Charred Summer Bean Salad with Sicilian Tomato & Almond Pesto

Executive Chef Gina Pezza, Vanda Cucina, Warwick

This recipe showcases underappreciated summer beans, which can be the star of a meal—not just a side for your main entrée. The combination of charred, tangy, nutty and herby flavors will make this dish stand out on any table. Skip the tomato salads and transform your summertime abundance of cherry tomatoes into this versatile pesto. It can be used in pasta, on meats or on other vegetables!

Photography By | June 10, 2024

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 4-6 Serving(s)
  • 2 pints ripe cherry tomatoes, washed and sliced in halves, several saved whole for garnish
  • ⅓ cup blanched almonds, toasted
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 12 leaves fresh basil
  • Leaves from 4 sprigs fresh oregano
  • Kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped Calabrian chile (or substitute 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper), optional
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ pound green beans, trimmed
  • ½ pound yellow wax beans, trimmed
  • ½ pound Romano beans, trimmed
  • 2–4 ounces grated ricotta salata

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss tomatoes lightly with olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Lay in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and roast for 10–12 minutes, until they color slightly.

Using a food processor (or mortar and pestle) combine almonds, garlic, basil, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground pepper and chilis; process until chopped. Add in 1 cup olive oil and pulse until desired texture is reached (smooth or more textured, whichever you prefer). Set aside.

Preheat grill on high or prepare coals. In a heated vegetable grill pan, place the unadorned beans in a single layer and let them char on both sides along with a few tomatoes for garnish. Remove from grill and toss beans very lightly with olive oil if they seem dry and a pinch of salt. Arrange on a platter, scatter grilled tomatoes and top green beans with pesto and grated ricotta salata.

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Ingredients

SERVINGS: 4-6 Serving(s)
  • 2 pints ripe cherry tomatoes, washed and sliced in halves, several saved whole for garnish
  • ⅓ cup blanched almonds, toasted
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 12 leaves fresh basil
  • Leaves from 4 sprigs fresh oregano
  • Kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped Calabrian chile (or substitute 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper), optional
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ pound green beans, trimmed
  • ½ pound yellow wax beans, trimmed
  • ½ pound Romano beans, trimmed
  • 2–4 ounces grated ricotta salata
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