Farmers Market Pasta Bowl

This Farmers Market Pasta Bowl is a go-to for utilizing all those wonderful odds and ends from weekly market hauls.

The farmers market is one of my favorite places, my culinary playground! Each visit becomes a treasure hunt, sourcing the best and most vibrant peak season goodies from my favorite farmers - which you will remember well if you have been following me for a while and remember my weekly #bestofthegreenmarket posts.

You can literally watch the season bloom with each visit to the market. I love this for inspiration.

This Farmers Market Pasta Bowl is a go-to for utilizing all those wonderful odds and ends from weekly market hauls. It's a comforting, veggie-packed meal that's perfect for busy weeknights and equally delicious as leftovers for lunch the next day!

brown rice pasta, lemony-kale pesto, sweet corn, heirloom tomato, local mozzarella, toasted pepitas

Here are my top tips (and a loose recipe) for making the most of your farmers market haul and whipping up this scrumptious pasta bowl:

Explore: Before making any purchases, I always take a stroll around the market to survey the displays. Look out for vibrant colors and fresh-looking produce while also taking note of prices. Since buying organic is a priority for me, I make sure to spot signs indicating organic, no-spray/pesticide options, etc. Once I have done a full lap I’ll go back through and get my #bestofthegreenmarket selections.

Know What's in Season: It's crucial to familiarize yourself with the fruits and vegetables that are currently in season in your region. You can do this by researching online or simply asking the farmers directly. While most farmers markets predominantly offer in-season produce, it's wise to stay informed about what's at its peak, what's on its way out, and what's coming in next to ensure you always get the best quality.

Engage with the Farmers: Don't hesitate to strike up conversations with the farmers. They're usually passionate about their produce and can offer valuable insights into what's in season, how to select the best items, and even share recipe ideas.

Embrace Variety: Farmers markets are perfect for exploring unique and heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Let yourself be inspired by the diverse selection.

Inspect Your Choices: When selecting produce, check for firmness and ripeness. Examine the skin for any blemishes, bruises, or discolorations. Take a moment to smell for fresh, fragrant aromas. Additionally, consider the weight of the produce; heavier items often indicate juiciness and ripeness. For me, part of the joy of visiting the market is the ability to handpick the most beautiful produce from the bunch.

Now let’s make a Pasta Bowl!

Feel free to get creative and customize your pasta bowl based on what's available at the farmers market each week. Enjoy experimenting with different vegetable combinations and flavor profiles to create a dish that's uniquely yours.

serves 2-4

1 pound of your favorite pasta, cooked al dente in generously salted water, 1/2 cup of cooking water reserved (this was made with Jovial Foods Pasta, I also really like this one ingredient red lentil pasta)

Something green: arugula, spinach, watercress, kale and/or fresh herbs - make a simple pesto, a quick herby yogurt sauce, chop, blend, saute or use raw.

An allium or two: leeks, scallions, shallots, red onions, yellow onions, chives, ramps, and more. Each type of allium offers its own unique flavor profile and culinary uses.

Choose a colorful combo of fresh veggies: grilled, roast, steam, sauté, blanch, stir-fry, or pickle. Choose the cooking method that best suits the texture and flavor you want to achieve for your pasta dish, and don't be afraid to mix and match different vegetables to create a vibrant and flavorful meal!

Add an element of umami: think parmesan cheese, tomato paste, mushrooms, soy sauce or tamari, anchovies, dried seaweed, olives, balsamic, roasted garlic and more. Experiment with these ingredients to find the perfect balance of umami in your pasta bowl, and enjoy the depth of flavor they bring to your dish.

Give it texture: adding texture to a pasta bowl can enhance its overall eating experience and make each bite more interesting. Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs, top with crushed nuts or toasted seeds, crumble crispy cheese bits, bake up some croutons, adorn with fried shallots or garlic.

Finish it like a pro: maybe you fancy a swirl of good quality olive oil, flakey sea salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Maybe a drizzle of aged balsamic, a squeeze of fresh citrus , a touch of delicate herbs, microgreens or sprouts.

Very loose recipe: Cook pasta in generously salted water to al dente, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking pasta water. Dice, slice, grate, or chop your veggies - choose your cooking medium. Sauté your alliums in butter or oil. Bring the pasta and veggies together with a little of the reserved pasta water. Mix in a sauce if using. Plate and top with your crunchy elements and any final flourishes. And enjoy!

Let me know what’s in your pasta bowl: