Zucchini Carpaccio is a delightful dish that transforms the humble zucchini into a star. This recipe is as visually appealing as it is delicious, perfect for impressing guests or jazzing up a simple weeknight dinner. It's simple, light, and refreshing, making it the perfect dish for a summer evening.
All ingredients in this recipe are fairly common and can be found in your local supermarket. However, pay special attention to the Parmesan cheese. Opt for a block of Parmesan that you can shave yourself, as it will provide a fresher, richer flavor than pre-shaved or grated varieties.
Ingredients for Zucchini Carpaccio
Zucchini: Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that serves as the base of this dish. It's fresh, light and absorbs the flavors of the dressing beautifully.
Lemon: Adds a fresh and tangy flavor that enhances the zucchini.
Extra virgin olive oil: This oil is a healthy fat that adds a smooth and slightly peppery flavor to the dish.
Kosher salt and fresh black pepper: These enhance the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Baby arugula: Baby arugula adds a peppery note and beautiful green color to contrast with the zucchini.
Parmesan: Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty flavor that complements the freshness of the zucchini and arugula.
One reader, Elwin Pratt says:
This zucchini carpaccio recipe is a game-changer! The combination of zucchini, lemon, and arugula creates a refreshing and delightful dish. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the presentation is stunning. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a light and flavorful appetizer.
Mastering Zucchini Carpaccio Techniques
How to prepare zucchini carpaccio: This technique involves thinly slicing the zucchini to create a delicate and elegant presentation. It's important to use a sharp knife and a steady hand to achieve thin, even slices.
How to marinate zucchini: Marinating the zucchini in olive oil and lemon juice helps to infuse it with flavor and tenderize the slices. Allow the zucchini to marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors before serving.
How to shave parmesan: Shaving the parmesan involves using a vegetable peeler or a cheese slicer to create thin, delicate shavings of parmesan cheese. This adds a rich, savory element to the dish.
How to serve zucchini carpaccio: To serve, arrange the marinated zucchini slices on a platter, layering them with the seasoned oil and lemon juice. Top with fresh arugula and the shaved parmesan just before serving to maintain the vibrant colors and textures.
How To Make Zucchini Carpaccio
A meat-free appetizer, this nutritious zucchini carpaccio is made with thinly-sliced zucchini and well-seasoned with natural ingredients.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2medium zucchini,ends cut off and sliced 1/16th with mandolin
- ½lemon
- 4tspextra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt and fresh black pepper,to taste
- 1cupbaby arugula
- ¼cupparmesan,shaved
Instructions
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Combine oil and lemon juice. Place a layer of zucchini to cover the bottom of a platter. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with a little olive oil and lemon juice.
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Repeat layering zucchini, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice until all zucchini is used up. Let marinate for about 10 minutes.
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Right before serving, top with fresh arugula and shaved Parmesan. Serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 96.30kcal
- Fat: 7.26g
- Saturated Fat: 2.24g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.00g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.63g
- Carbohydrates: 4.32g
- Fiber: 1.30g
- Sugar: 2.74g
- Protein: 4.67g
- Cholesterol: 6.32mg
- Sodium: 281.55mg
- Calcium: 132.01mg
- Potassium: 285.37mg
- Iron: 0.57mg
- Vitamin A: 31.19µg
- Vitamin C: 21.63mg
Expert Advice for Perfecting Zucchini Carpaccio
To ensure your zucchini slices are thin and consistent for this carpaccio recipe, use a mandoline slicer. This tool will provide you with perfectly thin slices every time, allowing the zucchini to marinate properly and absorb the flavors of the olive oil and lemon juice. If you don't have a mandoline, a sharp chef's knife will also do the trick, just be sure to slice as thinly as possible.
Streamline Your Zucchini Carpaccio Prep
Prep ahead: Chop and marinate the zucchini in advance to save time when assembling the dish.
Mandolin slicer: Use a mandolin slicer to quickly and uniformly slice the zucchini for the carpaccio.
Multi-task: While the zucchini is marinating, use that time to prepare other components of your meal to maximize efficiency.
Pre-shredded cheese: Consider using pre-shredded parmesan to save time on grating the cheese.
Quality ingredients: Using high-quality, fresh ingredients will enhance the flavors, reducing the need for extensive preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Carpaccio Recipe
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for zucchini in this recipe.
lemon - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide the same tangy acidity as lemon, adding a bright and acidic element to the dish.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good substitute for extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
baby arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach can be used as a substitute for arugula, providing a mild and slightly peppery flavor to the dish.
parmesan - Substitute with pecorino: Pecorino cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
Elevate Your Zucchini Carpaccio Presentation
Thinly sliced zucchini: Use a mandoline to slice the zucchini paper-thin, creating delicate and elegant layers.
Artful drizzle of olive oil and lemon: Carefully drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the zucchini, ensuring a beautiful and even distribution.
Garnish with baby arugula: Place the baby arugula on top of the zucchini carpaccio, adding a pop of color and a peppery freshness to the dish.
Shave parmesan with precision: Shave the parmesan using a sharp vegetable peeler, creating thin, delicate curls to adorn the zucchini carpaccio.
Arrange with finesse: Artfully arrange the zucchini carpaccio on the platter, paying attention to the placement and creating a visually stunning presentation.
Use a high-quality platter: Select a beautiful, high-quality platter to showcase the zucchini carpaccio, elevating the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Crafting Zucchini Carpaccio
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing a variety of ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A chef's knife is a multi-purpose knife used for slicing, dicing, and chopping various ingredients.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting, chopping, and preparing ingredients.
- Vegetable peeler: A vegetable peeler is used to remove the outer skin or peel from vegetables and fruits.
- Mandoline slicer: A mandoline slicer is a tool used for slicing and cutting vegetables and fruits with precision and consistency.
- Grater: A grater is used to grate or shred ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, and citrus zest.
- Mixing bowl: Mixing bowls are essential for combining and mixing ingredients for various recipes.
- Microplane: A microplane is a kitchen tool used for grating, zesting, and finely shredding ingredients such as citrus, garlic, and spices.
- Lemon squeezer: A lemon squeezer is used to extract juice from lemons and other citrus fruits.
- Platter: A platter is a large, flat serving dish used for presenting and serving food, such as the zucchini carpaccio.
Surprising Trivia About Zucchini Carpaccio
Zucchini carpaccio is a light and refreshing dish that originated in Italy. It is typically served as an appetizer and is a great way to showcase the delicate flavor of zucchini. This dish is a perfect choice for a summer meal, as it is both healthy and delicious. Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed raw or cooked, and it is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the combination of zucchini, lemon, and olive oil in this recipe creates a delightful and zesty flavor profile.
Budget-Friendly Zucchini Carpaccio: Is It Possible?
The zucchini carpaccio recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Zucchini is an affordable and versatile vegetable, while the additional ingredients such as olive oil, lemon, and parmesan are commonly found in most kitchens. The simplicity of the dish makes it budget-friendly, and the use of seasonal produce can further reduce costs. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $8-$10. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is This Zucchini Dish Healthy?
The zucchini carpaccio recipe is a healthy dish that showcases the freshness of zucchini and the vibrant flavors of lemon, olive oil, and parmesan. This low-calorie, low-carb dish is rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like potassium and manganese. The use of extra virgin olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, while the arugula adds a peppery kick and additional nutrients like vitamin K and folate. The parmesan cheese contributes a savory umami flavor and a good source of protein and calcium.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this already healthy dish, consider the following suggestions:
- Incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables like red bell peppers, yellow squash, or heirloom tomatoes to increase the antioxidant content and visual appeal
- Sprinkle a handful of toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts over the top for added crunch and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids
- Experiment with different types of cheese like goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist and additional protein
- Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the carpaccio for a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the zucchini and arugula
- Serve the carpaccio alongside a lean protein source like grilled chicken or shrimp to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal
Editor's Take on This Zucchini Dish
This zucchini carpaccio recipe is a delightful and refreshing dish that beautifully showcases the natural flavors of the zucchini. The combination of the zucchini, lemon, olive oil, and arugula creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The simplicity of the dish allows the freshness of the ingredients to shine through, making it a perfect appetizer or light lunch option. The addition of shaved parmesan adds a touch of richness and depth to the dish. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer produce.
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Why trust this Zucchini Carpaccio Recipe:
This recipe for zucchini carpaccio is a delightful and refreshing dish that showcases the natural flavors of zucchini. The use of lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil enhances the freshness of the dish, while the addition of baby arugula and parmesan provides a perfect balance of flavors. The careful layering and marinating process ensures that the zucchini absorbs the delicious seasonings, resulting in a dish that is both light and flavorful. Trust in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients to create a dish that will surely impress your taste buds.
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