Zucchini Ribbon + Garbanzo Bean Salad

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Gluten Free
Super Fast

Big Kids Plate

Toddler Plate

Why we love it:

Zucchini ribbons are a fun light take on the ubiquitous garden staple. Since you eat them raw, it also makes for a really speedy side dish. This is a really light meal, so if you’re feeling hungry check out the tips on making it more filling.

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Ingredients

¹⁄₄ cup Cider Vinegar
¹⁄₄ teaspoon Honey
¹⁄₄ teaspoon Dijon Mustard
³⁄₄ teaspoon Kosher Salt (divided, more or less to taste)
3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1¹⁄₂ pounds Zucchini
1 Lemon (zest and juice)
1 15-ounce can Garbanzo Beans
1 pint Cherry Tomatoes
¹⁄₂ cup Fresh Parsley (or other soft herb)
Italian Bread (8 slices, for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. DRESSING

In a small bowl, whisk together: cider vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, and about ½ of the kosher salt. Add the olive oil and whisk well.
2. ZUCCHINI

Wash zucchini and trim the very tough stem end only. Use a peeler and peel the skin from the zucchini in long ribbons, into a bowl, then keep going all the way down to the core. It might be challenging to peel into the seedy center, so at that point, finely dice the center into cubes and add to the ribbons.

Zest the lemon over top, then add the juice. Add a pinch of salt and toss. Let sit for a few minutes.
3. TOMATOES + BEANS

Drain the beans and add them. Halve the tomatoes if you prefer. Add to zucchini.
4. SERVING

Toss the salad gently and garnish with the chopped herbs. Serve immediately with sliced crusty bread.

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Substitutions

PESCATARIAN:

add smoked salmon or other fish flaked into the salad – or serve this as a side dish for grilled fish or shrimp
ZUCCHINI:

you can quickly sauté the ribbons if you prefer them cooked - or just sear or grill them as a side dish
HERBS:

use any soft herb, no need to purchase parsley for this - basil, tarragon, cilantro, chives, parsley will all be great
ADD ONS:

try roasted corn kernels and adding those. Cheese (like feta, queso fresco, pecorino, or ricotta salata) makes a wonderful addition
PUT AN EGG ON IT:

add a fried egg on top

Kid Friendly Version

Big Kids Plate

Toddler Plate

How to Tweak This Recipe for Kids:

If they eat meat, add some seared or leftover to make a more filling meal. You could also add an egg or some peanut/almond butter to the toast
If preferred, slice zucchini and sear it for them. Or add on another vegetable that will be eaten while just tasting a zucchini ribbon

For Toddlers

Sear the zucchini then chop it up
Add a grain like rice, noodles, or quinoa
Mash some of the beans for a hummus like consistency

For Choosy Eaters

Try rolling a zucchini ribbon around a smear of cream cheese, hummus, or a cube of cheddar to bite into a little bundle
If they aren’t vegetarians, you’ll want to add some shrimp skewers or meat
Use some of the bread to make a grilled cheese on the side
Add an egg and fruit