Crisp Michael Symon Zucchini Salad Recipe with Zesty Vinaigrette

Michael Symon’s zucchini salad transforms ordinary summer vegetables into an extraordinary culinary experience that sparkles with Mediterranean charm.

Fresh, emerald-green zucchini becomes the star of this vibrant creation, singing with bold, zesty seasonings.

Each crisp slice carries intense flavor, weaving a delectable tapestry of taste and texture.

Bright ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend that awakens the senses.

Simple techniques blend with thoughtful seasoning, turning humble produce into a gourmet sensation.

This brilliant side dish offers a perfect balance of lightness and depth, making vegetables feel like a luxurious treat.

One bite will transport you to a sun-drenched coastal kitchen, where every ingredient tells a delicious story.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 138 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Michael Symon’s Zucchini Salad

• Zucchini: Select firm, glossy zucchinis with vibrant green skin and no soft spots or blemishes.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Choose cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice for maximum brightness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and sea salt for robust, clean flavor profiles.

• Fresh Herbs, Garlic: Pick crisp, bright green herbs with no wilting and firm garlic cloves without sprouts or soft areas.

Tools for Preparing Michael Symon’s Zucchini Salad

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining and tossing ingredients with ease.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for slicing zucchini and preparing other ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Essential for precise and clean vegetable cutting.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately portion out dressing and seasonings.
• Airtight container: Ideal for storing the zesty zucchini salad and keeping it fresh.
• Stirring spoon or spatula: Great for mixing ingredients thoroughly and evenly coating the zucchini.

Steps for Assembling Zucchini Salad

Whip Up Zesty Zucchini Delight

• Chop and Toss Magic Create a flavor explosion by slicing zucchini into vibrant, thin ribbons. Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine your fresh ingredients with a spirited toss, ensuring each zucchini slice gets drenched in mouthwatering goodness. Massage the components together until every piece gleams with tantalizing seasoning.
• Serve and Savor Gently transfer your zucchini creation to a sleek container, letting the flavors dance and merge for about 20 minutes at room temperature. This short resting period allows each ingredient to whisper its delicious secrets. When ready to enjoy, give a quick stir to awaken the salad's vibrant personality. For maximum taste excitement, devour within two days of crafting this culinary masterpiece. Pro tip: Refrigerate if not serving immediately to keep the zucchini crisp and delightful.

Fresh Tips for Michael Symon’s Zucchini Salad

• Boost Your Zucchini Salad Game: Expert Tips and Twists
• Customize Crunch: Add toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, or sunflower seeds for an extra layer of texture that transforms the basic salad into a gourmet experience.
• Herb Revolution: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, mint, or basil to elevate the flavor profile and introduce unexpected brightness to your zucchini mixture.
• Protein Power-Up: Toss in grilled chicken, crumbled feta cheese, or chickpeas to turn this side dish into a complete and satisfying meal that keeps you full and energized.
• Temperature Tricks: Serve slightly chilled for a refreshing summer side, or let it sit at room temperature to allow the flavors to develop and intensify, creating a more complex taste sensation.

How to Serve Michael Symon’s Zucchini Salad

• Here are the Serving Suggestions
• Refresh with Chilled Accompaniments: Pair this zesty zucchini salad with cool cucumber slices or crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing contrast that enhances the dish's vibrant flavors.
• Create Protein-Packed Meal: Transform the salad into a complete meal by topping it with grilled chicken, crumbled feta cheese, or roasted chickpeas for added protein and texture.
• Design Elegant Presentation: Serve the salad in a clear glass bowl or on a white ceramic plate to showcase the colorful ingredients and make the dish visually appealing for guests or family gatherings.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil, mint, or parsley just before serving to add a burst of aromatic freshness and elevate the overall taste profile of the zucchini mixture.

Storage Suggestions for Symon’s Zucchini Salad

• Store with Care: Place leftover zucchini salad in an airtight glass container to maintain freshness and prevent flavor contamination from other foods in the refrigerator.
• Maximize Flavor Window: Enjoy the salad within 1-2 days of preparation for optimal taste and crispness, as zucchini tends to release water and soften quickly after mixing with dressing.
• Quick Revive Technique: Before serving chilled leftovers, gently stir the salad to redistribute dressing and restore its vibrant texture, preventing soggy or separated ingredients.
• Prevent Moisture Buildup: Use a paper towel inside the storage container to absorb excess liquid that zucchini naturally releases, keeping the salad crisp and preventing soggy consistency.

Vibrant Michael Symon Zucchini Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty michael symon zucchini salad combines crisp summer vegetables with tangy herb dressing. Refreshing Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a light, flavorful side dish you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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• 3 zucchini (small to medium), sliced into thin rounds
• ¼ cup (60 ml) parmesan cheese
• 1 garlic clove, pressed or minced fine
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tsps (15 ml) lemon juice
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ – ½ tsp crushed red pepper
• ¾ tsp salt or to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper or to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice zucchini into delicate, paper-thin ribbons using a mandoline or sharp vegetable peeler, creating elegant, translucent strips that will absorb the vibrant dressing.
2. Seasoning: Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped oregano, and kosher salt in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a zesty, aromatic marinade that will infuse the zucchini with intense Mediterranean flavors.
3. Marination: Gently toss zucchini ribbons in the prepared dressing, ensuring each delicate strand is thoroughly coated, then let the salad rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to harmonize and the zucchini to slightly soften.
4. Finishing: Scatter toasted pine nuts and crumbled feta cheese over the salad, adding a nuanced texture and rich, tangy dimension to the dish, then garnish with additional fresh oregano leaves just before serving to enhance the herbaceous profile.

Notes

• Marinate with Purpose: Let the zucchini sit for 20 minutes to absorb seasonings and develop deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Chill Wisely: Refrigerate leftovers immediately in an airtight container to preserve taste and prevent spoilage.
• Temperature Matters: Allow chilled salad to rest at room temperature before serving to restore optimal texture and enhance taste.
• Mix Thoroughly: Ensure even coating of ingredients by mixing carefully, helping each zucchini piece absorb the full range of seasonings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 138
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 591 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 6 mg