Ribboned Courgette Salad
This Ribboned Courgette Salad is a fresh, light, and vibrant dish featuring thinly sliced courgette ribbons tossed in a bright lemon and olive oil dressing, accented with fresh herbs, optional cheese, and toasted nuts. Quick to prepare and customizable, it offers a crisp, healthy, and elegant addition to any meal or occasion.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 3 medium fresh courgettes, firm and medium-sized
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Sea salt, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (mint, basil, or parsley), chopped
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan or feta cheese, grated or crumbled
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or walnuts
- Prepare the Courgettes: Wash your courgettes thoroughly and trim the ends. Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, create long, thin ribbons by sliding along the length of the courgette. Try to keep ribbons uniform for an even texture and beautiful presentation.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a pinch of sea salt, and cracked black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust the acidity or saltiness to your preference.
- Toss the Salad: Place the courgette ribbons in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss to coat the ribbons without breaking them. Add fresh herbs, some of the optional cheese, and a sprinkle of toasted nuts, then give everything a final, gentle toss.
- Plate and Serve: Arrange the salad elegantly on a platter or individual plates, garnishing with a little more fresh herbs, nuts, or cheese for that picture-perfect finish. Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
Notes
- Use fresh courgettes: Choose firm, vibrant courgettes without blemishes for the best texture.
- Don’t overdress: Use just enough dressing to lightly coat ribbons—too much can make the salad soggy.
- Toss gently: Handle the ribbons delicately to preserve their structure and appearance.
- Toast nuts lightly: Enhances the crunch and releases nutty aromas.
- Chill briefly: Let the salad rest in the fridge for 10 minutes for flavors to meld, but serve soon after to maintain crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: courgette salad, zucchini salad, fresh salad, light salad, healthy salad, vegetarian, gluten free, quick salad, summer salad