Texture and Flavor

Throwing together an elegant salad shouldn’t be complicated. When you think about how textures and flavors play together, you can find instant inspiration. Zucchini and White Bean Pesto Salad delivers with every bite.

Zucchini seems to be one of those universally loved and always available produce. Especially in the summer when the rain helps zucchini grow like crazy, you’ll find verdant stacks of it at your local farmer’s markets and grocery stores. The lightly sweet summer squash is delicious on it’s on, but also takes on other flavors.

While I used grilled zucchini for this recipe, adding a layer of smokiness, you can also use roasted, fried, or even air-fried zucchini with this. And leftover grilled zucchini? This is the perfect way to give it a complete makeover.

I always have cans of beans stocked in my pantry, as well as pesto. Both of these pantry pulls bring texture and flavor to this dish. The cannellini beans add a little creaminess as well as richness to each bite as well as giving this salad a boost of protein. This is an ideal dish to serve up to vegetarians and meat lovers alike!

Fresh basil reinforces the herbaceous note of the pesto and brings its own unique sweetness. Feathery whisps of shaved parmesan cheese add the umami of savory, nutty, saltiness, tying everything together. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the parmesan!

Effortless Zucchini and White Bean Pesto Salad

Whether you’re using leftover grilled zucchini or cooking it up fresh, this colorful and bright dish comes together quickly. Pour a glass of wine, put on your favorite music, and let’s make a fun summer salad!