Description
Ina Garten’s fresh zucchini with lemon & mint recipe offers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired side dish. Crisp zucchini slices marry tangy lemon and refreshing mint, creating a simple yet elegant accompaniment to many meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 zucchini, medium (unpeeled, ends trimmed)
- ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice (1–2 lemons)
- ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) olive oil, good quality
- 1 tbsp (15 g) kosher salt (UK: 15 g coarse sea salt)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsps (10 g) mint leaves, fresh (julienned)
- 2 tbsps (15 g) parmesan cheese, Italian (freshly grated)
- Parmesan cheese, Italian (shaved, for serving)
Instructions
- Preparation: Carefully slice zucchini into delicate lengthwise strands using a mandoline with the finest julienne setting, wearing protective hand guard to avoid blade injuries.
- Moisture Removal: Salt zucchini strands in a colander and let drain for 5-7 minutes, then thoroughly pat dry with paper towels to ensure crisp texture.
- Vinaigrette Creation: Whisk together lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl until perfectly blended.
- Flavor Infusion: Transfer dried zucchini to a serving dish, drizzle evenly with vinaigrette, then gently toss with finely chopped fresh mint leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Final Presentation: Garnish with additional mint, cracked black pepper, and elegant Parmesan cheese shavings; allow salad to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to develop a harmonious flavor profile before serving.
Notes
- Slice Carefully: Use a mandoline with extreme caution, always protecting your hand to prevent potential cuts from the sharp blade.
- Salt and Drain Technique: Salting zucchini draws out excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and fresh texture in the final dish.
- Vinaigrette Mixing Tip: Whisk lemon juice and olive oil thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing that coats every zucchini strand.
- Resting Time Matters: Letting the salad sit for 10-15 minutes allows flavors to meld and develop, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg