Best Summer Squash Salad With Lemon Capers And Parmesan Recipes

CRUNCHY LEMON-PESTO GARDEN SALAD

Steps:

• In a bowl, whisk together the first 6 ingredients until blended. In another bowl, combine squash, cucumbers, peas, Parmesan and green onions. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Top with bacon to serve.

SUMMER SQUASH SALAD WITH LEMON, CAPERS AND PARMESAN

Steps:

• Mash garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt, put in a small bowl and whisk in lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes and then whisk in olive oil.
• Using a mandoline or sharp chef's knife, cut squash into very thin ovals (1/16 inch thick). Put into a medium bowl and toss with 2/3 of the vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper.
• Combine Arugula, parsley, chives and capers in a separate bowl, season with salt and pepper, and toss with just enough vinaigrette to lightly coat.
• Layer about 1/3 of squash in a shallow bowl or platter, scatter 1/3 of arugula mixture on top and sprinkle with 1/3 of the grated Parmesan. Repeat layering two more times.
• For garnish, shave long strips of Parmesan with a vegetable peeler onto the salad. Serve immediately.

MEDITERRANEAN SALAD WITH LEMON CAPER VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine dressing ingredients in cruet or jar. Shake well to combine ingredients. This can be done in advance.
• Divide salad greens into four dishes. Top with tomatoes, olives, feta, and onion.
• Shake dressing and pour over salad. (You may not need all the dressing).

SUMMER PASTA WITH ZUCCHINI, RICOTTA AND BASIL

Steps:

• Put a pot of water on to boil. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the onions in 3 tablespoons olive oil until softened, 5 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat as necessary to keep onions from browning. Add zucchini, season generously with salt and pepper, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until rather soft, about 10 minutes. Turn off heat.
• Meanwhile, use a mortar and pestle to pound garlic, basil and a little salt into a rough paste (or use a mini food processor). Stir in 3 tablespoons olive oil.
• Salt the pasta water well and put in the pasta, stirring. Boil per package instructions but make sure to keep pasta quite al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of cooking water.
• Add cooked pasta to zucchini in skillet and turn heat to medium-high. Add 1/2 cup cooking water, then the ricotta, crushed red pepper and lemon zest, stirring to distribute. Check seasoning and adjust. Cook for 1 minute more. Mixture should look creamy. Add a little more pasta water if necessary. Add the basil paste and half the grated cheese and quickly stir to incorporate. Spoon pasta into warm soup plates and sprinkle with additional cheese. Serve immediately.