Lemon-Infused Marinated Zucchini Salad with Fresh Herbs
This vibrant and refreshing Marinated Zucchini Salad is a beloved seasonal dish from Italy, perfect for showcasing fresh summer produce. The raw zucchini slices soak up the bright flavors of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, achieving a tender al dente texture that elevates their natural taste. An infusion of fresh basil or parsley brings a fragrant herbaceous note, while the zing from lemon zest adds an exciting twist. This salad is best prepared during the peak of zucchini season to ensure optimal flavor and quality. Serve it as a delightful appetizer or a side dish at your summer gatherings, and watch it disappear!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
1 lb (washed, sliced paper thin)
Lemon
1 large (juice of, more to taste)
Garlic cloves
2 (crushed and cut in half)
Extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tablespoons
Salt
to taste
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Fresh basil or parsley
2-3 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
1. Start by washing the zucchini thoroughly. You can choose to peel them or keep the skin on, depending on your preference.
2
2. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, slice the zucchini paper-thin for optimal marinating.
3
3. In a non-reactive bowl, combine the zucchini slices with the juice of one large lemon, the crushed garlic halves, and the extra virgin olive oil. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For added zing, consider incorporating some finely grated lemon zest.
4
4. Toss everything gently to ensure the zucchini slices are well-coated in the marinade.
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5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the mixture. Allow it to marinate for at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours, while stirring occasionally to ensure even flavor distribution.
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6. When you are ready to serve, remove the garlic cloves and discard them. Reserve one clove to finely mince and stir back into the salad for an added punch of garlic flavor.
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7. Just before serving, fold in the chopped fresh herbs of your choice (basil or parsley) to enhance the salad.
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8. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
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9. Serve the salad chilled for a refreshing burst of flavor. Best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lemon-Infused Marinated Zucchini Salad?
It is a refreshing Italian-inspired seasonal dish featuring raw zucchini slices marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for a tender al dente texture.
What is the origin of this zucchini salad?
This salad is a beloved seasonal dish from Italy.
When is the best time to prepare this salad?
It is best prepared during the peak of zucchini season to ensure optimal flavor and quality.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
You can choose to peel the zucchini or keep the skin on, depending on your personal preference.
How thin should I slice the zucchini?
The zucchini should be sliced paper-thin for optimal marinating.
What tools can I use to slice the zucchini?
You can use either a sharp knife or a mandoline to achieve paper-thin slices.
What type of bowl should be used for marinating?
It is recommended to use a non-reactive bowl for combining the zucchini with the marinade.
What are the primary ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of the juice of one large lemon, crushed garlic halves, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How can I add extra zing to the salad?
You can incorporate finely grated lemon zest into the marinade for an added burst of flavor.
How long does the zucchini need to marinate?
The mixture should marinate for at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours.
Should the salad be refrigerated while marinating?
Yes, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it during the marination process.
Do I need to stir the salad while it marinates?
Yes, you should stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even flavor distribution.
What should I do with the garlic cloves before serving?
Remove the garlic cloves and discard them, but reserve one to finely mince and stir back into the salad for extra flavor.
Which fresh herbs are recommended for this recipe?
You can use either chopped fresh basil or parsley.
When should the fresh herbs be added?
Fold in the fresh herbs just before serving to enhance the salad's fragrance.
What temperature should the salad be served at?
The salad should be served chilled for a refreshing burst of flavor.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
The salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
What is the texture of the zucchini after marinating?
The raw zucchini achieves a tender al dente texture that elevates its natural taste.
How much zucchini is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of zucchini.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this marinated zucchini salad is a vegan-friendly dish.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 garlic cloves, crushed and cut in half.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How many herbs should I add?
You should use 2-3 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil or parsley.
What type of lemon should I use?
The recipe specifies the juice of one large lemon, plus more to taste.
Can I adjust the seasonings before serving?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as necessary.
Should the zucchini be washed?
Yes, start by washing the zucchini thoroughly before any preparation.
Is this dish served as a main course?
No, it is best served as a delightful appetizer or a side dish.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried herbs?
This recipe uses fresh herbs (basil or parsley) for a fragrant herbaceous note.
What if I want more garlic flavor?
You can mince one of the reserved marinated garlic cloves and stir it back into the salad just before serving.
Is the zucchini cooked in this recipe?
No, the zucchini is prepared raw and becomes tender through the marination process.