Summer is here and that means so many delicious Squash, Zucchini and Tomatoes to enjoy!

Ya'll, it is hot in our fields right now and summer has only just begun. This is the time of year when we wake up extra early to get our work in before the heat of the day and reward ourselves with an afternoon dip in the pond before heading back out into the fields. 

With summer comes a flush of gorgeous summer crops: bell peppers, tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, squash and zucchini to name a few. Our dinner table is so colorful every night as we mix up our recipes and put fresh, new spins on some old classics. Here are a few of our favorite ways to prepare some of our summer produce. 

1) Roasted Squash, Zucchini and Tomatoes

We skip the cheese in this recipe, but it would make a tasty addition for our dairy loving friends. 

Ingredients

  • 2 small zucchini (1 lb), cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
  • 2 small yellow squash (1 lb), cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
  • 14 oz Flavorino or small Campari tomatoes , sliced into halves
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic , minced (1 1/2 Tbsp)
  • 1 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup (2.4 oz) finely shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh or dried parsley , for garnish (optional)

 

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line an 18 by 13-inch rimmed baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil.

  2. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, garlic and Italian seasoning (if possible let rest 5 - 10 minutes to allow flavors to infuse into oil). Place zucchini, squash and tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Pour olive oil mixture over top and gently toss with hands to evenly coat. 

  3. Pour onto prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle Parmesan over the top of each. Roast in preheated oven 25 - 30 minutes until veggies are tender and Parmesan is golden brown. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.

Recipe from: https://www.cookingclassy.com/roasted-garlic-parmesan-zucchini-squash-and-tomatoes/

 

2) Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoon extra light olive oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 English cucumbers, cut into half coins
  • 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced thin

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Combine lemon juice, sugar, olive oil, poppy seeds, mustard, garlic, salt, and onion powder in a large bowl. Whisk well until dressing is completely combined.
  2. Add cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion to the bowl. Toss to combine.
  3. Chill until ready to serve. Enjoy!

DONNA'S NOTES

  1. If you would like to make this salad ahead, prepare the dressing in a mason jar and toss the salad with it the day you plan to serve it.

Recipe From: http://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/2016/07/cucumber-tomato-salad-recipe.html

 

3) Crunchy Summer Veggie Quinoa Salad

INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE SALAD:

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup uncooked Bob’s Red Mill Organic Quinoa
  • 1 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup peeled and chopped cucumber
  • 1 cup peeled and sliced carrot
  • 1 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
  • ½ cup thinly sliced green onion
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ cup roughly chopped raw almonds

FOR THE DRESSING:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • pinch of pepper

DIRECTIONS:

FOR THE SALAD:

  1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the quinoa, then return to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat and let simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed. Turn off the heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff the quinoa with a fork. Transfer the quinoa to a large bowl and let cool for about 15 minutes.
  2. To the bowl with the cooled quinoa, add the tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, green onion, basil, parsley and almonds. Toss to combine.

FOR THE DRESSING:

  1. Add all the ingredients for the dressing to a small bowl and whisk vigorously to combine. Pour into the bowl with the quinoa and toss again to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired (I usually add a bit more of both!)

Recipe From: https://cooknourishbliss.com/2018/05/22/crunchy-summer-veggie-quinoa-salad/