Zesty Zucchini Ribbons: A Summer Salad Sensation!
Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready to embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with a dish that's both incredibly tasty and wonderfully good for you? Well, look no further, because this Grilled Zucchini Salad is about to become your new best friend!
A Little Bit About Me and My Food Journey
I'm Chef Zestina, and like many of you, I have my own little food quirks. Sometimes, I find myself getting a bit carried away with the sweet stuff—especially when I'm in the kitchen creating new recipes. It's like a never-ending dance with sugar! So, every now and then, I love to take a step back and focus on fresh, healthy dishes that make me feel energized and happy.
And that's where this zucchini salad comes in. It's a perfect example of how you can enjoy a truly delicious meal without any of the guilt. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up all that zucchini that's probably taking over your garden right now (or is that just me?).
Garden-Fresh Goodness
Speaking of gardens, I've recently started dabbling in the world of growing my own veggies, and it's been so rewarding! I’m still in the beginner phase with rocket, lettuce, chard and radishes. However, zucchini is definitely on my list for next year. In the meantime, I'll get my fix by grilling them into tender perfection for this recipe. The slight char adds a delightful smokiness that pairs wonderfully with the other fresh ingredients.
What Makes This Salad Special?
This isn’t just any salad; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. Imagine tender ribbons of grilled zucchini, mingling with creamy cannellini beans, peppery rocket, briny olives, and refreshing mint. The dressing is where the magic happens – a zesty garlic-infused olive oil, with little pops of tangy lemon. And to top it all off, a sprinkle of crunchy homemade dukkah (or shop-bought if you prefer). It’s a simple affair, yet incredibly satisfying and flavourful.
Get Ready to Grill!
So, whether you’re planning a sunny BBQ, a relaxed picnic, or just a light and healthy meal, this grilled zucchini salad has got you covered. It's easy to make, bursting with flavor, and full of the good stuff. Let’s dive into the recipe, shall we?
The Recipe
Serves: 4 as a starter
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- Flesh of 1 lemon, finely chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, grated finely
- 30 ml / 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- Fine sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fine chili flakes, to taste (optional)
For the Salad:
- 2 medium zucchinis/courgettes (approx. 450 g / 16 oz)
- 250 g / 1 ½ cups cooked cannellini beans (1 x 400 g / 14 oz can)
- 25 g / 1 oz rocket / arugula leaves
- 3 extra large green olives, thinly sliced
- A handful of fresh mint leaves, torn into small pieces
- A sprinkle of dukkah
Method
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine the chopped lemon flesh and grated garlic in a small bowl. Set aside to let the lemon mellow the garlic’s sharpness.
- Slice the Zucchini: Cut the zucchini lengthwise into 2mm thick slices.
- Grill the Zucchini: Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Brush it with olive oil and place the zucchini slices in a single layer. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, until nicely charred. Season with salt and set aside.
- Dress the Salad: Add 1 tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil to the lemon and garlic mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili (if using).
- Combine the Ingredients: Gently stir the dressing through the drained cannellini beans, rocket, and sliced olives.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange the dressed mixture on a large plate, and top with the grilled zucchini slices. Garnish with torn mint leaves and a generous sprinkle of dukkah.
Notes
- If olives aren't your thing, try grilled artichokes or finely chopped capers.
- If you don’t have dukkah, feel free to top the salad with roasted and coarsely chopped hazelnuts.
Share Your Creations!
I'd love to see how your Zesty Zucchini Salad turns out! If you make this recipe, please tag me on Instagram using #zestinas_kitchen and @zestinas_kitchen . I can't wait to see your delicious creations!
Happy cooking, everyone! And remember, life is too short for boring salads!