Grilled Zucchini Salad

Basil, tomatoes, zucchini … they are in the spotlight at the farmers markets these days! This is a super simple dish highlighting the stars of the beginning of summer. Put them together or serve them in a sauce, they are divine. The smell alone is enough to make me cry!

2 zucchini sliced on an angle about 1/2” thick

1 large bunch of basil- 1/2 red and 1/2 green

1/2 c Brazil nuts or hazelnuts or your favorite hard nut (roughly ground)

1 dozen small tomatoes - sliced in half

2 T olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegan Parmesan cheese (cashews ground and nutritional yeast mixed in)

Sprinkle of balsamic vinegar

Toss 1 T olive oil with the sliced zucchini. Season with salt and pepper.  Warm a griddle to high. Place the zucchini slices one layer on the hot grill.  Turn to medium high.  Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, until there are grill marks on each side.

While they are grilling, tear leaves of basil off the stem (save the stems for a pesto).

And brown the ground nuts til golden brown.

Add the tomatoes and top the basil leaves with warm grilled zucchini. Sprinkle on crushed nuts and vegan Parmesan cheese,

Toss gently and serve with a little balsamic vinegar. Close your eyes and imagine you’re in Italy!