Zucchini Crudo Recipe

I absolutely love this zucchini salad because it’s a refreshing combination of vibrant flavors and textures that feels like a burst of summer in every bite. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to put together, making it the perfect go-to dish for impressing friends without spending all day in the kitchen!

I adore honoring the uncomplicated nature of pristine components in my Zucchini Crudo. With paper-thin slices of zucchini, a perky lemon drizzle, and just-right extra-virgin olive oil, this is as light (and almost as sea-salty) as a tartare.

The soft-cured and pressed zucchini is topped with lovely shavings of the only cheese that should ever go on a plate with zucchini: Parmesan, specked with a touch of fresh mint. Pine nuts toasted until they squeak then finish this super-simple, super-super salad.

Ingredients

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Ingredient Quantities

• 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, torn
• 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

Instructions

1. Rinse and pat the zucchinis dry. Thinly slice the zucchinis into rounds or ribbons using a mandoline or a sharp knife.

2. Put the large mixing bowl containing the sliced zucchinis in a place where you can easily work with it.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon zest and juice, the extra-virgin olive oil, the sea salt, and the freshly ground black pepper.

4. Mix the lemon and olive oil well. Whisking them together is a good method.

5. In the mixing bowl, add the sliced zucchini and pour the dressing over it.

6. Carefully toss the zucchinis to coat them evenly with the dressing.

7. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes to permit the flavors to meld and the zucchini to slightly soften.

8. Move the dressed zucchini to a serving platter.

9. Dust the zucchini with the finely grated Parmesan.

10. Just before serving, garnish with pine nuts that have been toasted and mint leaves that have been torn fresh. Serve at once.

Equipment Needed

1. Mandoline or sharp knife
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Small bowl
4. Whisk
5. Serving platter
6. Kitchen towel or paper towels (for patting dry)
7. Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

• What is the best way to slice the zucchini?For the best texture, use a mandoline slicer or sharp knife to make thin, even slices.
• Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?You may use Pecorino Romano or, if you wish, a vegan cheese substitute.
• Is it necessary to toast the pine nuts?If you’re really short on time, you can skip this step. But if you have any amount of time at all, you should toast the nuts in a single layer in a 350°F oven, checking and shaking the pan every 5 minutes.
• What can I use instead of mint leaves?This recipe can be made with fresh basil or parsley in place of mint.
• How far in advance can I prepare this dish?Serve it immediately for best results. But if you need to prepare it in advance, you can do so and then refrigerate it until serving.
• Can I add other vegetables to this dish?Indeed, radishes or cucumbers, when sliced thinly, can contribute variety and are very good at complementing flavors.

Substitutions and Variations

Zucchini: Use yellow squash cut the same way in place of zucchini.
Lemon: For a slightly different citrus note, use zest and juice of limes.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Swap in avocado oil for a slight change in flavor.
Pecorino Romano: Try Parmesan cheese for a mellower flavor.
Fresh mint leaves: Use fresh basil leaves for a different herbaceous twist.

Pro Tips

1. Use a Mandoline for Uniform Slices For the best results, use a mandoline slicer to achieve uniformly thin slices of zucchini. This ensures that the zucchini absorbs the dressing evenly and has a consistent texture.

2. Enhance Flavor by Marinating Longer For more flavor, consider allowing the zucchini to marinate in the dressing for up to 30 minutes. This lets the zucchini soak in the lemony and salty elements more thoroughly.

3. Toast the Pine Nuts with Care To bring out the rich, nutty flavor of the pine nuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently and watch closely to prevent burning, which can happen quickly.

4. Choose High-Quality Parmesan Use high-quality Parmesan cheese, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano. Its rich flavor will enhance the salad, and freshly shaved Parmesan will melt slightly on contact with the warm zucchini and dressing.

5. Balance Mint for Freshness Adjust the amount of fresh mint according to your taste preference. Mint adds a refreshing note, so start with the recommended amount and add more if desired to balance the lemony flavors and add a hint of freshness.