Description
A delightful salad that combines fresh zucchini, nutty walnuts, and a tangy pepperoncini dressing for a vibrant and healthy dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup walnut halves
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sliced pickled pepperoncini, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (or cumin)
- 1/4 cup grated or shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, following package directions—around 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure to taste!
- Meanwhile, place the walnut halves in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast them until golden brown and fragrant, stirring occasionally for about 3 to 5 minutes. Once finished, transfer them to a cutting board to cool.
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When hot, add the zucchini slices, cooking and stirring only occasionally until they turn golden brown, around 6 to 7 minutes. Season them with 1/2 teaspoon of salt before removing the pan from heat.
- Finely chop the toasted walnuts and combine them in a medium bowl. Pour in the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil, followed by the lemon juice, chopped pepperoncini, scallions, parsley, minced garlic, coriander, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Stir well to mix the flavors.
- Once the orzo finishes cooking, drain it and place it in a large bowl. Add the sautéed zucchini and the pepperoncini dressing. Toss everything gently to combine.
- Finally, fold in the Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust with an extra pinch of salt if needed. Serve warm or let it rest for a bit to enjoy at room temperature.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh; can be made a few hours in advance to enhance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg