Description
Ina Garten’s fresh zucchini with lemon and mint offers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired side dish. Simple ingredients combine to create a refreshing summer salad that highlights zucchini’s delicate flavor with bright citrus and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchini / courgettes, unpeeled, ends trimmed
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon (15g) kosher salt (UK: 15g coarse sea salt)
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice (1–2 lemons)
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) good olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish and Cheese:
- 3 tablespoons (10 grams) julienned fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons (15 grams) freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese
- Shaved Italian Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare zucchini by using a mandoline with the finest julienne setting to slice lengthwise into delicate, translucent strands. Exercise caution with the sharp blade, using a protective hand guard or kitchen towel to prevent injuries.
- Place zucchini strands in a large colander, generously sprinkle with of kosher salt, and allow to drain for 5-7 minutes to extract excess moisture.
- Create a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) freshly ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Gently pat zucchini strands dry using clean paper towels, removing all excess liquid to ensure a crisp texture.
- Transfer the dried zucchini to a spacious, shallow serving dish, then delicately drizzle with the prepared vinaigrette, ensuring even coating.
- Sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint leaves and grated Parmesan cheese over the zucchini, tossing carefully to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Garnish the dish with an additional tablespoon (15 grams) of mint, freshly cracked black pepper, and decorative shavings of Parmesan cheese.
- Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding and achieve optimal taste profile.
Notes
- Savor fresh zucchini, lemons, and mint at peak ripeness to unlock vibrant, crisp flavors that transform this simple salad into a memorable dish.
- Sprinkle salt on zucchini slices and let them rest, drawing out excess moisture and concentrating the vegetable’s natural sweetness.
- Gently pat zucchini dry with paper towels, ensuring a perfect texture that allows the bright vinaigrette to cling beautifully.
- Adjust vinaigrette by tasting and tweaking, balancing tangy lemon with a pinch of salt until the dressing sings with bright, harmonious notes.
- Allow the salad to settle at room temperature, letting ingredients mingle and flavors bloom into a refreshing, irresistible summer side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 250g)
- Calories: 98 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 308mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg