Fresh Courgette and Feta Salad Recipe: A Burst of Flavours
When looking for a light, nutritious, and flavour-packed dish that screams summer, a Courgette and Feta Salad is a perfect choice. This easy-to-make recipe combines the freshness of courgettes with the creamy saltiness of feta cheese, balanced with a tangy dressing. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a garden party, or just want a refreshing side dish, this Courgette and Feta Salad will surely impress your guests and your taste buds. Let’s dive into the steps to create this deliciously wholesome salad!
Ingredients:
– 2 medium courgettes, thinly sliced
– 100g feta cheese, crumbled
– 50g pine nuts
– 1 lemon, zest and juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Fresh mint leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Courgettes:
Start by thinly slicing the courgettes, either using a knife or a mandoline for uniform slices. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Toss the courgette slices gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to allow the excess moisture to be drawn out.
Roasting the Pine Nuts:
While the courgettes are resting, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them lightly, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once the pine nuts turn golden brown and fragrant, remove them from the heat and set aside to cool.
Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by combining the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, chopped mint leaves, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined, creating a vibrant and flavourful dressing for the salad.
Assembling the Salad:
After the courgette slices have released some moisture, gently squeeze them to remove excess liquid. Transfer the courgette slices to a serving bowl. Crumble the feta cheese over the courgettes, followed by the toasted pine nuts.
Drizzling with Dressing:
Give the dressing a final whisk to ensure the ingredients are well incorporated. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, making sure to coat all the ingredients evenly. Use tongs or a salad spoon to toss the salad gently, ensuring the dressing coats every slice of courgette and crumble of feta.
Serving and Enjoying:
Once the salad is well coated with the dressing, it’s ready to be served. Garnish with a few extra mint leaves for a pop of colour and freshness. This Courgette and Feta Salad is best enjoyed immediately to savour the crispness of the courgettes and the creaminess of the feta. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a light meal on its own.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Courgette and Feta Salad is a delightful combination of textures and flavours that will elevate any summer meal. The crunch of the courgettes, the creaminess of the feta, the nuttiness of the pine nuts, and the zingy dressing create a harmonious dish that is both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re a fan of salads or looking to add more vegetables to your diet, this recipe is sure to become a favourite. Try it out and treat yourself to a deliciously wholesome experience with every bite.