Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
A simple salad becomes a delightful meld of bright, bold flavors with zucchini ribbons, a vivid lemon-basil vinaigrette, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for breezy summer days or light dinners.
In the hallowed halls of our culinary kingdom, where flavors dance and ingredients sing, we embarked on a quest to tame the humble zucchini, transforming it from a garden workhorse into a gastronomic star. Inspired by the vibrant markets of Italy and the aromatic gardens of Tuscany, we crafted this Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette, a symphony of flavors that will awaken your palate and transport you to sun-kissed Mediterranean shores.
Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey or sweetener of choice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: cherry tomatoes for garnish
Instructions
  1. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the zucchinis into long ribbons and place them in a bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the basil, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
  3. Pour the vinaigrette over the zucchini ribbons and toss gently to coat.
  4. Let the salad marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Garnish with cherry tomatoes before serving, if desired.
  6. Enjoy this vibrant and delicious salad as a light and healthy meal option.
Why It Works
  • Thinly shaved zucchini ribbons, akin to delicate strands of fresh pasta, offer an al dente-like texture, providing a delightful bite and showcasing the vegetable's inherent sweetness.
  • The vibrant lemon-basil vinaigrette, a harmonious fusion of tangy citrus and aromatic basil, enlivens the zucchini ribbons, awakening their subtle flavors and creating a refreshing balance.
  • A touch of honey adds a subtle sweetness, rounding out the flavors and preventing the dish from becoming overly acidic, ensuring a harmonious interplay of taste buds.