Shaved Zucchini Salad

Shaved zucchini salad is a wonder refreshing summer lunch or dinner salad. The lemon dressing is bright and clean enhancing the natural flavors of raw zucchini. You can can add shaved apple or fennel bulb to make it your own, Serve the salad immediately, the dressing softens the zucchini and draws a out a lot of moisture.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

Serves 4

Dressing

1 teaspoon grated Meyer lemon zest, plus 3 tablespoons juice (1 lemon)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin California olive oil

1 teaspoon local honey

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

2 medium zucchini, shaved with a veggie peeler, leave the green skin on (see image)

1/2 cup lightly packed basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced into ribbons

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup light packed shaved parmesan cheese or to taste (optional)

Directions 

1. Whisk the dressing to combine

2. Add the shaved zucchini, mint and basil and gently toss until evenly coated.

3. Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with shaved Parmesan and nuts.

4. Serve immediately, the dressing will soften the zucchini if you let it sit

Make it your own

• Add a pinch of cumin to the dressing, step 1

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing, step 1

• Add 1/2 cup finely sliced fennel bulb to the salad, step 2

• Add 1/2 cup shaved apple, step 2

• Substitute nuts for the pumpkin seeds, step 3