Meatless Friday: Salad, Pesto, and Pickles

Alex Resch shares three meatless recipes to use up some summer garden veggies and herbs. Download our printable recipe card!

It always amazes me when we grow fresh food literally in our own backyard. My husband is the green thumb of the family, and he has been a great teacher to help me go from black thumb (killing all plants) to growing some humble veggies and herbs. I got really inspired to sow and dig this summer after reading Samantha Stephenson’s new book back in the spring. Today, I will share three quick and easy meatless recipes to use uthree3 recipes also make a great meal when served all together.

Easy Tomato and Cucumber Salad 

Ingredients: 

2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup chopped cucumber
1/8 cup olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
¼ tsp fresh oregano leaves
salt and pepper to taste 

Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix. Chill until ready to serve. Keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Feel free to add other favorite herbs and veggies (such as corn or zucchini) to the mix.

Nut-Free Pesto Pasta 

Ingredients: 

1 lb rotini, bow tie, or other favorite pasta
2 cups basil leaves
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
1 garlic clove or 1 tsp garlic powder
pepper to taste

Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Combine basil, olive oil, cheese, garlic, and pepper in a blender. Blend the mixture until smooth, and then mix into the pasta. This pesto is also delicious drizzled over tomato and mozzarella as a salad or a sandwich.

24-Hour Sweet Pickles 

Ingredients: 

2 cups pickling cucumbers cut into spears or sliced into circles (or, enough to fill a 32-oz mason jar)
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
½ cup sugar
½ tsp salt

Fill the mason jar with your cucumber spears standing up and packed tightly. Mix the other ingredients in a large measuring cup with a pouring spout. Keep mixing until it’s no longer cloudy. Pour the liquid over the cucumbers until they are completely covered. Keep the jar in the fridge for 24 hours or more for the best flavor and maximum pickling effect.