Make Mine Mediterranean.

A lot of us take comfort in Italian food, but who says you can't veer from that regular ol' plate of pasta toward something a little more adventuresome for a change? Me? I'm all for it.

For starters, Mediterranean meals always send me into a sunny little zone bursting with some of the best flavors going, including fresh herbs, exotic spices and, of course, ripe olives…What's more, this stuff is actually healthy for you. With a diet widely based on whole grains, fresh veggies, lean meats and monounsaturated fats, these folks are some of the healthiest people around. Now, tell me, what's not to love here?

Of course, we'll make it easy for you. You don't have to leave the country to enjoy some of the finest flavors of the Mediterranean. Combining chicken, bulgur, harissa and California Ripe Olives, our latest recipe will take you there and back before bedtime.

Harissa Chicken Olive Bulgur

• 4 cups cooked medium bulgur
• 4 cups roasted chicken, pulled into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cups blanched green beans, cut to 2-inches
• 1 cup California Ripe Olives, whole pitted
• 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
• 1 Tbsp. harissa paste Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, bulgur, green beans, California Ripe Olives, almonds and harissa. Mix until evenly combined. Serve warm or room temperature. Serves 4.