Marinated zucchini tomato salad is a fresh and colorful dish that bursts with flavors and textures. Perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a healthy side dish, this salad combines the crunch of fresh vegetables with a tangy and aromatic dressing. The marinade enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables, making this salad both delicious and refreshing. Follow this guide to create a vibrant marinated zucchini tomato salad that will brighten up any meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 zucchini
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 carrots
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 red onion
- 2 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
For the Dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp shallot, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic, minced
- ½ tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Slice the Zucchini: Wash the zucchini and slice them into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. Put the sliced zucchini into a large mixing bowl.
- Halve the Tomatoes: Wash the cherry or grape tomatoes and cut them in half. Add the tomatoes to the bowl with the zucchini.
- Julienne the Carrots: Peel the carrots and cut them into thin julienne strips. Add the carrots to the bowl.
- Chop the Bell Pepper: Wash the yellow bell pepper, remove the seeds, and cut it into thin strips or small pieces. Add the bell pepper to the bowl.
- Prepare the Red Onion: Remove the skin from the red onion and cut it into thin slices. Incorporate the sliced onion into the bowl.
- Chop the Parsley: Finely chop the Italian parsley and add it to the bowl with the vegetables.
Make the Dressing
- Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, minced shallot, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and chopped fresh thyme until well combined.
- Season the Dressing: Add sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Whisk again to ensure the dressing is well mixed.
Marinate the Salad
- Pour Dressing Over Vegetables: Pour the prepared dressing over the bowl of mixed vegetables.
- Toss the Salad: Using a large spoon or salad tongs, toss the vegetables with the dressing until everything is evenly coated.
- Marinate: Seal the bowl with cling film or move the salad into a sealed container.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to absorb the dressing.
Serve the Salad
- Final Toss: Before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing.
- Serve: Transfer the marinated zucchini tomato salad to a serving dish and enjoy it as a side dish or a light and healthy main course.
Conclusion
This marinated zucchini tomato salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that celebrates the freshness of summer vegetables. The tangy dressing complements the crisp vegetables, creating a refreshing and satisfying salad that is perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and full of nutritious ingredients, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the bright colors and delicious flavors of this delightful dish, and happy cooking!