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+ servings

Grilled Corn Zucchini Salad with White Beans and Lemon Dressing

A vibrant California-style salad featuring grilled corn, zucchini, creamy white beans, fresh basil, and crunchy pecans in a zesty lemon dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 295

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 2 medium zucchini halved lengthwise
  • 2 ears corn husks removed
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil for brushing vegetables
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves torn
  • ¼ cup pecans chopped, toasted if desired
  • 4 tablespoons pecorino Romano cheese shaved
Lemon Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil preferably California olive oil
  • 1 whole lemon zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice)
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar

Method
 

Prepare the Beans and Dressing
  1. Rinse the cannellini beans in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the liquid runs clear. Shake off excess moisture and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped rosemary and toss gently.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and honey until well combined. Pour the dressing over the beans and toss to coat. Let the beans marinate at room temperature while you grill the vegetables, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Grill the Vegetables
  1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, around 350°F to 375°F. Brush the cut sides of the zucchini and the whole corn cobs with the tablespoon of olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
  2. Place the zucchini cut-side down on the grill grates and set the corn directly on the grill. Cover the grill. Cook the zucchini for 5 to 6 minutes, until char marks appear, then flip and cook another 5 to 6 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, rotate the corn every 4 to 5 minutes, cooking for 15 to 18 minutes total, until lightly charred on all sides. Remove zucchini and corn from the grill as they finish and let cool slightly.
Assemble the Salad
  1. Once the vegetables are cool enough to handle, dice the zucchini into bite-sized pieces. Stand each corn cob upright and slice the kernels off the cob. Add the grilled zucchini and corn to the bowl with the marinated beans.
  2. Add the torn basil leaves and chopped pecans to the bowl. Gently toss all ingredients until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
  3. To serve as a main course, divide the salad among four plates and top each portion with shaved pecorino cheese. For a side dish, place the cheese on the side or sprinkle it over the whole salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 295kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 12gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3.5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 520mgFiber: 8gSugar: 7g

Notes

For a nut-free version, replace pecans with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
If you don't have fresh rosemary, use 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed, or substitute with fresh thyme.
Leftover salad (without cheese) keeps in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days; serve cold or at room temperature.
To save time, you can grill the vegetables ahead and refrigerate them; bring to room temperature before assembling.
For extra California flavor, use a Meyer lemon in the dressing and garnish with a few slices of avocado.
The dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge; whisk before using.

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