Shaved Zucchini Salad with Parmesan (Printable)

Light and refreshing zucchini salad with lemon and Parmesan.

# What you need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 medium zucchini
02 - 1 small shallot, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

03 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
04 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
05 - 1 tsp lemon zest
06 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
07 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Cheese & Garnish

08 - 50 g (about 1/2 cup) shaved Parmesan cheese
09 - 2 tbsp fresh basil, torn or julienned
10 - 1 tbsp pine nuts, lightly toasted (optional)

# How to make it:

01 - Rinse and trim the ends off the zucchini. Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, shave the zucchini lengthwise into thin ribbons. Place the ribbons in a large bowl.
02 - Add the thinly sliced shallot to the bowl with the zucchini.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
04 - Drizzle the dressing over the zucchini and shallot. Gently toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
05 - Add the shaved Parmesan, torn basil, and pine nuts (if using). Toss briefly to combine, or arrange as a garnish.
06 - Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and best texture.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • It's a secret to impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • The combination of bright flavors and textures makes every bite a delight.
02 -
  • When I first made this, I overdid the lemon—finding a balance is key to the perfect dressing.
  • Using a mandoline yields perfectly uniform ribbons that not only look better but also soak up the dressing evenly.
03 -
  • Invest in a good vegetable peeler or mandoline; the right tools make all the difference.
  • Always taste as you go to ensure your dressing is vibrant and well-balanced.
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