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    Garden-Fresh Zucchini with Collard-Peanut Pesto

    clock-icon30 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring roasted zucchini and a unique collard-peanut pesto.

    Ingredients for Garden-Fresh Zucchini with Collard-Peanut Pesto

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    serves
    4 peoplechevron
    serves
    4 peoplechevron

    Zucchini, cut into 0.5-inch dice

    0 lb

    Substitute chevron-down

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Kosher Salt

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Freshly Ground Black Pepper

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Roasted Peanuts, chopped

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Collard Leaves, loosely packed, stemmed, chopped

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Roasted Peanuts

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    White Miso Paste

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Minced Garlic

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lemon Juice

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Olive Oil

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Kosher Salt

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Freshly Ground Black Pepper

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Garden-Fresh Zucchini with Collard-Peanut Pesto

    1. Make the pesto

    In a food processor, combine the chopped collard leaves, ⅓ cup roasted peanuts, white miso paste, and minced garlic. Blend the mixture until it forms a chunky paste. While the processor is running, slowly pour in the ½ cup of olive oil. If the pesto feels too thick, add a bit more olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice until you reach the desired texture. Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. The final result should look like a vibrant, chunky green paste.

    2. Preheat the oven

    Preheat your oven to 450°F.

    3. Prepare the zucchini

    While the oven is heating, toss your diced zucchini in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt.

    4. Roast the zucchini

    Spread the zucchini evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast the zucchini in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are brown and slightly crisp.

    5. Combine and serve

    Once the zucchini is perfectly roasted, transfer it to a serving bowl. Add a few twists of freshly ground black pepper to taste. Generously dollop the collard-peanut pesto over the warm zucchini, allowing the heat to slightly melt and meld the flavors together. Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top for a crunchy finish.

    Variations

    Greens for Pesto Variations

    Classic Basil Pesto

    Base Vegetable Variations

    Summer Squash Pasta

    Flavor and Seasoning Variations

    Lemon-Herb Twist

    Nuts for Pesto Variations

    Cashew Pesto

    Protein Additions

    Grilled Chicken or Shrimp

    Pitfalls and tips

    Source Fresh, Quality Ingredients

    Choose fresh, firm zucchini and vibrant, crisp collard greens to ensure the best taste and texture for your dish.

    Balance Your Pesto

    Adjust seasoning with salt and lemon juice as you blend to achieve a harmonious flavor profile in your pesto.

    Toast Your Peanuts

    Toasting brings out a nutty, complex flavor in the peanuts, which enhances the pesto. Watch closely to avoid burning.

    Emulsify the Pesto

    Drizzle in the oil while blending to create a creamy and cohesive sauce that isn't separated or oily.

    Properly Prepare Your Vegetables

    Slice zucchini uniformly for even cooking and quickly blanch collard greens to retain color and reduce bitterness.


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