Zucchini Ribbon Salad
Zucchini Ribbon Salad with
Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette and Grilled Halloumi
This recipe highlights fresh zucchini, fragrant dill, and deliciously grilled halloumi cheese for a light and flavorful late summer dish.
Ingredients:
For the Zucchini Ribbon Salad:
- 3 medium zucchinis, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette:
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Grilled Halloumi:
- 8 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced
Instructions:
1. Use a vegetable spiralizer, peeler, or mandoline slicer to create thin ribbons from the zucchini. Place the ribbons in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper to make the Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette.
3. Pour a portion of the Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette over the zucchini ribbons. Toss to coat the ribbons in the vinaigrette. Let the zucchini marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the halloumi cheese slices for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the cheese is slightly softened.
5. After marinating, add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped dill to the bowl with the zucchini ribbons. Gently toss to combine.
6. Arrange the zucchini ribbon mixture on serving plates. Top each serving with grilled halloumi slices.
7. Drizzle more of the Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette over the salad and halloumi.
8. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
9. Finish with an extra sprinkle of fresh dill, salt, and black pepper to taste.
This recipe offers a balance of textures and flavors, with the delicate zucchini ribbons, tangy lemon-dill vinaigrette, creamy grilled halloumi, and crunchy pine nuts. It's a light and refreshing option for an end of summer meal! Buon appetito!
