Minted Zucchini Salad Food

MINTED ZUCCHINI SALAD

Steps:

• Cut tomato into 1/4-inch dice and transfer to a small bowl. In another small bowl whisk together lemon juice, oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
• In a food processor finely chop mint and parsley. Replace chopping blade with shredding disk and shred zucchini over herbs. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Drizzle three fourths vinaigrette over zucchini and toss with salt and pepper to taste. Pour off any juices from diced tomato and toss tomato with remaining vinaigrette and salt and pepper to taste. Divide zucchini salad among 4 plates, mounding it, and make an indentation in center of each mound. Fill indentations with tomatoes and garnish with mint.

MINTED ORZO AND ZUCCHINI SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well, rinse in cold water and drain again.
• Meanwhile, arrange a rack about 6 inches from the heating element and preheat broiler.
• Brush zucchini with 1 tablespoon of the oil and arrange on a baking sheet.
• Broil, flipping halfway through, until tender and deep golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Set aside to let cool and then roughly chop and transfer to a large bowl.
• Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil, orzo, lemon juice, mint, garlic, feta, olives, tomatoes and black pepper and gently toss to combine.
• Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, until flavors blend.

ORZO SALAD WITH LENTILS AND ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lentils and cook for 9 minutes, then add the orzo and cook until the lentils and orzo are cooked through but not mushy, another 10 to 12 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the oil, lemon juice and pepperoncini. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. If using small or medium zucchini, halve them lengthwise, then slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons. (If using large zucchini, quarter them lengthwise first, then slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick triangles.) Add to the dressing and stir to combine.
• Drain the lentils and orzo very well, then add to the zucchini, along with the pistachios and scallions. Stir to combine, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the herbs just before serving. Eat warm or at room temperature. (Salad keeps, refrigerated, for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature and adjust seasonings before eating.)

ZUCCHINI AND FRESH MINT

Steps:

• Preheat oven to BROIL setting.
• Cut the zucchini in half crosswise, then cut into 1/2" slices, lengthwise.
• In large serving bowl, place the mint and green onion.
• In separate small glass bowl, combine the dressing ingredients and stir well.
• On a baking sheet place the zucchini so that they do not overlap. Baste the zucchini slices with some of the dressing.
• Broil for about 3-4 minutes or until golden.
• Turn zucchini slices over, baste with more dressing and broil another 2-3 minutes or until brown and crispy.
• Watch carefully to make sure the zucchini does not burn!
• Toss the cooked zucchini slices gently with the mint and green onions. Season to taste with salt, pepper and additional dressing. Serve warm.

MINTED ORZO AND ZUCCHINI SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again. Transfer pasta to a large bowl.
• Cover; chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. Meanwhile, brush zucchini slices with olive oil, season and grill or broil until tender about 4-6 minutes per side. Let cool and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Add to orzo with Feta, tomatoes, and olives; stir to combine. Whisk dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.
• Pour dressing over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover; refrigerate for several hours until flavors blend.

RAW ZUCCHINI SALAD WITH MINT, POMEGRANATE AND LEMON-YOGURT DRESSING

Steps:

• Put the yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, chile, half of the mint and 2 tablespoons of water in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and combine with a spoon. Add the zucchini and toss to coat.
• Top with the remaining mint, pomegranate seeds and pistachios. Drizzle with olive oil and pomegranate molasses and serve.

MEDITERRANEAN ZUCCHINI SALAD

Steps:

• Peel zucchini into thick strands. Divide between 2 bowls. Divide tomatoes, olives, artichokes, white wine vinegar, and lemon juice between the 2 bowls. Sprinkle feta cheese evenly on top of each and serve.