I feel like I need to explain the title before I get to the actual recipe. It’s not that the salad is sexy. I saw this really handsome Italian guy making this recipe online and I wanted to acknowledge the inspiration for this recipe.  His name is Francesco Mattana and I suggest you look him up online.

 

This might be the easiest salad ever. It is certainly one of the tastiest. He made the recipe with mint. The day I made mine I had forgotten to grab mint from my yard and grabbed basil from the front porch instead. It was excellent with the basil. My guests that night loved it. I am sure this recipe with mint is also really good. So use what you like and what you prefer.

 Sexy Italian Zucchini Ribbon Salad

2 medium zucchini

2 lemons

3-4 T. olive oil

Salt

Fresh chopped basil or mint

Pecorino cheese, optional

Start by making the dressing. Zest the lemons then juice them, combining the juice with the zest, some salt to taste and the olive oil. Finely chop the basil and add it to the dressing too. Taste the dressing and adjust the salt level to suit your taste. Wash zucchini and trim off the ends. Use a vegetable peeler to create ribbon like pieces from the zucchini. I peeled until I got to the softer center of the zucchini. I did not use the centers. Place in a bowl with the marinade and toss together. Serves 4-5.

Note: You can add shredded Pecorino cheese, if you like. Just top the salad with it just before serving.