Mediterranean Platter

Directions:

In bowl, mix lemon, 1/4 teaspoon salt and sugar. Cover and chill 2-6 hours. Dice lemon. Mix diced lemon and 1/4 teaspoon olive oil. Cover and chill.

Mix diced lemon, tomato, cucumber, pickle, green onion, parsley, vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and chill. Lightly oil grill rack and heat grill to medium. Mix pepper, asparagus, remaining oil and remaining salt.

Grill asparagus 2 minutes, or until tendercrisp. Let cool. Cover and chill. If lunchtime or snacking in the sunshine calls for a lighter dish, this Mediterranean Platter offers an opportunity for stylish expression that can be prepared ahead of time. As a simple snack that encourages people to gather and socialize, it’s a perfect summer spread that combines veggies, hummus, cheese and pita bread.

Ingredients:

q 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced q 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided q 1/4 teaspoon sugar q 3 3/4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided q 1 cup diced tomato q 1 cup diced English cucumber q 1 tablespoon diced dill pickle q 2 tablespoons sliced green onion q 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped q 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar q 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper q 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed q 3 cups hummus q 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese q 1 1/4 cups pitted mixed olives q 6 pita breads, warmed and quartered

To assemble, place larger items on platter then arrange smaller items around them. Group pita in several small stacks next to bowls. Arrange feta and olives in remaining space.