Refreshing Raw Zucchini Salad with Lemon, Mint, and Feta

This Raw Zucchini Salad perfectly pairs the crunch of zucchini with the zestiness of lemon, the refreshing notes of mint, and the creamy tang of feta cheese. Zucchini's mild flavor provides a wonderful base, allowing the lemon to add a bright touch, the mint a cool undertone, and the feta an irresistible creamy bite. It's a great combination of flavors that brings out the best of simple, fresh ingredients.

This salad is not only quick to assemble, but it's also a versatile side dish that can complement any protein, be it grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty steak. It's especially perfect for summer barbecues and picnics due to its refreshing and light taste. It can be prepared a couple of hours in advance, but not much more as otherwise the zucchini will lose their crunch.

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- 1 zucchini per person (medium or small work best as they will be more crunchy)

- lemon juice

- A handful of fresh mint leaves

- crumbled feta cheese

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Extra virgin olive oil

- A mandolin slicer or a very sharp knife and patience

1. Wash the zucchinis and cut off the ends. Using the mandolin slicer, carefully cut the zucchinis into thin, round slices. This can also be done by knife but patience is required to achieve thin slices.

2. In a large bowl, toss the zucchini slices with the juice of one lemon. This will not only add flavor but also keep the zucchini from browning.

3. Chop the fresh mint leaves finely and add them to the bowl.

4. Cut the feta cheese into small cubes or crumble it into chunks. Add it to the bowl.

5. Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil, then add salt and pepper to taste. Gently mix the salad to combine all the flavors.

6. Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together but not more than a couple of hours so that the zucchini will not lose their crunch. Some of the juices of the zucchini will release do not hesitate to set aside some of the water before serving.

7. Serve your zucchini salad as a side dish and enjoy its refreshing flavors with additional fresh mint as decoration.

It is summer in a bowl!

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