{"id":16724,"date":"2026-05-30T08:11:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-30T06:11:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.laragazzacolmattarello.com\/marinated-zucchini-salad-with-basil-and-mint\/"},"modified":"2026-08-24T11:41:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T09:41:37","slug":"marinated-zucchini-salad-with-basil-and-mint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.laragazzacolmattarello.com\/en\/marinated-zucchini-salad-with-basil-and-mint\/","title":{"rendered":"Marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Making seasonal vegetables the true stars of the table is an art, and this marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint is the definitive proof of it. With the arrival of good weather, our bodies crave fresh, light, and colorful dishes, but without having to give up the creaminess or the temperament of good Italian cheeses. On this occasion, we play with the crunchy texture of subtly blanched zucchini and the irresistible contrast of a rich cream that unites the delicacy of ricotta with the character of sweet gorgonzola. All this, topped with the crunchy touch of almonds and the umami intensity of sun-dried tomatoes, creates a balance of flavors that you will fall in love with from the first spoonful. Let&#8217;s get to it!<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"videobox\">\n<h3><strong>Watch the video with all the steps<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Below you can see the video with all the steps of the recipe to prepare <strong>marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint<\/strong> in the easiest way.<br \/>\nAnd if you haven&#8217;t already, I invite you to subscribe to my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.laragazzacolmattarello.com\/me\/youtubewp\"><strong>YouTube channel<\/strong><\/a> so you don&#8217;t miss any new recipes.<br \/>\n<strong>Don&#8217;t forget to follow me on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.laragazzacolmattarello.com\/me\/igwp\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram<\/a>!<\/strong> There I share more recipes, tricks, and special content for lovers of Italian cuisine.<br \/>\n<div id=\"erdyt-6a8e922a13e09\" data-id=\"op6TLcdUuC0\" class=\"erd-youtube-responsive\" style=\"display:block;position:relative;clear:both;width:100%;max-width:100%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:56.25%;\"><div class=\"erd-ytplay\" id=\"erdytp-op6TLcdUuC0-6a8e922a13e09\" data-vid=\"op6TLcdUuC0\"   data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/op6TLcdUuC0?loop=1&#038;autoplay=1&#038;rel=0\" data-allowfullscreen=\"true\"><img  title=\"Marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint ~ Appetizers My Recipes Recipes Step-by-step in three minutes  ~ La ragazza col mattarello\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/op6TLcdUuC0\/hqdefault.jpg\"  alt=\"Marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint ~ Appetizers My Recipes Recipes Step-by-step in three minutes  ~ La ragazza col mattarello\"  \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"VideoObject\",\"name\":\"Marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint - Video\",\"description\":\"Watch the video to discover all the details of the recipe.\",\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/op6TLcdUuC0\/hqdefault.jpg\",\"uploadDate\":\"2026-05-30T08:11:09+02:00\",\"embedUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/op6TLcdUuC0?loop=1&#038;autoplay=1&#038;rel=0\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=op6TLcdUuC0\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"La ragazza col mattarello\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.laragazzacolmattarello.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/la_ragazza_col_mattarello_192x192_PWA.png\",\"width\":192,\"height\":192}}}<\/script><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Main ingredients<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4>For 2 people<\/h4>\n<p>&#x23f1; <strong>Preparation time:<\/strong> 40 min<br \/>\n&#x23f1; <strong>Cooking time:<\/strong> 1 min<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>2 small-medium zucchinis<\/li>\n<li>200 g ricotta cheese<\/li>\n<li>30 g sweet gorgonzola cheese<\/li>\n<li>30 g sun-dried tomatoes<\/li>\n<li>30 g toasted almonds<\/li>\n<li>1\/2 bunch of fresh basil<\/li>\n<li>4-5 fresh mint leaves<\/li>\n<li>Zest and a few drops of lemon juice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Remember:<\/strong> At the end of the article, you will find the complete recipe card with detailed cooking and preparation times.<\/p>\n<p><img  title=\"Marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint ~ Appetizers My Recipes Recipes Step-by-step in three minutes  ~ La ragazza col mattarello\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15901\" src=\"https:\/\/www.laragazzacolmattarello.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ensalada-de-calabacin-marinado-con-albahaca-y-menta-1.jpg\"  alt=\"Marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint ~ Appetizers My Recipes Recipes Step-by-step in three minutes  ~ La ragazza col mattarello\"  width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.laragazzacolmattarello.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ensalada-de-calabacin-marinado-con-albahaca-y-menta-1.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.laragazzacolmattarello.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ensalada-de-calabacin-marinado-con-albahaca-y-menta-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.laragazzacolmattarello.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ensalada-de-calabacin-marinado-con-albahaca-y-menta-1-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>How to prepare the marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Cut and slice the zucchinis with precision<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>To start, we select some zucchinis that are small. The key to using small pieces is that their flavor is much more concentrated and they are much richer on the palate. We wash them well and, with the help of a mandoline, we slice them into strips about <strong>3 millimeters<\/strong> thick. It is essential to maintain this thickness; if you cut them thinner, they will lose all their charm and consistency during the process.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>The secret of blanching and thermal shock<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>We heat a pot with plenty of water and a good handful of salt. When it comes to a boil, we add the zucchini strips and let them blanch for <strong>exactly 1 minute<\/strong>. Do not exceed that time, because if they are overcooked, they will break when handled later. Meanwhile, we prepare a container next to it with plenty of water and ice cubes. After the minute, we remove the zucchini and immediately submerge it in the ice water. This thermal shock will stop the cooking instantly and set that very vivid and beautiful green color.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Thorough drying and aromatic marinating<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Once cooled, we drain the zucchinis and spread them out flat on a clean cotton cloth or paper towel. We cover them and dry them very delicately. Next, we lightly chop the fresh basil and mint leaves. In a separate bowl, we pour a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a few drops of lemon juice, its zest, salt, and black pepper. We emulsify the mixture well and incorporate the herbs and the zucchini. We stir carefully so that everything is well coated and let it rest for between <strong>15 and 25 minutes<\/strong>. Monitor the time: if it goes over half an hour, the zucchini will release too much water and soften.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Prepare the cheese cream and the toppings<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>While the zucchini is soaking up the aromas, we put the ricotta in the blender jar along with the sweet gorgonzola, adding a minimal pinch of salt and another of black pepper. We blend with the immersion blender until we get a fine, smooth, and completely homogeneous cream. On the other hand, we chop the toasted almonds irregularly, looking for large and rustic pieces, and cut the sun-dried tomatoes into small cubes.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Serve and enjoy<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>For plating, we pour the ricotta and gorgonzola cream into the bottom of the plate, spreading it well to form a smooth base. On top, we harmoniously place the marinated zucchini strips. Finally, we distribute the sun-dried tomato cubes, the chopped almonds, and top with a final touch of fresh lemon zest to provide an extra perfume. A truly amazing dish!<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Tricks and tips for a perfect result<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Control the marinating time<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Zucchini is a vegetable with a high water content. Resting with lemon and salt enhances the flavors, but it should never exceed 30 minutes, as the salt will extract the internal juices and ruin the firm texture we are looking for.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Seek balance in the cheeses<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>We use sweet gorgonzola because it integrates perfectly with the ricotta without masking the aroma of the mint and basil. If you prefer an even milder touch, you can reduce the amount of gorgonzola or replace it with a touch of grated parmesan.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Nuts always toasted<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Almonds provide the necessary crunchy contrast to break the creaminess of the dish. If you buy them raw, pass them for two minutes in a pan without oil before chopping them; the change in flavor is spectacular.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"faq\">\n<h3>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h3>\n<div class=\"faq-item\" style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\">\n<h4>Can I prepare this zucchini salad in advance?<\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 5px;\">Ideally, consume the salad shortly after assembling it. However, you can have the cheese cream ready in the fridge from the day before and blanch the zucchini a few hours before, performing the marinating just before serving to keep it firm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\" style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\">\n<h4>What can I use if I can&#8217;t find ricotta cheese?<\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 5px;\">Traditional cottage cheese or fresh curd is the perfect substitute for ricotta in this recipe, as it shares that light grainy texture and a mild flavor profile ideal for blending.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\" style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\">\n<h4>Can the zucchini be eaten completely raw?<\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 5px;\">Yes, it is possible to skip the boiling water step if you cut the slices extremely thin with a peeler. However, the one-minute blanching softens the bitter taste of the zucchini and sets a beautiful bright green color.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\" style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\">\n<h4>What other nut goes well if I don&#8217;t have almonds?<\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 5px;\">Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts work wonderfully in this Italian recipe, providing that fatty and crunchy touch that balances the acidity of the lemon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h4>Is it a vegetarian-friendly recipe?<\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 5px;\">Of course. It is a completely vegetarian, fresh, and healthy dish, ideal as a light starter or as a quick and delicious dinner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n  {\n    \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [{\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can I prepare this zucchini salad in advance?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Ideally, consume the salad shortly after assembling it. 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However, the one-minute blanching softens the bitter taste of the zucchini and sets a beautiful bright green color.\"\n      }\n    }, {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What other nut goes well if I don't have almonds?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts work wonderfully in this Italian recipe, providing that fatty and crunchy touch that balances the acidity of the lemon.\"\n      }\n    }, {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Is it a vegetarian-friendly recipe?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Of course. It is a completely vegetarian, fresh, and healthy dish, ideal as a light starter or as a quick and delicious dinner.\"\n      }\n    }]\n  }\n<\/script><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Related recipes you will love<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>If you like traditional Italian recipes, here are other suggestions to enjoy authentic flavors:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.laragazzacolmattarello.com\/es\/pasta-con-tomate-y-albahaca-pasta-al-pomodoro-allitaliana\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\">Pasta with tomato and basil<\/a><\/strong>: a classic recipe with few ingredients and lots of flavor.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.laragazzacolmattarello.com\/en\/pasta-con-brocoli-y-anchoas-3\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\">Pasta with broccoli<\/a><\/strong>: a healthy and delicious option, perfect for varying the menu.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Enjoy your marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint!<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>This recipe shows that by combining simple vegetables with a good traditional dressing, you can achieve spectacular dishes full of contrasts. Go ahead and prepare it at home and tell me in the comments what you thought of the texture. If you liked this fresh idea, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.laragazzacolmattarello.com\/me\/youtubewp\">subscribe to my YouTube channel<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.laragazzacolmattarello.com\/me\/igwp\">Instagram<\/a><\/strong> to discover more secrets of Italian cuisine. Leave me your impressions and share the photos if you give it a try!<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c91f1f;\"><strong>Enjoy your meal!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<hr><div class=\"videobox\"><div class=\"row\">\n        <div class=\"col-xs-12 centertext vspaced\">\n            <h3>The latest video recipes from my channel!<\/h3>\n\n<div id=\"sb_youtube_sbyUCkrxY67wU2ZtStSZsNLPZnw3\"\n\trole=\"region\"\n\taria-label=\"YouTube videos\"\n\t class=\"sb_youtube sby_layout_gallery sby_col_3 sby_mob_col_1 sby_palette_custom  sby_width_resp\"\tdata-feedid=\"sby_UCkrxY67wU2ZtStSZsNLPZnw#3\"\n\tdata-shortcode-atts=\"{&quot;feed&quot;:&quot;2&quot;}\" \n\tdata-cols=\"3\" \n\tdata-colsmobile=\"1\" \n\tdata-num=\"3\" \n\tdata-nummobile=\"3\" \n\tdata-channel-subscribers=\"3.4K subscribers\"\tdata-subscribe-btn=\"1\" \n\tdata-subscribe-btn-text=\"Youtube\" \n\tdata_channel_header_colors 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124.083c-6.281-23.65-24.787-42.276-48.284-48.597C458.781 64 288 64 288 64S117.22 64 74.629 75.486c-23.497 6.322-42.003 24.947-48.284 48.597-11.412 42.867-11.412 132.305-11.412 132.305s0 89.438 11.412 132.305c6.281 23.65 24.787 41.5 48.284 47.821C117.22 448 288 448 288 448s170.78 0 213.371-11.486c23.497-6.321 42.003-24.171 48.284-47.821 11.412-42.867 11.412-132.305 11.412-132.305s0-89.438-11.412-132.305zm-317.51 213.508V175.185l142.739 81.205-142.739 81.201z\" class=\"\"><\/path><\/svg>                    <\/div>\n                                <span class=\"sby_loader sby_hidden\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"><\/span>\n            <\/a>\n\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"sby_item  sby_new sby_transition\" role=\"listitem\" id=\"sby_VVVrcnhZNjd3VTJadFN0U1pzTkxQWm53LnYwMTlkUXVWOFR3\" data-date=\"1786735852\" data-video-id=\"v019dQuV8Tw\">\n    <div class=\"sby_inner_item\">\n        <div class=\"sby_video_thumbnail_wrap 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col mattarello\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.laragazzacolmattarello.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/feeds-for-youtube\/img\/placeholder.png\"  alt=\"Marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint ~ Appetizers My Recipes Recipes Step-by-step in three minutes  ~ La ragazza col mattarello\" >\n\n                <div class=\"sby_thumbnail_hover sby_item_video_thumbnail_hover\">\n                    <div class=\"sby_thumbnail_hover_inner\">\n                                                    <span class=\"sby_video_title\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"3\" >El #bocadillo m\u00e1s #barato de #Roma \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9 Dos por menos de 2 \u20ac (y el agua, gratis) \ud83d\udca7#allanostra<\/span>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                                    <div class=\"sby_play_btn\" >\n                        <span class=\"sby_play_btn_bg\"><\/span>\n                        <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" 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class=\"centertext\"><h3>The card<\/h3><\/div>\n<p><!-- vrtl-translatium:recipe:start --><\/p>\n<div class=\"vrtl-recipe\" data-recipe-id=\"15908\">\n<h2 class=\"vrtl-recipe__title\">Marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"vrtl-recipe__figure\"><img  title=\"Marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint ~ Appetizers My Recipes Recipes Step-by-step in three minutes  ~ La ragazza col mattarello\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.laragazzacolmattarello.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ensalada-de-calabacin-marinado-con-albahaca-y-menta.jpg\"  alt=\"Marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint ~ Appetizers My Recipes Recipes Step-by-step in three minutes  ~ La ragazza col mattarello\"  \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"vrtl-recipe__summary\">A fresh and surprising salad of lightly blanched zucchini marinated with aromatic herbs, served on a creamy base of ricotta and sweet gorgonzola with crunchy almonds and sun-dried tomatoes.<\/div>\n<ul class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta\">\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-item\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-label\">Dish<\/span><br \/><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-value\">Appetizer<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-item\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-label\">Cuisine<\/span><br \/><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-value\">Italian<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-item\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-label\">Preparation time<\/span><br \/><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-value\">40 minutes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-item\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-label\">Cooking time<\/span><br \/><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-value\">1 minutes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-item\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-label\">Total time<\/span><br \/><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-value\">41 minutes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-item\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-label\">Servings<\/span><br \/><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-value\">2 <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-item\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-label\">Calories<\/span><br \/><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-value\">290 kcal<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-item\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-label\">Author<\/span><br \/><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-value\">Mia Villar Raurich<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-item\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-label\">Tags<\/span><br \/><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__meta-value\">marinated zucchini, Italian cuisine, zucchini salad, light appetizer, easy recipe, ricotta<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<section class=\"vrtl-recipe__section vrtl-recipe__section--ingredients\">\n<h3 class=\"vrtl-recipe__heading\">Ingredients<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredients\">\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__amount\">2<\/span> <span class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient-name\">small-medium zucchini<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__amount\">200<\/span> <span class=\"vrtl-recipe__unit\">g<\/span> <span class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient-name\">ricotta cheese<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__amount\">30<\/span> <span class=\"vrtl-recipe__unit\">g<\/span> <span class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient-name\">sweet gorgonzola cheese<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__amount\">30<\/span> <span class=\"vrtl-recipe__unit\">g<\/span> <span class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient-name\">sun-dried tomatoes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__amount\">30<\/span> <span class=\"vrtl-recipe__unit\">g<\/span> <span class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient-name\">toasted almonds<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__amount\">1\/2<\/span> <span class=\"vrtl-recipe__unit\">manojo<\/span> <span class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient-name\">fresh basil<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__amount\">5<\/span> <span class=\"vrtl-recipe__unit\">hojas<\/span> <span class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient-name\">fresh mint<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__amount\">1<\/span> <span class=\"vrtl-recipe__unit\">chorrito<\/span> <span class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient-name\">extra virgin olive oil<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient-name\">A few drops of lemon juice<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient-name\">Lemon zest to taste<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient-name\">Salt to taste<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient\"><span class=\"vrtl-recipe__ingredient-name\">Black pepper to taste<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"vrtl-recipe__section vrtl-recipe__section--steps\">\n<h3 class=\"vrtl-recipe__heading\">Instructions<\/h3>\n<ol class=\"vrtl-recipe__steps\">\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__step\">Slice the zucchini into 3 mm strips using a mandoline<\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__step\">Blanch the strips in boiling salted water for 1 minute<\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__step\">Immediately submerge in ice water to stop the cooking process<\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__step\">Dry the slices very well by spreading them out on a clean cloth<\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__step\">Finely chop the fresh basil and mint<\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__step\">Emulsify the olive oil with the lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper<\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__step\">Marinate the zucchini with the emulsion and herbs for 15 to 25 minutes<\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__step\">Blend the ricotta with the gorgonzola, salt, and pepper using an immersion blender until smooth<\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__step\">Coarsely and irregularly chop the toasted almonds and dice the sun-dried tomatoes<\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__step\">Spread the cheese cream on the base of the plate<\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__step\">Place the marinated zucchini on top<\/li>\n<li class=\"vrtl-recipe__step\">Garnish with the sun-dried tomato pieces, chopped almonds, and a final touch of lemon zest<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"vrtl-recipe__section vrtl-recipe__section--video\">\n<h3 class=\"vrtl-recipe__heading\">Video<\/h3>\n<div class=\"vrtl-recipe__video\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/op6TLcdUuC0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" loading=\"lazy\" allowfullscreen allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- vrtl-translatium:recipe:end --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Making seasonal vegetables the true stars of the table is an art, and this marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint is the definitive proof of it. With the arrival of good weather, our bodies crave fresh, light, and colorful dishes, but without having to give up the creaminess or the temperament of good Italian cheeses. On this occasion, we play with the crunchy texture of subtly blanched zucchini and the irresistible contrast of a rich cream that unites the delicacy of ricotta with the character of sweet gorgonzola. All this, topped with the crunchy touch of almonds and the umami intensity of sun-dried tomatoes, creates a balance of flavors that you will fall in love with from the first spoonful. Let&#8217;s get to it! Watch the video with all the steps Below you can see the video with all the steps of the recipe to prepare marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint in the easiest way. And if you haven&#8217;t already, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don&#8217;t miss any new recipes. Don&#8217;t forget to follow me on Instagram! There I share more recipes, tricks, and special content for lovers of Italian cuisine. Main ingredients For 2 people &#x23f1; Preparation time: 40 min &#x23f1; Cooking time: 1 min 2 small-medium zucchinis 200 g ricotta cheese 30 g sweet gorgonzola cheese 30 g sun-dried tomatoes 30 g toasted almonds 1\/2 bunch of fresh basil 4-5 fresh mint leaves Zest and a few drops of lemon juice Remember: At the end of the article, you will find the complete recipe card with detailed cooking and preparation times. How to prepare the marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint Cut and slice the zucchinis with precision To start, we select some zucchinis that are small. The key to using small pieces is that their flavor is much more concentrated and they are much richer on the palate. We wash them well and, with the help of a mandoline, we slice them into strips about 3 millimeters thick. It is essential to maintain this thickness; if you cut them thinner, they will lose all their charm and consistency during the process. The secret of blanching and thermal shock We heat a pot with plenty of water and a good handful of salt. When it comes to a boil, we add the zucchini strips and let them blanch for exactly 1 minute. Do not exceed that time, because if they are overcooked, they will break when handled later. Meanwhile, we prepare a container next to it with plenty of water and ice cubes. After the minute, we remove the zucchini and immediately submerge it in the ice water. This thermal shock will stop the cooking instantly and set that very vivid and beautiful green color. Thorough drying and aromatic marinating Once cooled, we drain the zucchinis and spread them out flat on a clean cotton cloth or paper towel. We cover them and dry them very delicately. Next, we lightly chop the fresh basil and mint leaves. In a separate bowl, we pour a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a few drops of lemon juice, its zest, salt, and black pepper. We emulsify the mixture well and incorporate the herbs and the zucchini. We stir carefully so that everything is well coated and let it rest for between 15 and 25 minutes. Monitor the time: if it goes over half an hour, the zucchini will release too much water and soften. Prepare the cheese cream and the toppings While the zucchini is soaking up the aromas, we put the ricotta in the blender jar along with the sweet gorgonzola, adding a minimal pinch of salt and another of black pepper. We blend with the immersion blender until we get a fine, smooth, and completely homogeneous cream. On the other hand, we chop the toasted almonds irregularly, looking for large and rustic pieces, and cut the sun-dried tomatoes into small cubes. Serve and enjoy For plating, we pour the ricotta and gorgonzola cream into the bottom of the plate, spreading it well to form a smooth base. On top, we harmoniously place the marinated zucchini strips. Finally, we distribute the sun-dried tomato cubes, the chopped almonds, and top with a final touch of fresh lemon zest to provide an extra perfume. A truly amazing dish! Tricks and tips for a perfect result Control the marinating time Zucchini is a vegetable with a high water content. Resting with lemon and salt enhances the flavors, but it should never exceed 30 minutes, as the salt will extract the internal juices and ruin the firm texture we are looking for. Seek balance in the cheeses We use sweet gorgonzola because it integrates perfectly with the ricotta without masking the aroma of the mint and basil. If you prefer an even milder touch, you can reduce the amount of gorgonzola or replace it with a touch of grated parmesan. Nuts always toasted Almonds provide the necessary crunchy contrast to break the creaminess of the dish. If you buy them raw, pass them for two minutes in a pan without oil before chopping them; the change in flavor is spectacular. Frequently Asked Questions Can I prepare this zucchini salad in advance? Ideally, consume the salad shortly after assembling it. However, you can have the cheese cream ready in the fridge from the day before and blanch the zucchini a few hours before, performing the marinating just before serving to keep it firm. What can I use if I can&#8217;t find ricotta cheese? Traditional cottage cheese or fresh curd is the perfect substitute for ricotta in this recipe, as it shares that light grainy texture and a mild flavor profile ideal for blending. Can the zucchini be eaten completely raw? Yes, it is possible to skip the boiling water step if you cut the slices extremely thin with a peeler. However, the one-minute blanching softens the bitter taste of the zucchini and sets a beautiful bright green color. What other nut goes well if I don&#8217;t have almonds? Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts work wonderfully in this Italian recipe, providing that fatty and crunchy touch that balances the acidity of the lemon. Is it a vegetarian-friendly recipe? Of course. It is a completely vegetarian, fresh, and healthy dish, ideal as a light starter or as a quick and delicious dinner. Related recipes you will love If you like traditional Italian recipes, here are other suggestions to enjoy authentic flavors: Pasta with tomato and basil: a classic recipe with few ingredients and lots of flavor. Pasta with broccoli: a healthy and delicious option, perfect for varying the menu. Enjoy your marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint! This recipe shows that by combining simple vegetables with a good traditional dressing, you can achieve spectacular dishes full of contrasts. Go ahead and prepare it at home and tell me in the comments what you thought of the texture. If you liked this fresh idea, subscribe to my YouTube channel and Instagram to discover more secrets of Italian cuisine. Leave me your impressions and share the photos if you give it a try! Enjoy your meal! Marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint A fresh and surprising salad of lightly blanched zucchini marinated with aromatic herbs, served on a creamy base of ricotta and sweet gorgonzola with crunchy almonds and sun-dried tomatoes. DishAppetizer CuisineItalian Preparation time40 minutes Cooking time1 minutes Total time41 minutes Servings2 Calories290 kcal AuthorMia Villar Raurich Tagsmarinated zucchini, Italian cuisine, zucchini salad, light appetizer, easy recipe, ricotta Ingredients 2 small-medium zucchini 200 g ricotta cheese 30 g sweet gorgonzola cheese 30 g sun-dried tomatoes 30 g toasted almonds 1\/2 manojo fresh basil 5 hojas fresh mint 1 chorrito extra virgin olive oil A few drops of lemon juice Lemon zest to taste Salt to taste Black pepper to taste Instructions Slice the zucchini into 3 mm strips using a mandoline Blanch the strips in boiling salted water for 1 minute Immediately submerge in ice water to stop the cooking process Dry the slices very well by spreading them out on a clean cloth Finely chop the fresh basil and mint Emulsify the olive oil with the lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper Marinate the zucchini with the emulsion and herbs for 15 to 25 minutes Blend the ricotta with the gorgonzola, salt, and pepper using an immersion blender until smooth Coarsely and irregularly chop the toasted almonds and dice the sun-dried tomatoes Spread the cheese cream on the base of the plate Place the marinated zucchini on top Garnish with the sun-dried tomato pieces, chopped almonds, and a final touch of lemon zest Video<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15906,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2796,2690,389,2894],"tags":[3130,210,2927,104,3064,3131,2768],"class_list":["post-16724","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-appetizers","category-my-recipes","category-recipes","category-step-by-step-in-three-minutes","tag-almonds-3","tag-gorgonzola-es","tag-mint","tag-ricotta-es","tag-rustic-bread","tag-sun-dried-tomato","tag-zucchini-2"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint ~ La ragazza col mattarello<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A very easy marinated zucchini salad with basil and mint. 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