If you’re searching for a vibrant, light dish that feels like a celebration in every bite, this Ribboned Courgette Salad with Lemon, Mint, and Optional Parmesan and Pine Nuts Recipe is here to delight you. The delicate ribbons of courgette freshened with zesty lemon, cool mint, and a drizzle of olive oil create an irresistible base. Then, the optional Parmesan and toasted pine nuts add that perfect salty crunch and nutty warmth, making this salad not just a side but a star of any meal. It’s fresh, easy, and downright addictive – the kind of recipe you’ll want to share over and over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients bring this Ribboned Courgette Salad with Lemon, Mint, and Optional Parmesan and Pine Nuts Recipe to life. Each component plays a vital role, contributing to the balance of flavors and textures while keeping the dish bright and wholesome.
- Courgettes (Zucchini): Use 3 medium ones, thinly ribboned to create tender, beautiful strands that bite back with freshness.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons add a lively tang that awakens every taste bud and softens the courgette ribbons.
- Lemon Zest: A teaspoon of zest offers a punch of aroma and brightness that lifts the salad’s flavors.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons coat the courgettes, providing smooth richness and a silky texture.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: About a quarter cup, torn, injects a refreshing, cooling note that pairs beautifully with citrus.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon to enhance all the flavors naturally and balance the salad.
- Cracked Black Pepper: Just a quarter teaspoon adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- Parmesan Shavings (optional): A quarter cup for a salty, nutty finish you can sprinkle on top.
- Toasted Pine Nuts (optional): Two tablespoons bring a satisfying crunch and depth that elevate this light salad.
How to Make Ribboned Courgette Salad with Lemon, Mint, and Optional Parmesan and Pine Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare without Cooking
This salad is wonderfully simple because it requires no heat—no stove, no oven—making it the perfect fresh, no-fuss dish to whip up quickly.
Step 2: Create the Courgette Ribbons
Grab a Y-shaped peeler or mandoline and carefully shave the courgettes lengthwise into delicate ribbons. These ribbons become the tender and visually stunning base of your salad. Toss them gently into a large bowl to keep their beautiful shape intact.
Step 3: Salt and Rest
Sprinkle the courgette ribbons with salt and let them rest for 5 minutes. This step draws out excess moisture and helps the ribbons become a bit more pliable. If they release too much liquid, gently pat them dry with paper towels to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Step 4: Add the Brighteners and Herb
Pour in the lemon juice and zest, then drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the ribbons. Add cracked black pepper and torn fresh mint leaves. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every ribbon is lightly coated and infused with those fresh flavors.
Step 5: Let the Flavors Meld
Allow the salad to rest for another 5 to 10 minutes. This brief pause helps the lemon, mint, and seasonings marry perfectly with the courgette, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Step 6: Garnish with Optional Parmesan and Pine Nuts
Right before serving, sprinkle on the Parmesan shavings and toasted pine nuts if you’re using them. These add a delightful salty edge and a crunchy contrast that takes the salad to the next level.
Step 7: Present with Style
Use a fork or tongs to plate the salad in gentle swirls or even stacked layers. This artistic touch not only looks beautiful but showcases the ribbons’ texture. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
How to Serve Ribboned Courgette Salad with Lemon, Mint, and Optional Parmesan and Pine Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the Parmesan and pine nuts, you can add things like a few whole mint leaves for freshness, a light sprinkle of chili flakes for heat, or a touch of flaky sea salt to finish. These little touches personalize the salad and keep it exciting every time.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seafood, or even a simple slice of crusty bread. It also complements richer dishes by providing an uplifting, crisp contrast that refreshes the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving portions in individual glass jars or stack the ribbons on elegant plates topped with the garnishes just before guests arrive. This not only looks stunning but makes each serving feel thoughtfully prepared and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Ribboned Courgette Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the fresh ingredients, it’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days for maximum crunch and flavor.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing. The fresh courgette ribbons and herbs will lose their texture and vibrancy after thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, no-cook salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy leftovers cold or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other herbs instead of mint?
Absolutely! Fresh basil or parsley can work nicely if you want a different herbal note, but mint gives this salad its signature refreshing flavor.
Is it necessary to salt the courgettes first?
Yes, salting helps to draw out excess moisture and keeps the salad from being watery, plus it softens the courgette ribbons slightly, enhancing texture and flavor absorption.
What’s the best way to toast pine nuts?
Simply place pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they turn golden and fragrant — it only takes a few minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Definitely! Just omit the Parmesan or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How long should I let the salad rest before serving?
Allowing 5 to 10 minutes after tossing all ingredients gives time for flavors to meld and the courgette to soften just a little, making each bite bright and well-balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Ribboned Courgette Salad with Lemon, Mint, and Optional Parmesan and Pine Nuts Recipe is a true keeper. It’s effortless to make, packed with fresh flavors, and flexible enough to become your go-to anytime you want a healthy, delicious dish that shines on its own or alongside your favorite meal. You’re going to love how it looks as much as how it tastes, so grab those courgettes and dive in – your new favorite salad awaits!
Print
Ribboned Courgette Salad with Lemon, Mint, and Optional Parmesan and Pine Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ribboned Courgette Salad is a fresh, no-cook dish featuring thinly shaved courgette ribbons tossed with zesty lemon juice, aromatic lemon zest, and fresh mint leaves. Enhanced with extra virgin olive oil for smooth richness and lightly seasoned with salt and cracked black pepper, this salad offers a crisp, tender bite with optional Parmesan shavings and toasted pine nuts for a salty, nutty crunch. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, it’s simple to prepare and served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Base
- 3 medium Courgettes (Zucchini) – Thinly ribboned
Dressing & Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Fresh Mint Leaves, torn
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Shavings
- 2 tablespoons Toasted Pine Nuts
Instructions
- No Preheat Required: This recipe is a no-cook salad, so there is no need to preheat or prepare any cooking equipment.
- Create Courgette Ribbons: Using a Y-peeler or mandoline, shave the courgettes lengthwise into thin ribbons and transfer them into a large mixing bowl. This technique ensures tender yet crisp ribbons.
- Salt and Drain: Sprinkle the courgette ribbons evenly with salt and let them rest for 5 minutes. This step softens the ribbons slightly and draws out excess moisture. Afterward, pat them dry gently with paper towels if they appear wet.
- Add Dressing and Seasoning: Pour in lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, cracked black pepper, and add torn fresh mint leaves to the bowl. Toss everything gently to coat the courgette ribbons evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to sit for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature. This resting time helps the courgettes absorb the lemony, herby flavors thoroughly.
- Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with optional Parmesan shavings and toasted pine nuts for added texture and a salty, nutty finish.
- Plate and Serve: Arrange the salad on plates in gentle swirls or stacked layers for an elegant presentation. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best fresh taste.
Notes
- Use a sharp vegetable peeler or mandoline for uniform courgette ribbons to ensure even texture.
- Salting and draining the courgette ribbons prevents the salad from becoming watery.
- Fresh mint adds a bright, cool flavor, but fresh basil or parsley can be a nice substitute.
- Keep the salad chilled if not serving immediately to preserve freshness.
- The optional Parmesan and pine nuts add richness and crunch but can be omitted to keep the salad dairy-free and nut-free.
- Best served within a few hours of preparation to maintain the vibrant texture and flavor.
