This pasta (or quinoa) salad with vegetables and pesto is delicious! I decided to use orzo pasta instead of quinoa and also used summer squash and zucchini. It’s an easy salad to put together and pairs well with BBQ or as a main dish. I enjoyed leftovers the next day with a sliced grilled chicken breast on top. While this would be good any time of the year, but it’s especially good on a hot summer’s day.
Pesto Zucchini and Corn Pasta Salad
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed (I used 1 cup orzo)
- 1 3/4 cups water or broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 4 cups zucchini (~2 medium sized zucchini), diced (I used yellow squash and zucchini)
- 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (15 ounce) can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained (or 1 1/2 cups cooked beans, from 1/2 cup dry)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or store bought)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
DIRECTIONS:
- Bring the water and quinoa (or pasta) to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed the water, about 15 minutes, remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, covered.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil over medium-high heat, add the garlic, zucchini and corn and cook until tender, about 12 minutes, before removing from heat and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix everything and enjoy!
Recipe from ClosetCooking
Fork Lore 