Grilled Giardiniera Salad Recipes

ITALIAN GIARDINIERA SALAD

Steps:

• Combine 3/4 cup drained giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), 4 ounces chopped fresh mozzarella, 4 cups Italian blend salad greens, 1/2 cup torn basil and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley in a large bowl. Whisk 1 tablespoon each white wine vinegar and jarred giardiniera brine, then slowly whisk in 3 tablespoons olive oil; drizzle over the salad and toss. Season with salt and pepper.

GIARDINIERA BRUSCHETTA

Steps:

• Place an oven rack in the middle position. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Split the loaf lengthwise and place cut-side-up on the baking sheet.
• In a small bowl, combine the butter, mayonnaise, provolone, oregano, parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt and pepper and mix with a small rubber spatula until fully combined.
• Spread an even layer of the butter mixture on the cut sides of the bread. Bake until the cheese has dark spots and the edges of the bread are golden brown and crisp, begin checking at 12 minutes. Remove from the oven.
• Scatter the giardiniera all over the bread. Top with Parmesan and fresh herbs. Slice and serve immediately.

GRILLED GIARDINIERA SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat a grill for cooking on high heat. Clean and oil the grates with vegetable oil.
• Combine the vinegar, salt, sugar, oregano, peppercorns, garlic and 1 cup water in a small pot. Bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally, to make sure the sugar and salt are dissolved. Let cool completely.
• Place the rainbow peppers, carrots, serrano peppers and cauliflower steaks directly on the grill (do not grill the celery; keep it raw!). Grill until charred with grill marks, about 5 minutes a side. Set aside to cool on a wire-racked sheet pan. Once cooled, it's time to chop!
• Slice the carrots and celery 1/2-inch-thick on a sharp 45-degree angle bias. Keep the rainbow peppers and serranos whole. Cut the cauliflower florets off the woody stems and trim into individual 1-inch florets.
• Place the chopped veggies into a 1-gallon resealable bag or container. Pour the vinegar mixture directly on the veggies. Stir around and let sit in the fridge at least 3 hours, but ideally overnight.
• Drain the veggies from the brine and place on a paper towel-lined sheet pan. Reserve the brine. Arrange the pickled veggies in groups on a large, long platter, in other words, carrots, then peppers, then celery. Whisk together 3/4 cup of the brine with the olive oil and Dijon in a bowl until combined. Season to taste. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the veggies and top with the ricotta salata, celery leaves and olives. Or serve the veggies directly on freshly grilled Italian sausage or sausages sandwiches and top with ricotta salata, olives and celery tops!

GRILLED SALAD PIZZA

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for medium heat.
• For the salad: Whisk the vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, several grinds of pepper and the oregano together in a large salad bowl. Slowly whisk in the oil to make a smooth dressing. Whisk in the Parmesan. Add the garlic clove and let sit for about 30 minutes to infuse (about as long as it takes to prepare the pizza).
• Just before serving, discard the garlic clove. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, giardiniera, artichokes, olives, provolone and salami to the bowl and toss to coat. Add the romaine and toss again.
• Meanwhile, for the pizza: Stir together the ricotta and chopped garlic in a small bowl. Stir in enough cream or milk to make a spreadable mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Brush a 14-inch or larger pizza pan with oil. Form the pizza dough into a ball and place on the pan. Brush the dough with oil. Use your fingers to gently stretch the dough to a 12- to 13-inch round. Brush the top of the dough once more with oil.
• Quickly flip the pizza over the grill and remove the pan, leaving the dough round on the grill. Grill, covered, until the bottom of the dough is golden, has distinct grill marks and the top is set, about 3 minutes. Flip the dough so the grilled side is up. Brush the crust with olive oil. Spread the ricotta mixture almost to the edges. Sprinkle with the mozzarella, Parmesan and pecorino. Cover the grill and cook until the cheese is melted and the bottom crust is crisp and golden, 6 to 7 minutes.
• Remove the pizza from the grill and cut into 8 slices. Sprinkle the pizza with red pepper flakes and oregano. Pile the salad on top and serve.

SUMMER GRILLED CORN SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Cook the corn on the preheated grill, turning often to ensure even cooking, until browned, about 10 minutes.
• Using a sharp knife, shuck the corn and toss the cobs. Place the corn in a large mixing bowl.
• Transfer tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, lime juice, oil, cumin, paprika, and salt to the bowl; mix to combine.