The weekend just past was a cozy dive back into the captivating world of Westeros. My partner and I dedicated our evenings to catching up on the epic saga of Game of Thrones, and I must admit, hitting the finale of season 4 left me with a profound sense of sadness. The realization that we won’t be graced with a new season until next April truly stings. Next April! That’s a full nine months of anticipation. I’m holding onto a sliver of hope that filming progresses at a faster pace than expected, perhaps even blessing us with a new season just in time for Christmas. What a magnificent Christmas present that would be!

And on the topic of Game of Thrones, can we just take a moment to appreciate Jon Snow, masterfully portrayed by Kit Harington? As his role on the show has expanded and deepened, so too has my admiration for him. A whimsical dream has taken root: that during our trip to London this fall, I might serendipitously encounter him, perhaps even metaphorically (or literally!) fall into his arms. A girl can dream, right?

Speaking of things to look forward to this fall, a different kind of excitement bubbles within me: Olivia Pope and Fitz are making their much-awaited return to our screens! I am absolutely stoked for the new season of Scandal. It feels like an eternity since I last immersed myself in their dramatic world, so a rewatch of the previous season is definitely in order to refresh my memory. But the main reason this thought sparked is because this past weekend, I embarked on a mission to acquire one of Olivia Pope’s signature wine glasses. If you’ve watched the show, you know exactly what I’m talking about. When she’s unwinding at home, she’s almost always seen sipping red wine from this magnificently oversized goblet. I’ve always been drawn to wine glasses of such generous proportions; they just possess an undeniable elegance that makes one feel undeniably more posh.

Imagine my surprise and delight when I discovered that these iconic goblets weren’t some elusive, high-end designer piece, but rather readily available Crate & Barrel wine glasses! They were finally back in stock after what felt like an age, and I wasted no time in scooping up two for my own collection. Now, every time I enjoy a glass of red, I can channel a little bit of that Olivia Pope confidence and sophistication, adding a touch of glamour to my quiet evenings at home. It’s these small indulgences that truly elevate the everyday.

The Realities of a Food Blogger’s Dinner: Quick, Delicious, and Grilled to Perfection

One might assume that being a food blogger means constantly having a trove of “the best” dishes ready for dinner, that meal planning is effortless, and that every evening feast is a culinary masterpiece. Right? Well, here’s a dose of reality: absolutely wrong. While I do pour my heart into cooking almost constantly, planning and preparing dinners can often feel like the most challenging part of my day. Like many of you, when my partner and I finally get home from work, my primary desire is often to simply collapse onto the couch and lose myself in a good TV show – ideally one featuring Jon Snow engaging plots and characters.

The allure of takeout and fast food is strong, especially when exhaustion sets in. However, the consequences of relying too heavily on those options tend to catch up pretty quickly, both for our wallets and our waistlines. This brings us to my ultimate summer salvation: grilling all the things! Seriously, summer is the season of the grill, and it offers the perfect solution for quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinners.

Picture this: fresh, vibrant veggies tossed onto the hot grill, developing those beautiful char marks and tender sweetness. While they cook, a pot of pasta simmers away on the stove. Once everything is done, a simple drizzle of good olive oil and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice bring it all together. Bam! You’ve got yourself a dinner that’s both nourishing and utterly satisfying, without the fuss or the guilt. This simple philosophy is precisely how this delightful Grilled Asparagus and Zucchini Pasta dish came into existence. Perhaps I should have originally titled it, “Throw It On The Grill Pasta,” but then I wouldn’t want you to literally think you should throw the pasta on the grill too! So, let’s stick to its current, more refined name, even if its origin is gloriously simple.

Grilled Asparagus and Zucchini Pasta: Your Go-To Summer Meal

Rating: 4.67 out of 5 stars (based on 3 votes)

By: Julie Chiou

A quick and easy pasta for summertime dinners!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2

Print Recipe

Equipment

• Outdoor grill
• Large pot
• Large glass bowl
• Measuring cup
• Whisk

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (150 g) dried rotini pasta
• Juice of 2 lemons
• ½ cup (118 ml) of olive oil
• 1 bunch of asparagus, tough ends trimmed
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise in half
• Vegetable oil for brushing (e.g., canola, grapeseed)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a large glass bowl.
2. In a separate measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and olive oil until well combined. Set this vibrant dressing aside.
3. Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat. Lightly brush the trimmed asparagus spears and the halved zucchinis with vegetable oil. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Carefully place the prepared vegetables onto the hot grill grates.
4. Grill the vegetables until they are tender-crisp and display beautiful grill marks. This usually takes approximately 5-7 minutes, depending on the heat of your grill and the thickness of your vegetables. Avoid overcooking to maintain their fresh texture.
5. Once the grilled vegetables are done, remove them from the grill and allow them to cool slightly, making them easier to handle. Cut the asparagus into 1-inch long pieces and slice the zucchini halves into bite-sized half-moons.
6. Add the cooled, cut grilled vegetables to the large glass bowl with the cooked pasta. Pour the lemon and olive oil mixture over everything. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the delicious dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors of summer!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This grilled asparagus and zucchini pasta is a versatile dish that shines on its own but can also be customized to your liking. For an added protein boost, consider tossing in some grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or even some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy kick. A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or dill can enhance the herb notes. You can also experiment with other seasonal vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or corn kernels. Serve it as a light main course for two or as a refreshing side dish at your next summer barbecue. It’s truly a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 bowl

Calories: 791 kcal

Carbohydrates: 62 g

Protein: 12 g

Fat: 56 g

Saturated Fat: 8 g

Sodium: 21 mg

Potassium: 696 mg

Fiber: 5 g

Sugar: 7 g

Disclaimers

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.

The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.