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Ribboned Courgette Salad

Ribboned Courgette Salad
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Ribboned Courgette Salad is a light, fresh, and vibrant dish featuring thin ribbons of fresh courgettes combined with a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing, fragrant herbs, Parmesan shavings, and crunchy toasted nuts. This easy-to-make salad offers a perfect balance of texture and flavor, making it an ideal healthy lunch, side dish, or a stunning addition to your dinner table. It’s nutritious, visually appealing, and highly versatile for customization.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 3 medium fresh courgettes (zucchini), firm with glossy skin
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or mint leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan shavings
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts or toasted almonds
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the courgettes: Rinse the courgettes under cold water and pat them dry. Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, slice the courgettes lengthwise into thin, long ribbons about 1-2 millimeters thick. Remove the core if large seeds are present for smoother texture.
  2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper until emulsified. This dressing will enhance the fresh flavors without overpowering the courgettes.
  3. Toss the salad: Place the courgette ribbons in a large mixing bowl, pour the dressing over them, and toss gently until all ribbons are evenly coated. The courgettes will soften slightly within a few minutes but retain a satisfying crunch.
  4. Add toppings and herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs, Parmesan shavings, and toasted pine nuts or almonds over the salad. Toss lightly one more time if desired to distribute the toppings.

Notes

  • Choose firm, fresh courgettes with glossy skin for the best ribbons.
  • Do not over-salt before tossing with the dressing to prevent watery salad.
  • Use a sharp vegetable peeler or mandoline for safer, easier ribboning.
  • Toast nuts gently in a dry pan over low heat until golden for enhanced crunch and aroma.
  • Serve the salad immediately to enjoy maximum crispness and vibrant flavor.
  • Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; toss gently before serving to revive texture.
  • Freezing is not recommended as courgettes lose crispness and become watery upon thawing.
  • This salad is best served cold or at room temperature and should not be reheated.

Nutrition

Keywords: courgette salad, zucchini ribbons, fresh salad, healthy salad, Mediterranean salad, light lunch, side dish

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/ribboned-courgette-salad/