Marinated Zucchini and Carrots

Marinated zucchini and carrots are a simple but flavorful dish that works well as a fresh and light side dish. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini
• 2 large carrots
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 clove of garlic
• Fresh mint or basil (according to preference)
• Vinegar (white wine or apple)

Preparation

1. Wash the zucchini and carrots. Dry them and then cut the zucchini into thin rounds and the carrots into julienne or rounds as well, according to personal preference.
2. Blanch the vegetables in salted water for 2-3 minutes to soften them slightly. We want them to remain crunchy, so be careful not to overcook them.
3. Drain the vegetables and immediately pass them under cold water to stop the cooking.
4. In a bowl, prepare the marinade by mixing the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, the crushed or finely chopped garlic, and a bit of vinegar.
5. Add the vegetables to the bowl with the marinade and mix gently to flavor them well.
6. Add the chopped fresh mint or basil according to your preferences.
7. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving, so that the flavors blend well.

For an Italian variant, you can add grated salted ricotta or pecorino shavings before serving. This way, you’ll have a dish with an even more pronounced Mediterranean flavor.

Marinated zucchini and carrots can be enriched with other vegetables like peppers or red onions for a more varied and colorful salad.

Enjoy your meal!