Zucchini Salad with Feta, Walnuts and Dill Recipe

This refreshing zucchini salad is a perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and fresh. The delicate flavors of zucchini, feta, walnuts, and dill come together in harmony to create a dish that's both invigorating and satisfying. The addition of lemon adds a tangy zest that elevates this simple salad into a gourmet delight.

Photos of Zucchini Salad with Feta, Walnuts and Dill Recipe

While most ingredients in this recipe are common household staples, you may need to make a trip to the supermarket for fresh dill and feta cheese. Dill is a unique herb with a vibrant, tangy flavor that's essential to this dish, and feta is a briny, tangy cheese that beautifully complements the other ingredients.

Zucchini Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Dill Ingredients

Zucchini: A summer squash that's versatile and full of nutrients.

Extra virgin olive oil: A healthy and flavorful oil that adds a rich, smooth texture.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.

Feta cheese: A tangy, salty cheese that adds a creamy texture.

Walnuts: Adds a crunchy texture and a slight bitterness.

Fresh dill: Provides a bright, tangy flavor.

Lemon: Adds a tangy zest, enhancing the fresh flavors.

One reader, Faythe Swearingen says:

This zucchini salad is a game-changer! The combination of fresh zucchini, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and fragrant dill creates a burst of flavors and textures. It's a delightful, refreshing dish that's perfect for a light lunch or as a side. I highly recommend trying it!

Faythe Swearingen

Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Zucchini Salad

How to arrange zucchini slices: Arrange the zucchini slices in overlapping concentric circles on four dinner-sized plates.

How to drizzle zucchini with olive oil: Drizzle the zucchini lightly with extra virgin olive oil, about 1-1/2 teaspoons per plate.

How to season zucchini: Season each plate with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

How to divide feta and walnuts: Divide the crumbled feta and walnuts over each dish.

How to sprinkle with dill: Sprinkle the dish with fresh dill.

How to serve with lemon: Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

How To Make Zucchini Salad with Feta, Walnuts and Dill

Bold and savory feta, crunchy walnuts, and buttery dill makes up this tangy and fresh zucchini salad; perfect for a light and healthy lunch meal!

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbsmall zucchini,sliced very thin
2tbspextra virgin olive oil
salt
freshly ground black pepper
½cupfeta cheese,crumbled
½cupwalnuts,toasted if desired
2tbspfresh dill,chopped
1small lemon,cut into wedges

Instructions

Arrange the zucchini slices in overlapping concentric circles on four dinner-sized plates.
Drizzle the zucchini lightly with extra virgin olive oil, about 1 to ½ teaspoons per plate, then season each plate with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Divide crumbled feta and walnuts over each dish, and then sprinkle with fresh dill.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 136.12kcal
Fat: 11.48g
Saturated Fat: 3.87g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.86g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.17g
Carbohydrates: 5.68g
Fiber: 1.59g
Sugar: 3.89g
Protein: 4.29g
Cholesterol: 16.69mg
Sodium: 351.15mg
Calcium: 116.65mg
Potassium: 332.96mg
Iron: 0.72mg
Vitamin A: 36.09µg
Vitamin C: 26.30mg

Expert Advice for Elevating Your Zucchini Salad

When arranging the zucchini slices on the plate, try to slice them as thin as possible for a more delicate texture. A mandoline slicer can be a great tool for this. Also, toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad can enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch. Just be sure to let them cool before adding, to avoid wilting the zucchini.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Zucchini Salad with Feta, Walnuts and Dill

Prep ahead: Chop and store ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pan wonders: Opt for recipes that can be made in a single pan to minimize cleanup time.

Efficient tools: Use kitchen gadgets like food processors and mandolines to speed up prep work.

Batch cooking: Make larger quantities and freeze leftovers for quick and easy meals later.

Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to work more efficiently.

Quick marinating: Use acidic marinades to add flavor to dishes in a shorter amount of time.

Time-saving techniques: Learn and utilize cooking techniques that save time, such as pressure cooking or sous vide.

Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Salad with Feta, Walnuts and Dill Recipe

zucchini - Substitute with cucumber: Cucumber can provide a similar crunchy texture and mild flavor to zucchini in the salad.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy flavor and creamy texture similar to feta, making it a suitable alternative in the salad.
walnuts - Substitute with almonds: Almonds can offer a similar nutty crunch and flavor to walnuts in the salad.
dill - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh and herbaceous flavor similar to dill in the salad.

Presentation Tips for a Stunning Zucchini Salad

Elevate the zucchini slices: Arrange the zucchini slices in overlapping concentric circles on the plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil with precision: Use a steady hand to drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the zucchini slices, ensuring each one is lightly coated for a glossy finish.
Season with finesse: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the zucchini slices, ensuring even distribution for balanced seasoning.
Artfully crumble the feta: Carefully crumble the feta cheese over the zucchini, creating an aesthetically pleasing arrangement that complements the dish.
Scatter the walnuts with precision: Sprinkle the walnuts over the zucchini and feta, ensuring they are evenly distributed for a delightful crunch in every bite.
Garnish with fresh dill: Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill over the salad, adding a pop of vibrant green color and a burst of aromatic flavor.
Present with elegance: Ensure the plate is clean and free of any spills, and arrange the lemon wedges with precision for a visually stunning presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Zucchini Salad

Chef's knife: A versatile tool used for slicing, dicing, and chopping ingredients with precision.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Grater: Used to grate ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or citrus zest.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing ingredients for the salad.
Whisk: Used for blending and emulsifying dressings and marinades.
Citrus juicer: Handy for extracting fresh lemon juice for the salad dressing.
Serving plates: Used for arranging and serving the zucchini salad with feta, walnuts, and dill.

Interesting Trivia About Zucchini Salad

Zucchini salad with feta, walnuts and dill is a refreshing and nutritious dish that can be served as a side or a light main course.

Budget-Friendly: Making Zucchini Salad at Home

This zucchini salad with feta, walnuts, and dill is indeed cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of seasonal zucchini and basic pantry staples keeps the cost low. The addition of feta cheese and walnuts adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 9/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $10-$12.

Is This Zucchini Salad Healthy?

This zucchini salad recipe is a healthy and nutritious dish that offers a variety of beneficial ingredients. Here's why:

Zucchini is low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and minerals like potassium and manganese, which support overall health and digestion.
Extra virgin olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and promote heart health.
Feta cheese adds a good source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health, while being lower in calories compared to many other cheeses.
Walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and plant-based protein, which can help improve brain function and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Fresh dill contains antioxidants and has been linked to improved digestion and potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Lemon juice provides vitamin C and can help enhance the absorption of iron from other ingredients.

To make this salad even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use a mix of different colored zucchinis (e.g., green and yellow) to increase the variety of nutrients and antioxidants.
Opt for reduced-fat feta cheese to lower the overall calorie and saturated fat content of the dish.
Toast the walnuts lightly to enhance their flavor and crunchiness without adding extra oil.
Add other fresh herbs like mint or basil to boost the antioxidant content and provide additional flavor dimensions.
Include a variety of colorful vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, to increase the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content of the salad.
Experiment with different citrus fruits, like lime or orange, to vary the flavor profile and add more vitamin C to the dish.

Editor's Take on This Zucchini Salad Recipe

This zucchini salad with feta, walnuts, and dill is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The freshness of the zucchini, the creaminess of the feta, the crunch of the walnuts, and the aromatic dill create a harmonious dish. The drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and the squeeze of lemon add a bright and zesty finish. It's a simple yet elegant salad that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party. The balance of flavors and the visual appeal make this salad a standout dish.

Enhance Your Zucchini Salad with Feta, Walnuts and Dill Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A refreshing and hearty quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.

Grilled Vegetable Platter: An assortment of grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, eggplant, and asparagus, drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers: Tender and flavorful chicken skewers marinated in a zesty citrus marinade and grilled to perfection.

Similar Recipes to Try Besides Zucchini Salad

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs before grilling them on skewers for a delicious and colorful side dish.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Top grilled chicken with a refreshing salsa made with ripe mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice for a burst of tropical flavor.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Create a rich and creamy risotto by slowly cooking Arborio rice with flavorful mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a touch of white wine and Parmesan cheese.

Perfect Main Courses and Desserts to Pair With Zucchini Salad

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa: Grilled salmon fillets topped with a refreshing citrus salsa made with oranges, grapefruits, and limes. The combination of the smoky salmon and the bright, tangy salsa creates a burst of flavor in every bite.

Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil: Creamy and rich mushroom risotto drizzled with luxurious truffle oil for an earthy and indulgent flavor. The umami from the mushrooms and the aromatic truffle oil create a decadent dish that is sure to impress.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a velvety, rich chocolate mousse topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and creamy texture will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

Berry Parfait: Layered with fresh berries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Each spoonful offers a burst of fruity goodness and a satisfying crunch.

Why trust this Zucchini Salad with Feta, Walnuts and Dill Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh zucchini, creamy feta cheese, crunchy walnuts, and fragrant dill. The use of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a touch of lemon adds a burst of flavor. The ingredients are carefully selected to ensure a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making this dish a delightful addition to any meal. With its simple yet elegant presentation, this zucchini salad with feta, walnuts, and dill recipe is a trustworthy choice for a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Share your thoughts on this Zucchini Salad with Feta, Walnuts and Dill Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section. I'd love to hear if you made any tweaks or adaptations to the recipe!

FAQ:

What is the best way to slice the zucchini for this salad?

I recommend using a mandoline to slice the zucchini into thin, even rounds. This will ensure that the zucchini cooks evenly and looks beautiful on the plate.

Can I substitute the walnuts with a different type of nut?

Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts with almonds, pecans, or even pine nuts for a different flavor and texture.

How long in advance can I prepare this salad before serving?

You can prepare the zucchini slices and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, I recommend adding the dressing and toppings just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?

While fresh dill provides the best flavor, you can use dried dill if that's what you have on hand. Just use about half the amount of dried dill as the recipe calls for fresh.

Is it necessary to serve the salad with lemon wedges?

Serving the salad with lemon wedges is optional, but I highly recommend it. The fresh lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.