5 Mighty Mediterranean Recipes
By FBWorld Team

The robust flavors of Mediterranean cooking are perfect for summer entertaining, and you don't have to fly all the way to Europe to experience it. Just throw a dinner party this summer that will have everyone imagining they're in Italy, Greece, Turkey, or an exotic island in the Mediterranean.

	Butternut Squash Pilaf- Grated butternut squash adds color and nutrients to this brown rice pilaf. Greeks like to use winter squash, especially pumpkin, to make savory and sweet pies, fritters and croquettes, casseroles and myriad other dishes with fall's telltale vegetables, but these dishes are virtually unknown outside the country. It's traditionally made with pumpkin, but since most pumpkins in the U.S. are grown for carving jack-o'-lanterns (and not for cooking), we've modified the recipe to work with readily available butternut squash. The original dish calls for Greek pilaf rice, a short-grained, polished rice that is hard to find outside the country, so we've substituted instant brown rice. GET THIS RECIPE
	Lemon Basil Shrimp and Pasta - A zesty one-pot pasta dish is complete after tossing with capers, basil, olive oil, and lemon juice. Serve with focaccia or crusty baguette. GET THIS RECIPE
	Gigantes (Greek Lima Beans) - "This is a family recipe. In Greek, it's called 'Gigantes' which translates as 'Giants.' Try to find the largest dried lima beans possible. My aunt adds small canned sausages, but I prefer this meatless. Serve with feta cheese and a crusty bread. You can also substitute 2 teaspoons parsley for the dill if you prefer." - stamarex GET THIS RECIPE
	Salmon With Warm-Tomato Olive Salad - Salmon With Warm-Tomato Olive Salad Want to eat healthier? Try this recipe for a change of pace. GET THIS RECIPE
	Sea Bass with Tomato and Black Olive Salsa - And here's another variation on the seafood theme. GET THIS RECIPE