More zucchini? More recipes. One easy way to use green and yellow squash is a quick-to-prepare side salad that goes with most grilled proteins you can think of. This simple summery salad combines zucchini and yellow squash, and has been on our dinner table most of the summer, especially since it takes only minutes to prepare. Then there's an easy zucchini soup that combines cheese tortellini (a comfort food around our house) with some tomatoey goodness. I don't know about you, but soup is still a craveable meal in the hot weather months, and this soup is light enough to accommodate a summery dinner.
Zucchini Salad
ZUCCHINI SALAD
Serves 4
1 each zucchini and yellow summer squash, cut into spaghetti-like strips
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
3 Tbsp thinly sliced asiago cheese
8 cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
3 Tbsp toasted chopped walnuts
2 Tbsp of your favorite vinaigrette or salad dressing
1. Place all ingredients except vinaigrette in a large bowl. Combine until well mixed. Toss with the vinaigrette (I use balsamic or zesty Italian salad dressing). Toss until coated. Serve immediately.
Zucchini & Tortellini Soup
ZUCCHINI & TORTELLINI SOUP
Serves 4
10 oz. cheese tortellini
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
1 Tbsp olive oil
3/4 cup chopped yellow onion
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
1 cup cubed zucchini
2-14.5 oz cans fire roasted diced tomatoes, including liquid
2 Tbsp tomato paste
6 cups chicken broth
1 tsp each basil & oregano
1/2 cup grated romano cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream
salt & pepper to taste
1. Cook tortellini according to package directions, rinse and drain. Set aside.
2. In a soup pot, heat olive oil on medium-low and add onion and Italian seasoning. Saute until onion is softened, 3-5 minutes. Add zucchini and diced tomatoes with their liquid, tomato paste, broth, basil and oregano. Heat to boiling, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes until zucchini are just softened, but not mushy. Add the cheese and heavy cream. Stir until cheese is melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. In serving bowls, add a portion of the tortellini to each bowl. Top with the soup and additional grated romano to garnish.