Lemony, spicy, creamy, crunchy. This Zucchini salad has it all, it is fresh and light, but served with crusty bread it is substantial enough for lunch.
2016 is in full swing now. Everyone is back at work, double demerits have finished and the 75% off Christmas decorations have gone from the stores. (They have been replaced with Easter stuff....but don't get me started on that!!!!!!!)
I have seen a few friends post Facebook statuses that say they are looking forward to eating some salads and veg after the super rich food of Christmas and New Year. I might not have been listening yesterday when I posted my Cheesy Layered Potatoes....they are cooked with cream and finished with cheese. But I knew I had this salad for you today.
Want to save this recipe?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
And not just any salad, a wonderful Italian inspired zucchini salad with mozzarella and fresh chilli, all spiked with lemon and garlic. I served this with some crusty rolls as a light lunch, but it would work well as a side with some grilled chicken. Or leave out the mozzarella, add some goats cheese before rolling it all in a toasted flatbread. YUM!!!
The zucchini is served raw, which means it has a lovely crunch and freshness. But this does mean you want to buy the smaller younger zucchini, rather than the fatter ones. I use the mandoline to slice these, but you could use a vegetable peeler. The key is to get it nice and thin so it absorbed the dressing and 'cooks' slightly in the lemon juice.
As for the chilli, add as little or as much as you like. One chilli with the seeds and membrane removed is mild enough for my boys, but for adults I like to keep the seeds in to give it a bit more of a kick. Totally up to you here. If you are not a chilli fan, then just leave it out. It will still be delicious!
Get the Recipe
Spicy Marinated Zucchini and Mozzarella Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lemon
- 1 red chillies (2 if you want a kick(
- 1 small garlic clove
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- sea salt and cracked black pepper
- 300 g zucchini
- 1 mozzarella ball
- fresh basil and parsley to serve
Instructions
- Zest the lemon into a large bowl, then cut it in half and squeeze in the juice.
- Finely chop the chilli (remove the seeds and membranes for a milder taste) and add to the lemon.
- Crush the garlic and place into the bowl with the chilli and lemon.
- Pour in the olive oil and stir well with a fork until well combined.
- Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Finely slice the zucchini. You want slices that are about 2.5mm thick. (I use the mandoline)
- Add the zucchini to the dressing and toss well.
- Leave it to stand for a few of minutes then spread over a serving platter.
- Drain the mozzarella and then carefully rip into small pieces.
- Scatter the mozzarella over the zucchini and then top with some chopped basil and parsley.
Nutrition is per serving
[email protected] says
Looks yum and healthy.. Would definitely make it tonight.thanks
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Pooja 🙂
annie@ciaochowbambina says
WoW! This is beautiful and so packed with flavor - helps us forget we're eating a salad!
Claire McEwen says
I agree Annie, if you can forget it is a salad then you can eat it and enjoy it. I love the hint of spice from the chilli. So good 🙂
Ange says
This is just what I need now I am back at work! Salad Salad Salad!
Claire McEwen says
I agree, my scales are saying salad salad salad, but my head (and fridge) are saying cheese cheese cheese. 😉