Shaved Squash Salad With Tomatoes Zucchini Blossoms Ricotta And Thyme Oil Food

SHAVED-SQUASH SALAD WITH TOMATOES, ZUCCHINI BLOSSOMS, RICOTTA, AND THYME OIL

Steps:

• Place thyme on a cutting board, and bruise with the dull edge of a knife. Place thyme and oil in a small saucepan. Cover, and heat over medium heat until small bubbles appear. Turn off heat, and steep thyme, covered, 20 minutes. Discard sprigs, leaving loose thyme leaves in oil. Whisk together lemon zest and juice and 2 tablespoons thyme oil (reserve remaining oil for another use; it can be refrigerated up to 2 weeks).
• Combine half the dressing with the zucchini, pattypan squashes, tomatoes, zucchini blossoms, basil, red-pepper flakes, and salt. Season with pepper, and toss. Divide half the salad between 2 plates, and dot with half the ricotta. Top with remaining salad and remaining ricotta. Drizzle with remaining dressing, and sprinkle with basil.

SUMMER SQUASH AND TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Combine 2 cups halved assorted cherry tomatoes with 1/4 cup each white wine vinegar and olive oil, 1 sliced shallot and 2 tablespoons each chopped basil, mint and chives. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. Thinly slice 1 each medium zucchini and yellow squash using a mandoline; spread out on a platter. Top with the tomato mixture and let sit, 30 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

SHAVED SUMMER SQUASH SALAD

Steps:

• Roast almonds and coarsely crush. Meanwhile, trim the ends off summer squash. Using a vegetable peeler, thinly slice the squash lengthwise into strips and transfer to a large bowl.
• In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic clove, and kosher salt to taste. Pour dressing over squash. Let stand for a few minutes, then add a few handfuls of baby arugula. Shave a little Pecorino over the squash and toss. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with the crushed almonds.

TOMATO AND BASIL SALAD

Steps:

• Arrange tomatoes and basil on a platter. Drizzle with oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.