Griddled Courgette Salad With Mozzarella And Mint Food

COURGETTE SALAD WITH MINT, GARLIC, RED CHILLI, LEMON & EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Steps:

• This is quite an unusual salad and terribly simple to make. It's great because it's a nice little side dish that will go with things like mozzarella, goat's cheese, cured meats, grilled or barbecued white fish like cod or haddock, even things like chicken or pork. Use courgettes when at their best (nice and firm and not too big).
• Slice 4 courgettes lengthways as thin as you can (use a mandolin if you have one). Grill on a red-hot griddle pan, or on the barbecue, until lightly charred on each side. Scatter the slices over a large plate, making sure you don't sit them on top of each other otherwise they'll steam and go a bit limp, and there's nothing worse than limp courgettes, I can tell you. While they're still warmish, sprinkle them with a little sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Deseed a red chilli and chop finely. Finely chop ½ a clove of garlic and sprinkle the chilli and garlic evenly from a height over the courgettes. (Add to your own taste, but just remember that when the chilli and garlic mix with the olive oil and lemon juice the heat and flavours are lessened.)
• Tear over a handful of fresh mint and drizzle with good extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. I've even been known to throw in some blanched broad beans or raw peas if I can get any. This salad is always a real treat.
• P.S. If you find yourself with leftovers, try baking any fish fillets (cod, haddock or bass for example) on top of the courgettes. Lovely with steamed rice and seasoned yoghurt. Very fresh and good for you.

GRILLED VEGETABLE SALAD WITH FETA AND MINT

Steps:

• Arrange the vegetables in a single layer on a tray or work surface. Lightly spray both sides with olive oil cooking spray. Preheat a grill or grill pan over a medium-high heat. Grill the vegetables in batches until both sides are nicely charred and the vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes for the pepper, about 8 minutes for the eggplant and onion, and about 6 minutes for the zucchini. When the vegetables are cool enough to handle, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and transfer to a large bowl.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar and oregano. Pour over the vegetables and toss. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Gently stir in the tomatoes and mint. Divide the salad between 4 plates and sprinkle with the feta.
• Excellent source of: Fiber, Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Folate, Manganese, Potassium
• Good source of: Protein, Thiamin, Vitamin K, Calcium, Copper, Magnesium, Phosphorus

GRIDDLED COURGETTE SALAD WITH MOZZARELLA AND MINT

Steps:

• Brush the courgettes with olive oil and cook them in batches on a hot griddle or under a grill until just tender (2-3 minutes per side). Keep the cooked slices warm and covered until they are all done.
• Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a bowl and season well.
• Divide the courgette, mozzarella, pickled lemon and mint between 6 plates.
• Pour over the dressing and serve with crusty bread for mopping up the juice.