Italian cuisine stands out for its simplicity and emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients.
A beautifully simple dish that exemplifies this approach is the Shaved Zucchini Salad!
Bursting with flavors and brimming with health benefits, this salad is a testament to the beauty of Italian cooking.
This light and flavorful salad is the perfect way to enjoy zucchini with the zesty kick of lemon, the earthy taste of oregano, and the crunch of toasted pine nuts.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and healthy lunch or a refreshing side dish for dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit!
At the heart of the Shaved Zucchini Salad is the star ingredient, zucchini!
Thinly sliced and tender, zucchini offers a mild and refreshing taste that complements an array of flavors. Paired with the zesty essence of lemon juice and zest, the salad gains a delightful tang, awakening the palate.
This was originally inspired by carpaccio which is traditionally made with thinly sliced meat and fish.
However, zucchini has such a wonderful flavor raw so I thought this would be a delicious way to prepare it, including Italian flavors. 
Ingredients need for this Italian Inspired Shaved Zucchini Salad
-
zucchini
-
lemon juice
-
extra virgin olive oil
-
sea salt
-
fresh cracked pepper
-
dried oregano
-
fresh parsley
-
chili flakes
-
toasted pine nuts
-
sun dried tomatoes (optional)
-
Brazil nuts (for vegan “parmesan” topping)
Italian cuisine cherishes the use of things like extra virgin olive oil, and this salad is no exception. The inclusion of this heart-healthy oil not only enhances the taste but also provides a dose of antioxidants, promoting overall well-being.
The beauty of Italian cooking lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing for creative additions that enhance both taste and nutrition. This Shaved Zucchini Salad showcases this with additional ingredients like toasted pine nuts and sun-dried tomatoes.
Pine nuts are a rich source of healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. They contribute a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, taking the salad to new heights.
Sun-dried tomatoes, on the other hand, infuse the dish with a burst of intense taste and additional vitamins.
How to make this Shaved Zucchini Salad
Start by washing and drying off a zucchini. You can also double or triple the recipe by making a few.
Use a vegetable peeler or a mandolin slicer to carefully thinly slice the zucchini. The key here is to get very thin slices.
Add to a bowl and then mix together the remaining ingredients. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 10 minutes before enjoying to allow all the texture to soften a little more and flavors to come together.
Power-Packed Health Benefits of Zucchini:
Similar to the viral carrot salad, this zucchini salad has great health benefits and is a light delicious way to eat your veggies!
Zucchini is rich in vitamins A and C, this vegetable supports a healthy immune system and promotes radiant skin.
Additionally, zucchini contains significant amounts of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and supporting gut health. It is also high water content helps keep the body hydrated and refreshed, especially during warm summer days.
The Italian Secret: Simplicity and Balance
Italian cuisine stands as a testament to the adage “less is more.”
Embracing the simplicity of fresh ingredients and minimal processing, Italian dishes retain their natural goodness and distinct flavors.
This Shaved Zucchini Salad epitomizes this culinary philosophy, allowing the ingredients to shine through and meld harmoniously.
By focusing on the quality and combination of ingredients and a balance that delights the taste buds while nourishing the body. From the zesty lemon dressing to the aromatic oregano, every component plays a role in creating a well-rounded and wholesome dish. 🙂
Looking for more Italian Inspired Dishes? Try these!
Italian Pasta Salad
Creamy Zucchini Lemon Pasta
3 Ingredient Frozen Lemon Cup Sorbet
Shaved Zucchini Salad
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini thinly sliced
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp fresh pepper
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp dried Oregano
- 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Pine nuts toasted
- 2 tbsp Sun-dried tomatoes diced (optional)
- 2-3 Brazil nuts grated
- 1 1/2 cups cooked Short grain brown rice optional to serve with
Instructions
- Start by washing and drying off a zucchini. (You can also double or triple the recipe by making a few.)
- Use a vegetable peeler or a mandolin slicer to carefully thinly slice the zucchini. The key here is to get very thin slices.
- Add to a bowl and then mix together the remaining ingredients (excluding pine nuts, sun dried tomato and Brazil nut parmesan).
- Gently mix the zucchini with the dressing together until well coated.
- Allow the mixture to sit for at least 10 minutes before enjoying to allow all the texture to soften a little more and flavors to come together.
- I like to serve with cooked brown rice but you can enjoy on it’s own or to accompany a protein or grain.
- To a dry sauté pan or toaster oven, toast the pine nuts for a few minutes to allow them to toast and become slightly golden brown. Keep a close eye and remove from the heat when once they begin to slightly brown.
- Cool and add to the salad, with sun-dried tomatoes and grate a few Brazil nuts for the the vegan “parmesan”. Enjoy!
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