A salad with zucchini and mint is a delightful combination of fresh, crisp vegetables with a burst of aromatic mint. It’s perfect for a light, refreshing meal or as a side dish. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced or spiralized
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts or sliced almonds (optional, for crunch)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Zucchini: If you’re using a spiralizer, spiralize the zucchinis. If not, thinly slice them into rounds or half-moons. You can also lightly grill or roast the zucchini slices for added flavor, though this step is optional.
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Prepare the Other Ingredients: Thinly slice the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes if using, and chop the fresh mint leaves.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the zucchini slices, chopped mint, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
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Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, add crumbled feta cheese and pine nuts or sliced almonds for extra flavor and texture.
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Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
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Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately, or chill it for a bit to let the flavors meld together.
This salad is wonderfully versatile; you can add other ingredients like grilled chicken, avocado, or even some roasted chickpeas for added protein.
