Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Zucchini Ribbons with Pine Nuts, Goat Cheese & Basil

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An excellent alternative to the ubiquitous pasta salad...these raw Zucchini Ribbons with Toasted Pine Nuts, Goat Cheese and Basil come together magnificently for the perfect summer side dish!

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Healthy, fresh, nutty and delicious...I promise you... as you twirl the zucchini ribbons around your fork...you'll think you are eating a creamy, cheesy pasta!  Minus the carbs!

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Here's the recipe...I hope you'll try it and enjoy it as much as we did!

Zucchini Ribbons with Toasted Pine Nuts, Goat Cheese and Basil Serves 1-2 people so double/triple the recipe as needed!

Ingredients:

1 medium-large Zucchini, ends cut off and discarded, peeled of its skin and sliced into long vertical ribbons with a vegetable/carrot peeler - stop when you get to the seeds
2 T toasted pine nuts
2 T crumbled goat cheese
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 tsp. apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
1/8 tsp. very finely diced fresh garlic
2-3 T. fresh basil, chiffonade style (plus more for garnish on top if desired)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, vinegar (or lemon juice) and diced garlic. Set aside.

In a medium size bowl add the zucchini ribbons, goat cheese, toasted pine nuts and basil.

Pour prepared oil mixture over the top and toss together well.

Salt and pepper to taste. Top with additional fresh basil if desired and serve.

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10 comments:

Andrea the Kitchen Witch said...

I have no pine nuts but I do have zucchini and goat cheese. Pretty sure I'll sub some cashews for the pine nuts (due to what I have on hand) and be feasting on this for lunch tomorrow!!! YUM!

Simply Life said...

oh this is so pretty and the perfect combination of flavors!

The Food Hound said...

Oooo, you know me- not a pasta fan, and I LOVE these flavors, so this will be on my list of must-makes!! Too bad we still have to wait till the end of the Challenge for the goat cheese. But when it ends... look out :) Love your pics, too- your skills are so good, girl!!

Nicole said...

Oh I'm so glad you didn't use a mandoline because I gave mine away!
I wonder if Roman would think it's pasta and eat this?!?!
Looks wonderful!

Nuts about food said...

What a great idea, I never would have thought of this.

Clint said...

Looks really delish!

Unknown said...

This looks delicious! I'm with Andrea, I don't have pine nuts, but I have everything else on hand right now...might need to bring this for lunch today!!

Joanne said...

I cannot tell you how much I am craving this now! The ribbons look so addictively creamy!

chow and chatter said...

wow what an amazing idea to use zucchini like this looks amazing adore your recipes first class

Karen said...

Look at you using zucchini again! This is a great idea...never would have thought to make a salad like this. Looks fresh and summery.