Refreshing Summer Squash Ribbon Salad Recipe

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and your taste buds are calling out for something fresh and exciting. Enter the Summer Squash Ribbon Salad, a colorful dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at. Imagine silky ribbons of squash dancing on your plate, drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette that kicks off your taste buds like a surprise party. This salad isn’t just food; it’s an experience.

Think about those lazy summer afternoons when you want to impress guests without sweating over a hot stove—this is your go-to dish. It captures the essence of summer in every bite and has a way of making even the most mundane moments feel special. Get ready to dive into a bowl of sunshine!

I remember the first time I made this salad; my friends couldn’t believe how quickly it disappeared! They were asking for seconds before they even finished their first helping.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Summer Squash: Look for firm squash with smooth skin; yellow or green varieties add lovely color.
• Zucchini: Choose small to medium zucchinis for sweeter flavor and tender texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Pick ripe tomatoes that burst in your mouth; they add sweetness and vibrant color.
• Fresh Basil: Use fragrant leaves to enhance flavors; fresh basil is a must for this dish!
• Olive Oil: Opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor; it elevates the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness; avoid bottled juice for the best taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Use sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to bring all flavors together.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Veggies: Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly under cold water. Grab a sharp knife and slice off the ends of your summer squash and zucchini before creating ribbons.

Create Ribbons of Joy: Using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, shred the squash and zucchini into long ribbons until you reach the core. Set these beautiful ribbons aside while we move on.

Add Color with Tomatoes: Halve your cherry tomatoes so they can release their juicy goodness into the salad later. Their colors will pop against the bright squash ribbons.

Make Your Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until emulsified. The scent should be zesty and inviting—just like summer!

Toss It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine squash ribbons, zucchini strips, halved cherry tomatoes, and torn basil leaves. Drizzle with vinaigrette and gently toss to coat everything evenly.

Serve Fresh!: Arrange your vibrant salad on a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with extra basil if desired—because who doesn’t love a little extra flair? Enjoy immediately for maximum freshness!

This Summer Squash Ribbon Salad not only brightens up your meal but also brings joy to every gathering or quiet dinner at home. So grab those veggies from your local farmer’s market or grocery store—your taste buds will thank you!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create the Summer Squash Ribbon Salad efficiently, spiralize your squash first while prepping the dressing. This way, everything comes together smoothly without any awkward pauses.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out summer squash for zucchini or add in some cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness. Fresh herbs like basil or mint also enhance the flavor beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat.

Cooking this salad always reminds me of sunny days spent at family barbecues, where everyone would gather around, chatting and laughing over vibrant dishes like this one.

FAQ

What can I substitute for summer squash?

You can easily substitute summer squash with zucchini or cucumbers for a refreshing twist.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the ingredients and dressing separately for optimal freshness before serving.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Summer Squash Ribbon Salad is naturally gluten-free and healthy.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Summer Squash Ribbon Salad

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

This Summer Squash Ribbon Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish packed with fresh vegetables and zesty flavors, making it the perfect choice for warm-weather meals.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups summer squash, thinly sliced into ribbons
• 2 cups zucchini, thinly sliced into ribbons
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly.
2. Trim the ends of the summer squash and zucchini. Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to slice them into long ribbons.
3. Halve the cherry tomatoes to release their juices.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine squash ribbons, zucchini strips, halved cherry tomatoes, and torn basil leaves.
6. Drizzle with vinaigrette and gently toss to coat evenly.
7. Serve immediately on a platter or individual plates.

Notes

• For added crunch and flavor, consider incorporating other seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers.
•  This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Salad
• Method: No cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (200g)
• Calories: 135
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg