Grilled Corn & Zucchini Pasta
A Summer Pasta That Saves the Day
It was one of those humid summer evenings when turning on the oven felt like a personal betrayal. I had guests arriving in under an hour, the fridge looked sparse, and the idea of serving anything heavy was out of the question. Then I remembered a recipe that always comes through: Grilled Corn & Zucchini Pasta. Light, citrusy, and full of fresh summer flavor, it’s my go-to when I want something that looks and tastes gourmet but doesn’t require me to break a sweat. This dish is summer simplicity at its best, and it has saved more than one last-minute dinner party from disaster.
Ingredients
8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
2 ears corn, husked
1 medium zucchini, sliced into ribbons
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more to serve)
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon Vinaigrette (Sauce)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Start with a pot of salted boiling water. Cook your bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving a bit of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
2. Grill the Veggies
Using a grill pan or outdoor grill, char the corn until it’s golden and smoky. Slice the kernels off the cob. Zucchini ribbons only need a quick sear—just enough to soften them while keeping their shape and bite.
3. Mix the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. I use a handheld citrus juicer like this one [affiliate link] to make quick work of fresh lemons.
4. Sauté the Garlic
Heat a bit of olive oil in a nonstick skillet and gently sauté minced garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. This adds depth and warmth without overpowering the citrus.
5. Toss It All Together
In the same pan, combine the pasta, grilled corn, zucchini, lemon zest, and parmesan. Pour in the vinaigrette and toss everything together. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help everything glide together smoothly.
6. Plate and Serve
Top with extra parmesan, maybe a few basil leaves or crushed red pepper flakes. This pasta is just as delicious at room temperature as it is warm, making it perfect for picnics, outdoor dining, or prepping ahead.
Tips and Flavor Variations
Swap zucchini for yellow squash or grilled asparagus.
Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy upgrade.
Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or almonds for texture.
Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal.
Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy mocktail for a balanced pairing.
Use a mandolin slicer(https://amzn.to/41fRuCr ) to get perfect zucchini ribbons in seconds (affiliate link).
A good grill pan like this cast iron grill pan(https://amzn.to/41bhvmf ) makes charring vegetables indoors a breeze (affiliate link).
Must Haves for Effortless Summer Cooking
• Mandolin Slicer(https://amzn.to/41fRuCr): Easily create perfect zucchini ribbons in seconds.
• Cast Iron Grill Pan(https://amzn.to/41bhvmf ): Get those smoky grill marks indoors, no backyard needed.
• Citrus Juicer(https://amzn.to/4l2CbnE): Fresh lemon juice in seconds with no mess.
• Microplane Zester(https://amzn.to/3H7tWJ6 ): The best tool for fluffy lemon zest and grating parmesan.
• Nonstick Skillet(https://amzn.to/3H5DO6d): Ideal for sautéing garlic and tossing everything together smoothly.
• Pasta Serving Bowl(https://amzn.to/3TYOh6n ): Beautiful presentation for a dish this fresh and colorful.
📎 Free Printable Recipe Card
📎Want to keep this handy on the fridge or in your Summer Recipe binder?
Download the FREE PDF recipe card here: Grilled_Corn_Zucchini_Pasta_Recipe_Card.pdf 📎
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a bright, flavorful, and easy summer recipe, this Grilled Corn & Zucchini Pasta might just become your new favorite. It’s saved me on hectic weeknights and impressed guests at backyard dinners. Plus, it’s endlessly flexible and incredibly satisfying. Print the free recipe card, grab your fresh produce, and let’s bring the taste of summer to your table!
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