Meatless Monday–Zucchini and Hazelnut Salad

I’ve really been enjoying my Meatless Monday posts.  Just a few months ago I really only had an arsenal of maybe ten vegetarian dishes that I considered to be as good as meals centered around meat.  My mind has definitely been opened.  Not only do I look forward to Meatless Monday now, but I actually find myself cooking vegetarian two or three times a week.  What a change!

I made this salad for my mom and I.  We ate it with some simple toasted baguette slices with butter and it made for a truly enjoyable summer meal.  The balance of flavors and textures was so perfect.  I can’t wait to make it again!

zucchini hazelnut salad

Zucchini and Hazelnut Salad

adapted from Yotam Ottolenghi, Plenty

Ingredients:

1/2 c. shelled hazelnuts

1 3/4 lb. zucchini

4 TBSP olive oil

salt and freshly-cracked black pepper

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar, plus more for drizzling

5 oz. mixed greens

1 1/4 c. basil leaves (green and purple if possible)

3 oz. Parmesan, thinly sliced

2 tsp. hazelnut oil

Directions:

1.  Heat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat.  Toast hazelnuts until fragrant and slightly browned.  Allow to cool, then chop.

2.  Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat until very hot–about five minutes.  

3.  Meanwhile, trim the ends from the zucchini and cut them on an angle into 1/2-inch thick slices.  Place in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.  

4.  Once the grill pan in thoroughly heated, place the zucchini slices on the grill pan until char grilled, about two minuted per side.  Transfer to a mixing bowl and toss with balsamic vinegar.  Set aside.

5.  On each of four plates, arrange greens and basil.  Top with zucchini, cheese, and hazelnuts, then drizzle with hazelnut oil and additional balsamic.

one year ago: garlic rice pilaf

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7 Comments

  1. Pretend Chef
    August 8, 2011 / 1:42 pm

    Toot that horn! I enjoy your "Meatless Monday" posts. Everything you dish up looks so delicious and crave worthy. This is no exception. Yummy!

  2. BIG SPOON
    August 8, 2011 / 3:54 pm

    I think meatless monday is a great idea, and everyone should do it. I've been mostly vegetarian for years now, and veggie meals are good for you and good for the planet… You might like some of the vegetarian recipes I have on my blog, especially a grilled Zucchini salad o my own creation. Hope you enjoy

  3. Krystal
    August 8, 2011 / 6:15 pm

    I love MMs, I've been waitng for you to post recipes from the new cookbook. Awesome recipe, and another one to try for MM's. YUM!

  4. Anonymous
    August 9, 2011 / 3:09 am

    Oh! That sounds so yummy! I hate to say it, but I've never had actual hazelnuts. I've had the flavors and extracts and all that, but not the actual nut. This salad looks delicious!

  5. Erin
    August 9, 2011 / 1:25 pm

    Good for you on the veggie meals! I need to get better at that. This looks like another winner! I love the idea of hazelnuts with the salad!

  6. Kim Bee
    August 9, 2011 / 3:01 pm

    Love your blog!

  7. Angela
    August 11, 2011 / 1:38 pm

    This looks delicious, Kelsey! I've been addicted to zucchini lately so I may have to make this happen soon 🙂

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