If you’re on the lookout for a fresh, vibrant dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Ribboned Courgette Salad Recipe is absolutely the one to try. It takes simple, everyday ingredients and turns them into a colorful, crunchy, and utterly delightful salad that sings with Mediterranean flavors. The delicate ribbons of courgette provide a perfect canvas for a bright, zesty dressing and the rich nuttiness of toasted pine nuts, all topped off with those irresistible shavings of Parmesan. Whether it’s a light lunch or a stunning side, this salad elevates any meal effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Ribboned Courgette Salad Recipe right is all about choosing fresh, straightforward ingredients that pack a punch in flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays a vital role, from the crisp courgette ribbons to the tangy, slightly sweet dressing.
- 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), ends trimmed: Fresh and firm courgettes make the perfect ribbon base, providing lightness and crunch.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps the dressing coat each ribbon beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings a bright, refreshing zing that lifts the whole salad.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Balances acidity with a natural sweetness for harmony in every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle, tangy kick to deepen the dressing’s flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese: Gives a savory, creamy contrast that melts in your mouth.
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts: Toasted for crunch and a buttery nuttiness that elevates texture.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional): Adds an herby freshness and lovely green color to finish.
How to Make Ribboned Courgette Salad Recipe
Step 1: Create Beautiful Courgette Ribbons
Start by taking your courgettes and using a vegetable peeler or mandoline to shave them lengthwise into thin, delicate ribbons. The thinner, the better, as this makes for a light, tender bite and a visually stunning salad base. Toss these ribbons gently into a large mixing bowl to prepare for dressing.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until the dressing becomes smooth and well blended. This vibrant dressing is the flavor powerhouse that brings your Ribboned Courgette Salad Recipe to life.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Drizzle your freshly whisked dressing over the courgette ribbons. Gently toss everything together with care so each ribbon gets a lovely coat of the dressing without bruising the delicate vegetable. The subtle mixing helps the courgettes soften slightly and soak up all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Let the Flavors Marry
Allow the dressed salad to sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. This little resting time is key—it lets the courgette absorb the tangy, sweet dressing and all the flavors meld beautifully, making the salad taste even better.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Just before serving, sprinkle over the shaved Parmesan and toasted pine nuts. If you’re using fresh basil leaves, tear a few and scatter them on top. These final touches contribute a wonderful texture contrast and elevate the flavors to a whole new level, making your Ribboned Courgette Salad Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Ribboned Courgette Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the star garnish here, lending a burst of herby fragrance and a pop of vibrant green color that makes the salad look as good as it tastes. For those who like a little more zing, a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving can add an appetizing kick.
Side Dishes
This salad is a perfect companion for anything grilled—think lemony chicken, seared fish, or charred vegetables. It also fits beautifully alongside crusty sourdough bread for a light lunch or as a refreshing counterpoint to rich, creamy pasta dishes. Its bright acidity cuts through heavier flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Ribboned Courgette Salad Recipe in individual glass jars or pretty bowls layered with extra basil leaves and a few cherry tomatoes for a burst of color. You can even pile it on toasted crostini to create elegant, bite-sized appetizers that are sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the courgette ribbons soften as they sit, it’s best enjoyed within a day to retain its delightful crunch. Give it a gentle toss before serving leftovers to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the high water content in courgettes. Freezing will cause the texture to become mushy and unappetizing, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a short time after making it.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook, refreshing salad, reheating is not recommended. It’s designed to shine chilled or at room temperature. If you want a warm side, serve the salad alongside a warm dish rather than trying to warm it up directly.
FAQs
Can I make this Ribboned Courgette Salad Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative. The salad still tastes incredible with the fresh courgette ribbons and zesty dressing, plus the pine nuts add plenty of flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have a vegetable peeler or mandoline?
No worries! You can carefully use a sharp knife to slice the courgette lengthwise as thinly as possible. It won’t create perfect ribbons but will still work well for the salad.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, adding thinly sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, or even radish slices can bring extra flavor and color. Just be mindful that additional ingredients may change the salad’s balance, so add sparingly and taste as you go.
How long do I let the salad sit before serving?
Allowing 5 to 10 minutes for resting is ideal. This gives the courgette time to mingle with the dressing and develop flavor without becoming soggy.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
It’s best made fresh, but if you want to prep ahead, keep the dressing separate and dress the courgettes just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and avoid watery salad.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s fresh, simple, and bursting with life, the Ribboned Courgette Salad Recipe is a must-make. It’s easy to whip up, stunningly delicious, and can gracefully elevate any meal or stand proudly on its own. I encourage you to give it a try—once you do, it might just become your go-to light salad for warm-weather dining or anytime you want to celebrate the simple joy of fresh, vibrant ingredients.
Print
Ribboned Courgette Salad 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
A fresh and light Ribboned Courgette Salad featuring thinly shaved zucchini ribbons tossed in a tangy lemon-honey dressing, topped with shaved Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil. Perfect as a healthy summer side dish with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), ends trimmed
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare courgette ribbons: Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, shave the courgettes lengthwise into thin ribbons and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss salad: Drizzle the dressing over the courgette ribbons and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Allow flavors to meld: Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb the dressing and develop flavor.
- Add toppings and serve: Just before serving, top the salad with shaved Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and a few torn basil leaves if using.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Add cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced red onion for extra color and flavor.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.
