Zucchini, Tomato, Corn Pasta Salad with Chicken

If you just happen to be in the Vicksburg area (Mississippi) put The Tomato Place on your list of places to see. Of course this is after visiting the spectacular National Cemetery. 

Is kinda a little shack stuffed full of unique stuff. They make smoothies, have coffee, sell produce, sell honey and you can get a meal there with lots of tomato dishes to choose from on the menu. One thing we found a bit strange the kitchen is in a separate building. Overall, a fun place to see. For some inexplicable reason the recipe below reminded me of my visit to The Tomato Place years ago. Perhaps for all the produce that was available out front, inside and out back. And to think it was only March there. Hard to fathom when you come from the Midwest. 

Zucchini, Tomato, Corn Pasta Salad with Chicken

Cook's Notes: It's a light refreshing summer salad. 
My inspiration for this recipe came from the 2 foot long zucchini my neighbor gave me, corn purchased from a corner stand near my house, and tomatoes from my garden. What glorious days are these when we have so many choices and with local farmers markets bursting with produce. Recipe serves 4 but can easily be increased just double the dressing. This recipe 

Salad Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups dry bow tie pasta
• 3-4  cooked ears of corn.
• 1 cup diced cooked chicken
• 2-3 large tomatoes. diced and drained on a paper towel 
• 2-3 cups diced and salted zucchini
• 1/2-3/4 cup diced red onions
• Grated Parmesan cheese 

Dressing Ingredients: 

• 1/4 cup olive oil or lemon olive oil 
• 2 TB. lemon juice 
• 2 TB. apple cider vinegar 
• 3 TB. honey 
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning 
• 1 tsp. dried parsley flakes 
• 2 tsp. lemon zest 
• 1/2-3/4 tsp. Dijon mustard 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch cayenne pepper, optional and to taste 

Directions: 

• Cook pasta and drain. Set aside.
• In a large bowl add corn, chicken, tomatoes, zucchini and red onions, Add in pasta.
• In a blender mix all the ingredients. To the salad add only enough dressing to moisten and chill 2 hours. Drain salad and extra dressing can be drizzled just before serving.