Walnut Free Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Fresh Basil
Light, fresh, and genuinely beautiful on the plate, this zucchini ribbon salad is the kind of dish that looks like it came from a restaurant but comes together with minimal effort. Shaving the zucchini into long, delicate ribbons transforms a humble summer vegetable into something elegant, and salting them first draws out excess moisture so the dressing clings perfectly rather than pooling at the bottom. Toasted pine nuts bring a buttery crunch that pairs beautifully with torn fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil leaves — no walnuts or other tree nuts in sight, so anyone avoiding them can dig in without a second thought. The bright lemon-and-olive-oil dressing ties everything together with just enough acidity to make each bite feel alive. A pinch of flaky sea salt at the end is a small touch that makes a noticeable difference. This one is ideal for warm-weather entertaining, a light lunch, or a side dish that genuinely steals the show.
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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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