Another Farmers Market Summer Salad
Israeli Couscous, Wilted Kale, Grilled Corn, Nectarines
Pickled Red Onion, Fresh Mozzarella, Toasted Pecans
Labor Day has come and gone… it was the official end of summer you say? Not so fast! We still have a bounty of lovely summer produce at our Farmers Market; juicy sweet aromatic nectarines and corn that is at its best just-picked, when it is high in sugar and low in starch. These beauties are the inspiration for this colorful fruit & vegetable summer salad.
Israeli couscous is airy, toasty, and kind of fun. Perfect for summer. This roasted pasta is shaped like little balls, it makes a pasta salad that’s light and not too pasta-y. Fruit and vegetables are the stars, but the couscous makes it into a pleasingly varied and balanced meal. A vibrant healthy meal for summer’s waning hot days…
Farmers Market Summer Salad Recipe
Israeli Couscous and Wilted Kale
In a medium saucepan, toast 8 oz. couscous in a tablespoon of olive oil. When golden brown, slowly add 1 3/4 c. boiling water. Cover and cook over medium low heat until the water is absorbed. Cool to room temperature.
Remove ribs and tear curly kale into pieces. Rinse in cool water. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add red chile flakes and minced garlic, then cook for one minute. Add kale with water still clinging to the leaves. Stir, cover and cook until the kale wilts. Remove cover and add a good splash of red wine vinegar. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
Toss Israeli couscous with kale. Add a drizzle of olive oil and salt to taste.
Grilled Corn
Grill corn until charred in spots. Shave corn kernels off the cob with a sharp knife, leaving kernels in slabs connected to each other.
Summer Salad Composition
- Israeli Couscous and Wilted Kale
- Grilled Corn
- Nectarines (sliced into wedges)
- Pickled Red Onion
- Fresh Mozzarella (ciliegine – cherry shaped, halved)
- Toasted Pecans (rough chopped)
- Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper
Arrange Israeli couscous & kale in bowls. Gently fold in corn, nectarines, pickled red onion, ciliegine, and pecans. Season with salt and pepper.
Enjoy the rest of your summer. It’s not over yet!