Grilled Squash and Orzo Salad with Pine Nuts and Mint Recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs mixed yellow squash and zucchini
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 lb orzo pasta
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. Champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint leaves
• 16 ounces cherry tomatoes (optional)
• Parmesan cheese for shaving (optional)

Directions

Trim and cut the squash lengthwise into slices 1/4-inch thick. Put in a bowl with cherry tomatoes, if using, and add 1/2 Tbsp. of the oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and a few grindings of pepper. Mix to coat.

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-high heat. Grill the squash and tomatoes (if using), turning once, until tender, 5-8 minutes total. Let cool and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces, and put in a large bowl.

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold running water.

Meanwhile, in a dry frying pan, toast the pine nuts over medium-low heat, stirring, until fragrant and starting to brown, 3-4 minutes. Pour onto a plate to cool.

Add the orzo to the squash and tomatoes (if using) along with the remaining 1 Tbsp. oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and pine nuts and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with the mint. Just before serving, use a vegetable peeler to shave the cheese over the salad, if using, and serve.

From Williams-Sonoma Salad of the Day: 365 Recipes for Every Day of the Year (Weldon Owen) by Georgeanne Brennan.

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