Go Back
To make a vibrant Summer Squash Ribbon Salad, you need fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s what to gather: - 2 medium yellow summer squash - 1 medium zucchini - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Each ingredient plays a vital role in this dish. The summer squash and zucchini provide a fresh crunch. The cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. Feta cheese gives a creamy texture, while walnuts add a nice crunch. Fresh basil brings a lovely aroma and bright flavor. When choosing your squash, look for firm ones with smooth skin. This ensures your salad will be crisp and flavorful. For the best taste, use fresh herbs and quality olive oil. You can find the Full Recipe for more detailed steps. Enjoy making this fresh and flavorful dish! First, wash the summer squash and zucchini well. Use cool running water to clean them. Next, trim off both ends of each vegetable. This step ensures the veggies are tidy. After that, it’s time to create ribbons. Grab a vegetable peeler or a mandoline slicer. Carefully slice the summer squash and zucchini into long, thin strips. Aim for delicate ribbons that enhance texture and look. Now, let’s mix the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the squash and zucchini ribbons. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to this mix. Make sure the ingredients are evenly mixed. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dressing. Use extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Add a pinch of sea salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until everything blends well. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Next, it’s time to assemble the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the vegetable mixture. Toss gently using a spatula. Be careful not to break the ribbons. After that, sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts, and torn basil leaves. Toss again to mix these toppings evenly. Finally, let the salad rest for about 10 minutes. This wait helps the flavors blend. You will notice the taste improves as the salad sits. This step is key before serving. It allows for a more delicious experience. Enjoy your vibrant and refreshing salad with every bite! For the full recipe, check the previous sections. To get the best texture, pick fresh, firm summer squash and zucchini. Look for bright colors and smooth skin. Using a spiralizer can create fun, curly shapes. This can make your salad look more appealing and fun to eat. Your dressing plays a big role in flavor. Adjust the acidity and seasoning to fit your taste. For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. It brightens the salad and adds a zesty kick that pairs well with the squash. This summer squash ribbon salad shines as a side dish for summer barbecues. It adds freshness to grilled meats and fish. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch on its own. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple protein for a complete meal. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the cheese in this salad. Goat cheese or Parmesan adds a new flavor. If you have nut allergies, replace walnuts with pecans or sunflower seeds. Both options still give a nice crunch. Need more flavor? Try adding sliced olives or capers. They bring a briny taste that balances the salad. You can also mix in other seasonal veggies. Bell peppers or carrots add color and crunch. Want a vegan version? Just leave out the cheese and use a plant-based dressing. It’s just as tasty! For those needing gluten-free meals, ensure you use certified gluten-free ingredients. This way, everyone can enjoy this fresh dish. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! After enjoying your summer squash ribbon salad, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and crunchy. I recommend eating it within 1-2 days. The flavors taste best when fresh. If your salad feels a bit bland the next day, don’t worry! Just add some extra dressing to bring the flavors back to life. You can also toss in fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This adds brightness and makes the salad feel vibrant again. To make summer squash ribbons, you need a vegetable peeler or a mandoline slicer. Start with clean summer squash. Trim off the ends. Hold the squash and peel long, thin ribbons. Keep the pressure even to ensure they are uniform. The thinner the ribbons, the better they blend into your salad. Yes, you can add other veggies! Carrots and cucumbers work well. Bell peppers add color and crunch. Radishes bring spice and zest. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! This salad is very healthy! Summer squash is low in calories and high in vitamins. It has fiber, which is great for digestion. Cherry tomatoes boost your vitamin C intake. Feta and walnuts add healthy fats and protein. It’s a nutritious choice for any meal. It takes about 15 minutes to prep. The total time, including tossing everything together, is around 25 minutes. It’s a quick meal option for busy days. You can whip it up in no time! You can prep the salad in advance! Make the ribbons and chop the veggies. Store them in the fridge but keep the dressing separate. Mix everything together just before serving. This way, your salad stays fresh and crisp. This salad combines fresh summer squash, zucchini, and tomatoes for a tasty dish. I showed you how to prepare the ingredients, mix them, and let the salad rest for flavor. You can also tweak it with variations to suit your taste or dietary needs. Remember to store any leftovers properly, as they are best eaten within two days. Enjoy this colorful salad at your next barbecue or as a light lunch!

Summer Squash Ribbon Salad

Discover the refreshing taste of summer with this Golden Summer Squash Ribbon Salad! Perfect for warm days, this vibrant dish features thin ribbons of yellow squash and zucchini tossed with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and walnuts. Drizzled with a zesty lemon dressing, it's a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your salad game this season! Enjoy a healthy and colorful meal today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 medium yellow summer squash

1 medium zucchini

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by thoroughly washing the yellow summer squash and zucchini under cool running water. After cleaning, trim off both ends of each vegetable.

    Using a vegetable peeler or a mandoline slicer, carefully slice the summer squash and zucchini into long, thin ribbons. Aim for even, delicate strips to enhance the texture of the salad.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine both the squash and zucchini ribbons with the halved cherry tomatoes, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.

        In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well emulsified. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary, catering to your personal palate.

          Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, and gently toss with a spatula to combine, taking care to coat the ribbons lightly without breaking them.

            Sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts, and torn basil leaves, then give the salad another gentle toss to incorporate these flavorful toppings throughout.

              Allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes. This brief wait will help the flavors meld beautifully to create a more cohesive taste experience before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching display, serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl or artfully on a rustic wooden board. Top the salad with extra torn basil leaves and a scattering of walnuts for visual contrast and pop of color. For an additional flourish, consider sprinkling a bit more crumbled feta cheese over the top before serving. Enjoy your vibrant and refreshing salad!