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Pasta Salad with Pesto

Pasta and Pesto Salad

Summer Pesto and Pasta: Chapter Two

“The summer progressed and the Salinas River retired underground or stood in green pools under high banks.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

This is the second summer recipe with pasta and pesto as key ingredients. I am always searching for a summer salad to serve when grilling. When potato salad is too heavy and another green salad is not substantial enough I often make Pasta Salad with Pesto with lots of veggies. Preparing the salad for dinner can be done earlier in the day and then I have time to make dessert! Gotta leave time for important things in life, like dessert. And I should mention, any leftover salad is usually gone the next day. READ MORE . . .

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Roasted Tomatoes and Spaghetti with Pesto

Roasted Tomatoes and Spaghetti with Pesto

Summer Pesto and Pasta Series: Chapter One

“Why don’t you come up and have some supper with us?”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

An abundance of tomatoes and basil seem to magically appear as the summer sun burns away the fog. Along the coast we wait in anticipation for the caressing warmth of summer. Like small children at Christmas who can’t wait any longer for Santa we wait for the bright glorious summer sunshine. Our spirits soar when there is no fog for a 5 day run and the temperature climbs into the high seventies. To celebrate summer I make fresh pesto and roast tomatoes for pasta. One of my favorites is Roasted Tomatoes and Spaghetti with Pesto. This is a great way to use ripe tomatoes and whirl up all that basil. READ MORE . . .

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Salinas Valley Early Summer Salad

Salinas Valley Early Spring Salad

Serves 4–6

“There was always some little delicacy, very special and good—foie gras or a tossed salad, pastry bought at Lang’s Bakery, just across Main Street.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

About

The Salinas Valley is just inland from Monterey Bay. The mouth of the Valley begins at the Pacific Ocean in Moss Landing. From this ocean portal, the fog pushes up the valley and settles into the cradle of Salinas located on the valley floor. A cooling moist blanket of fog envelopes our early summer. The traditional summer months of June and July are more foggy than sunny. Perfect for growing lettuce and strawberries. Our summer is late, beginning in August. September is our most consistent summer month. By the first week in November, it becomes cooler and we know fall has arrived. READ MORE . . .