal verision at home.

Although feta cheese is a source of protein, you should be aware that just one-half a cup contains a whopping 300 calories and 23 grams of fat. By reducing the amount of feta cheese and lightening up the vinaigrette, I shaved off close to 400 calories and 30 grams of fat, making this a figure-friendly delight!

For a delicious and satisfying meal, I often top mine with grilled chicken or tuna for an added boost of protein -- these will fill you up without filling you out.

Dressing Ingredients

6 Tbs olive oil

2 Tbs fresh lemon juice

1/2 tsp fresh chopped garlic

1 tsp red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp dried dill weed

salt and pepper, to taste

Salad Ingredients

3 large plum tomatoes, seeded, coarsely chopped

1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, coarsely chopped

1/3 red onion, peeled, chopped

1 green bell pepper, seeded coarsely chopped

1/2 cup pitted black olives, coarsely chopped

6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions

1. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar, oregano and dill weed until well blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

2. Combine the salad ingredients, minus the cheese. Toss with dressing.

3. Sprinkle cheese over top and serve.

Serves 6

Nutrition Facts, Per Serving:

225 calories, 7g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 5g protein, 20g total fat, 5g sat. fat, 411mg sodium.

Readers, I would love to hear from you! Please send me your most favorite fattening recipes that need a RECIPE REHAB! Everything from your mom's meatloaf to your kid's favorite dessert -- let me lighten it up.