Tag: nectarine

It’s Not Over Yet! Another Farmers Market Summer Salad

Summer Salad: Israeli Couscous, Wilted Kale, Grilled Corn, Nectarine, Pickled Red Onion, Mozzarella, Toasted PecansAnother 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

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Grilled Nectarine Salad with Freekeh

Grilled Nectarine Salad with Freekeh, Mixed Greens, Marcona Almonds, Parmesan, Fried Kalamata Olive Balsamic Reduction

Grilled Nectarine Salad
Freekeh, Mixed Greens, Marcona Almonds, Parmesan
Fried Kalamata Olive Balsamic Reduction

Subtle smoky flavors and the pleasant chewy texture of freekeh, a tasty whole grain from the Middle East, complement the smoky-sweet grilled nectarines in this super-satisfying barely-warm entree salad. Rough chopped Marcona almonds and shards of Parmesan bring nutty-buttery components. It’s all pulled together by the dressing in which Kalamata olives are fried in olive oil then balsamic vinegar is added and reduced to a syrup. Fresh ground black pepper finishes it off.

Green soft durum wheat is harvested young, then roasted over an open fire during which the straw and chaff are burned, then rubbed off, leaving a complex tasting grain with earthy grassy herbal overtones. Cracked freekeh cooks up in about 20 minutes and has three times as much fiber as brown rice. While it makes a superb side dish pilaf-style, or even as a hot breakfast cereal-style – freekeh is especially great tossed up with mixed greens, olive oil, and salt – then paired with fruit and nuts in a salad such as this.

Grilled Nectarine Salad with Freekeh Recipe

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