Ginger Free Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Fresh Basil
This salad is the kind of dish that looks like it came from a restaurant but comes together with minimal effort and a handful of fresh ingredients. Thin zucchini ribbons are salted and left to soften slightly before being tossed in a bright, lemony dressing made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a crack of black pepper — no heat required, just a light hand and a little patience. Toasted pine nuts add a warm, nutty crunch, while torn fresh mozzarella and a shower of basil leaves make every bite feel genuinely luxurious. The whole thing is finished with flaky sea salt, which pulls everything together in the best possible way. Because every component here is naturally free of ginger — no spice blends, no bottled dressings, no hidden seasonings — you can dig in without second-guessing a single ingredient. It's an ideal starter or light main when you want something that feels special without a lot of fuss, and it's especially stunning in summer when zucchini is at its peak.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 medium zucchini (about 1 ½ lb total)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 3 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
- 2 oz fresh mozzarella, thinly shaved or torn
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For serving
- flaky sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- 1
Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, shave each zucchini lengthwise into long, thin ribbons, rotating the zucchini a quarter-turn after each pass and stopping when you reach the seedy core. Place the ribbons in a colander set over the sink, toss with the kosher salt, and let stand for 10 minutes until slightly softened and some moisture has released.
- 2
While the zucchini drains, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer immediately to a small plate to cool.
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