The grain salad with zucchini and cheese is a fresh, nutritious dish perfect for hot summer days. It’s a balanced combination of grains, providing energy and fiber, zucchini, which add lightness and freshness, and cheese, enriching the dish with flavor and creaminess. This recipe is ideal for those seeking a versatile option: it can be served as a main course, side dish, or even as a light lunch to take with you. The ease of preparation makes it suitable for everyone, and possible variations allow it to be adapted to your taste. If you like salads with grains, try the barley salad with caramelized cherry tomatoes, the farro salad with vegetables and peas, the bulgur with green beans or the Mediterranean rice salad.
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 6 People
- Cooking methods: Boiling, Stove
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer
Ingredients for Preparing the Grain Salad with Zucchini
- 14 oz grain mix
- Half onion
- 3 zucchini
- 5 oz fontal cheese
- 3.5 oz sweet corn
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
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Steps for Preparing the Grain Salad with Zucchini
First, boil the grain mix following the package instructions. Pour into a bowl and let cool after seasoning with extra virgin olive oil.
Coarsely chop an onion. Cook it in a pan with a splash of oil. Add the washed and diced zucchini. Cook for a few minutes until they start to soften but do not become too soft. Let cool.
Add the zucchini to the grains along with the drained corn and diced cheese. If you like, enrich with some grated lemon zest. Season with a splash of oil and serve after letting it rest for about thirty minutes.
Storage and Variations
You can store the grain salad in the fridge for a couple of days.
VARIATIONS
Grilled Zucchini: Adds a smoky flavor and a crunchier texture.
Alternative Cheeses: If you want to vary, try feta, grilled scamorza, or even tofu for a vegan version.
Extra Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, arugula, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or corn can enrich the dish.
Fresh Dressings: A lemon and extra virgin olive oil emulsion can add a touch of freshness.
With Pesto: A couple of tablespoons of pesto add flavor and aroma to the salad.
