Summer Vegetable & Red Rice Salad

Heat a small pot of salted water to boiling on high. Heat a separate, small saucepan of salted water to boiling on high. Once boiling, add the rice to the small saucepan. Cook 25 to 27 minutes, or until tender. Drain thoroughly.

While the rice cooks, wash and dry the fresh produce. Remove and discard the corn husks and silks. Cut the corn kernels off the cob; discard the cob. Peel the garlic; keeping 1 clove whole, roughly chop the remaining clove. Quarter the squash lengthwise; cut crosswise into ¼-inch-thick pieces. Cut off and discard the stem ends of the green beans. Grate the Pecorino cheese on the small side of a box grater. Pick the marjoram leaves off the stems; discard the stems and finely chop the leaves. Halve the tomatoes; place in a bowl with ¼ of the marjoram. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. In a bowl, whisk together the goat cheese and ¼ of the vinegar; season with salt and pepper to taste.

While the rice continues to cook, in a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the corn and chopped garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the squash; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 6 minutes, or until browned and softened. Turn off the heat.

While the vegetables cook, fill a medium bowl with ice water; add a pinch of salt. Set aside. Add the green beans to the small pot of boiling water and cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until bright green and slightly softened. Drain thoroughly and immediately transfer the blanched green beans to the bowl of ice water; let stand until completely cool. Drain thoroughly; pat dry with paper towels. Place the green beans and seasoned tomatoes in a large bowl; stir to combine. Wipe out the pot.

In the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the breadcrumbs and whole garlic clove. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are lightly browned. Add the remaining marjoram; cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the breadcrumbs are toasted and fragrant. Transfer to a plate; immediately season with salt and pepper. When cool enough to handle, carefully remove and discard the garlic clove.

To the pan of cooked vegetables, add the shocked green beans and seasoned tomatoes, cooked rice, half the Pecorino cheese, the remaining vinegar, and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread the seasoned goat cheese onto 2 dishes. Top with the rice salad. Garnish with the toasted breadcrumbs and remaining Pecorino cheese. Enjoy!