Fresh Summer Tomato and Zucchini Medley Salad
Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with this refreshing Fresh Summer Tomato and Zucchini Medley Salad. Perfect for those sunny days, this dish showcases the best of seasonal produce from your local Farmers Market. The combination of juicy tomatoes and crunchy zucchini, enhanced with fragrant basil and zesty Italian dressing, creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Topped with crumbled feta or mozzarella, this salad is not only delicious but also a healthy, low-protein option perfect for light lunches or as a side dish at summer gatherings. You'll find that the raw zucchini adds a surprisingly wonderful texture that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes. Enjoy this delightful salad with family and friends!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large Tomato
1 (coarsely chopped)
Small Zucchini
1 (thinly sliced)
Green Onions
2 tablespoons (sliced)
Fresh Basil Leaves
1 teaspoon (snipped or 1/4 teaspoon dried basil, crushed)
Fat-Free Italian Salad Dressing
2 tablespoons (none)
Leaf Lettuce
1 leaf (for lining the plate)
Feta Cheese
2 tablespoons (crumbled or use part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing your vegetables. Coarsely chop the large tomato and thinly slice the small zucchini. Place them in a medium mixing bowl.
2
Add the sliced green onions and fresh basil (or dried basil if you prefer) to the bowl.
3
Drizzle in the fat-free Italian salad dressing and gently toss the mixture until everything is evenly coated.
4
While the flavors meld together, take a moment to prepare your serving plates. Line each of the 4 salad plates with a fresh leaf of lettuce, creating a vibrant base.
5
Once your tomato mixture is ready, divide it evenly among the plates, placing it on top of the lettuce.
6
Finally, sprinkle each serving with your choice of crumbled feta cheese or shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese to add a creamy finish.
7
Serve immediately and enjoy the taste of summer!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fresh Summer Tomato and Zucchini Medley Salad?
It is a refreshing seasonal salad featuring raw zucchini, juicy tomatoes, green onions, and fresh basil, tossed in a fat-free Italian dressing and topped with cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Do I need to cook the zucchini for this salad?
No, the zucchini is used raw and thinly sliced, providing a surprisingly wonderful crunchy texture that complements the tomatoes.
What type of dressing is best for this zucchini medley?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fat-free Italian salad dressing.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of snipped fresh basil with 1/4 teaspoon of crushed dried basil.
What kind of cheese should I use as a topping?
You can use either crumbled feta cheese or shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.
How should I prepare the tomatoes?
The large tomato should be coarsely chopped before being added to the mixing bowl.
What is the best way to slice the zucchini?
The small zucchini should be thinly sliced to ensure it has the best texture when eaten raw.
Is this salad considered a low-protein option?
Yes, this salad is described as a healthy, low-protein option perfect for light meals.
How should the salad be plated?
Line each salad plate with a fresh leaf of lettuce and place the tomato and zucchini mixture on top.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While you can prep the veggies, it is best served immediately after tossing with dressing to maintain the freshness and texture.
Where is the best place to source ingredients for this salad?
The recipe recommends using vibrant seasonal produce from your local Farmers Market.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetable-based salad that includes cheese, making it suitable for vegetarians.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of sliced green onions.
What type of lettuce is recommended for the base?
Leaf lettuce is recommended for lining the plates.
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes, yellow summer squash can be used as a direct substitute for zucchini in this medley.
Is there any oil in the dressing?
The recipe specifies fat-free Italian dressing, which typically contains little to no oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: tomato, zucchini, green onions, basil, Italian dressing, lettuce, and cheese.
Can I add other vegetables to this medley?
Yes, you can easily add cucumbers or bell peppers to enhance the variety of the salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free; however, always check the label of your Italian dressing to ensure it is gluten-free.
Can this be a main course?
It is primarily a side dish or light lunch, but you can add a protein like grilled chicken to make it a more substantial main meal.
What gives the salad its 'summer' flavor?
The combination of fresh garden tomatoes, raw zucchini, and aromatic fresh basil provides its signature summer taste.
How much cheese is used per serving?
With 2 tablespoons of cheese divided across 4 servings, each serving gets about 1.5 teaspoons of cheese.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, the skin of the zucchini is edible and provides great color and nutrients to the salad.
What should I do if the salad is too watery?
To prevent excess water, dress the salad right before serving, as salt in the dressing can draw moisture out of the tomatoes over time.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, its mild flavors and colorful presentation often make it a hit with children.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a vegan feta alternative to make the dish completely vegan.
What size zucchini should I look for?
A small zucchini is preferred as they are generally more tender and have fewer seeds, which is ideal for raw consumption.
Should the basil be chopped?
The recipe recommends snipping the fresh basil leaves into small pieces.
What if I don't have green onions?
You can substitute green onions with finely diced red onion or fresh chives.