Easy Summer Sides

I'm apparently so obsessed with taking pictures of my sweet baby boy that my iPhone is totally maxed out on storage, so no photos of these--you'll just have to use your imagination!  Both of these are super easy, healthy, fresh and light, which makes them perfect summer side dishes.

Cannellini Bean Salad

1 can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 zucchini, sliced
10-15 basil leaves, chiffonade
1/4 cup Parmesan
Lemon zest
Juice from 1/2 lemon
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Toss all ingredients together.  Serve.

Inspired by a recipe on theglitterguide.com

Pita Bread Salad

2 pitas, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 heart of Romaine, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
Mint, chopped (my grocery store was all out of mint, so I skipped it, which was fine but I think it would be tasty and will use some next time)
6 oz. crumbled feta
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350.  Toss pita pieces with a little bit of olive oil, then put in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Toast in the oven for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and browned.  Meanwhile, put lettuce, cucumber, celery, mint and feta in a large bowl.  Pour vinegar into a small bowl, then slowly stream in olive oil while whisking to mix.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Top salad with warm pita, add dressing, toss and serve.

Inspired by a recipe on thewiegands.com