Shaved Squash Ribbon Salad

Ribbon salads celebrate the Mediterranean habit of serving vegetables raw, thin, and full of crunch. Here shaved summer squash and delicata curl with crisp apple, mint, feta, and a lemon-honey dressing for a bright lunch bowl.

Serves 4 · 25 min prep

Estimate for one serving

• 280 cal
• 8g protein
• 22g carbs
• 19g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 2 medium yellow summer squash
• 2 medium zucchini
• 1 small delicata squash
• 1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
• 3 oz crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. 1Wash and dry all the squash. Trim the ends. Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, shave long, thin ribbons from the yellow squash and zucchini, rotating as you go and stopping when you reach the seedy core.
2. 2Halve the delicata lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and shave the flesh into thin half-moons or ribbons, leaving the edible skin on for color and texture.
3. 3Place all the squash ribbons in a large bowl of ice water for 5 minutes so they crisp and curl slightly, then drain thoroughly and pat dry with clean towels.
4. 4Core the apple and shave it into thin matchsticks or ribbons; toss immediately with a squeeze of lemon so it does not brown.
5. 5In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, remaining lemon juice, honey, Dijon, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until emulsified.
6. 6Stack the mint and parsley leaves, roll tightly, and slice into thin ribbons (chiffonade).
7. 7Combine the drained squash ribbons and apple in a wide serving bowl. Drizzle on most of the dressing and toss gently with your hands so every ribbon is coated without breaking.
8. 8Scatter the herb ribbons, crumbled feta, and toasted pumpkin seeds over the top.
9. 9Drizzle the last of the dressing, give one final light toss, and serve right away while the ribbons are still snappy and cool.
10. 10If packing for work, keep dressing and seeds separate and assemble just before eating so nothing wilts.