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Warm Pasta Salad with Grilled Tomatoes, Zucchini & Pecorino Recipe

Warm Pasta Salad with Grilled Tomatoes, Zucchini & Pecorino

Serves ten to twelve as a side dish or six as a main course.

1-1/2 lb. ripe plum tomatoes (about 8), cored and halved lengthwise
1-1/4 lb. small zucchini (about 4), trimmed and halved lengthwise
5 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
4 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
2 tsp. kosher salt; more as needed
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; more as needed
6 oz. Pecorino Romano, shaved with a vegetable peeler (about 2 cups)
1 lb. dried penne
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh chives
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

Prepare a medium fire on a gas grill or a medium-hot charcoal fire. In a large bowl, toss the tomatoes and zucchini with 2 Tbs. of the oil, 2 tsp. of the thyme, and the salt and pepper.

Set the vegetables cut side down on the grill and cook without moving them until they have good grill marks, 5 to 7 minutes. Flip and cook until browned and tender, 6 to 8 more minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool for a couple of minutes. Coarsely chop, return them to the same large bowl along with 1-1/2 cups of the pecorino, and toss. Let sit for up to a couple of hours at room temperature.

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook, stirring often, until just al dente, about 11 minutes. Drain well and toss with the tomato mixture, 3 Tbs. of the chives, the remaining 3 Tbs. olive oil and the balsamic vinegar. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste and transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 Tbs. chives, 2 tsp. thyme, and 1/2 cup pecorino, and serve.

Make Ahead Tips

You can grill the tomatoes and zucchini a couple of hours before serving. Hold them in a large bowl at room temperature. Cook the pasta just before guests arrive and toss it with the vegetables.
nutrition information (per serving):
Size : based on twelve servings; Calories (kcal): 260; Fat (g): 11; Fat Calories (kcal): 90; Saturated Fat (g): 4; Protein (g): 9; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 4; Carbohydrates (g): 32; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 1; Sodium (mg): 480; Cholesterol (mg): 15; Fiber (g): 2;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 86 , pp. 26d
July 1, 2007


user reviews

Star Star Star Star Star I am not a big fan of zucchini but this was delicious. Even my kids ate it.
Star Star Star Star Star served it with grilled chicken for July 4th. Made it as directed. It was a big hit. Some even skipped the chicken and had the pasta as their main course.
Star Star Star Star Star
Star Star Star Star Star This is wonderful! Very tasty - served it for a pre marathon pasta dinner and it was scooped up by everyone...Used a wonderful fig balsamic vinegar..a little more than the recipe called for..yummy.
Star Star Star Star Star I served this at a dinner party and it was a hit.