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Recipes/Vegetables & Sides

Pasta Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Pan-Roasted Zucchini

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Recipe and photo courtesy of Viviane Bauquet Farre of\u00a0<\/em>Food & Style<\/a><\/h4>","

Recipe and photo courtesy of Viviane Bauquet Farre of\u00a0<\/em>

Ingredients

For the pan-roasted zucchinis

2 tablespoons California Olive Ranch extra virgin olive oil
3 baby zucchinis (about 6” long) – ends trimmed and cut in 1/2” dices
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

For the pasta

2 ears fresh sweet corn – husks removed
2 garlic cloves – skinned and crushed (use microplane grater)
1 1/4 teaspoons sea salt or to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 teaspoons aged balsamic vinegar
6 tablespoons California Olive Ranch extra virgin olive oil
2 lbs (907gr) red, purple or black heirloom tomatoes – seeded and cut in 1/2” dices
1 bunch fresh chives – cut in 1/4” slices (use kitchen scissors)
24 large basil leaves – torn in 1” pieces
1 tablespoon sea salt for the pasta water
1 lb (454gr) mezzi rigatoni, penne rigate, ziti or ditali pasta
7 oz (198gr) goat milk feta cheese – crumbled
small basil leaves as garnish

Instructions

Heat a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add the California Olive Ranch extra virgin olive oil and zucchinis. Sauté for 7 to 8 minutes, until golden-brown, tossing only occasionally. Sprinkle with the salt. Toss again and transfer to a bowl to cool. Set aside.
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the corn and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from pot and transfer to a bowl filled with cold water. As soon as the corn has cooled, transfer to a clean kitchen towel and pat dry. Using a sharp knife, shave the kernels from the corn. Set aside.
In a large bowl, place the garlic, salt, pepper, vinegar and oil. Whisk until well blended. Add the corn, tomatoes, chives and basil. Toss until well mixed and set aside.
Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil. When the water is boiling, add 1 tablespoon of salt and the pasta. Cook pasta according to package instructions, until very al dente– about 1 minute less than what package calls for. Drain and rinse with cold water until cooled. Shake off the excess water. Add to the tomato mixture. Mix well and let stand at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before serving.
When ready to serve – Add the pan-roasted zucchini to the pasta and stir well. Spoon pasta into individual bowls or a large serving platter. Crumble the feta on top and garnish with small basil leaves. Drizzle with a little more California Olive Ranch extra virgin olive oil if desired. Finish with freshly ground black pepper and serve.

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