Oh glorious summer! With the sun shining down upon us and a nice warm breeze, it’s time for cookouts, barbecue parties and potlucks. Only this time, you can’t get away with bringing along a 24 pack of Bud Light as your only contribution. You’re an adult now. Learn to cook something! Never fear, for we have a quick and easy recipe that even a stove top-fearing, take-out junkie like you can master. And the best part? It’s tasty too. Impress your friends by bringing a little bit of Greece to the rooftop potluck in the middle of your urban jungle. This recipe is perfect for hot nights when the wind is blowing… where do you think you’re going baby? (Sorry, but you know that song will be playing). Get yourself to the grocery store to find these lovely vegetables that are already in season. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

3 large vine-ripened tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 cucumber, seeded, peeled and coarsely chopped

½ red onion, peeled and finely chopped

1 cup Kalamata olives

1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

6 Tbsp of olive oil

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

A half cup of imported Greek feta cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon of dill weed

1 teaspoon of dried oregano

Combine oil, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano and dill weed by whisking in a bowl or shaking vigorously in a small plastic container with a lid (three cheers for apartment living!). Add salt and pepper to taste. Combine your vegetables in a large salad bowl. Add your feta cheese, pour your salad dressing mixture over everything, and you’re ready to rock and roll! Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator to let the flavor sink in. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, bring along some warm pita bread for your guests (it’s always a good idea to have carbs on hand to absorb the wine you’ll be guzzling).

And if an attractive stranger compliments you on your delicious Greek salad creation, let the booze embolden you. With a smile say, “I totally made this… and this is tasty, so here’s my number. Call me, maybe?”