Name: Grilled Zucchini and Corn Orzo Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb orzo pasta; 2–3 zucchini, halved lengthwise; 4 ears corn; Olive oil, for brushing; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled; ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped; 3 Tbsp lemon juice; 2 Tbsp champagne vinegar; 1½ Tbsp honey; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

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Short Description

A vibrant and refreshing orzo salad loaded with smoky grilled zucchini and corn, bright basil, creamy goat cheese, and tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad brings together the best of summer produce—think sweet corn, fresh basil, and tender grilled zucchini—all combined with chewy orzo and creamy goat cheese. It’s versatile: serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled. It’s ideal as a side dish or a light, satisfying main.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb orzo pasta
2–3 zucchini, halved lengthwise
4 ears corn
Olive oil, for brushing
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped

Lemon Vinaigrette

3 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp champagne vinegar
1½ Tbsp honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

Grill Veggies
Preheat grill to high. Brush zucchini and corn with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Grill zucchini cut-side down and corn directly on the grates for 5–6 minutes per side, until charred. Corn may need rotating. Zucchini will finish before corn.
Cook Orzo
Boil salted water and cook orzo per package directions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
Dress Orzo
Drizzle some vinaigrette over the warm orzo and toss to coat.
Slice Veggies
Cut zucchini into bite-sized pieces and slice off corn kernels.
Combine Salad
Add squash, corn, goat cheese, and basil to the orzo. Drizzle more dressing and toss. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Making the Vinaigrette

Whisk together vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly stream in olive oil while whisking. Refrigerate for up to one week.

Servings and Timing

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Vegetable swaps: Substitute grilled bell peppers or asparagus for zucchini corn.
Cheese options: Try feta, burrata, or fresh mozzarella instead of goat cheese.
Protein add-ons: Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier dish.
Herb twist: Use parsley, mint, or arugula in place of (or alongside) basil.

Storage and Reheating

Make-ahead: Prepare vinaigrette up to a week ahead.
Storage: Refrigerate leftover salad in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Serve cold or at room temperature; warm in a skillet if preferred.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen corn?

Yes—use thawed, grill it directly or cook in a skillet for charred flavor.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, replace orzo with a gluten-free pasta such as rice-based orzo or quinoa.

3. Can I grill veggies on a grill pan?

Absolutely—a hot grill pan works well and still delivers great char.

4. How do I prevent sogginess?

Toss warm orzo with vinaigrette right after cooking but let it cool slightly before adding cheese and herbs.

5. Can I make it vegan?

Use plant-based olive oil or vegan feta instead of goat cheese to keep it vegan.

6. How do I keep dressing from separating?

Shake or whisk before each use; citric acid from lemon juice helps emulsification.

7. Can I prep it ahead?

Yes—grill vegetables and make dressing ahead; combine with orzo when ready to serve.

8. How do I keep basil vibrant?

Toss fresh basil in at the last moment or just before serving.

9. Can I serve this warm?

Definitely! It’s delicious warm, room temp, or chilled.

10. What main dishes pair well?

Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or as a side for BBQ and summer mains.

Conclusion

This Grilled Zucchini and Corn Orzo Salad captures summer’s essence—bright, smoky, herb-scented, and satisfying. Easy to make, versatile, and bursting with flavor, it’s a standout addition to any meal.

Maggie

Grilled Zucchini and Corn Orzo Salad

Short Description

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients