I came up with a recipe for Zucchini and Cucumber Carpaccio while being served an appetizer in one of my favorite Italian restaurants here in Los Angeles, E Baldi. I ordered an appetizer of sashimi consisting of paper thin slices of tuna, yellowtail and salmon topped with micro greens, and the presentation looked so beautiful. When I was trying to find yet another way to serve my veggies, I thought, "Why not do the same with veggies?"

You can make individual servings as well—everyone will ooh and ahh!
Servings: Serves 4–6
Ingredients
Zucchini and Cucumber Carpaccio
  • 2 cucumbers, sliced paper thin
  • 2 zucchinis, sliced paper thin
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp. fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. Italian parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • Fresh Cracked black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup roasted walnuts, chopped
Directions
In a glass bowl whisk together, olive oil, lemon, rice wine vinegar, mint, dill and parsley. 

Set aside.

Slice the vegetables on a mandolin or a vegetable slicer that can slice paper thin. 

Arrange the zucchini and cucumbers alternately on a large platter. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt, walnuts and cracked pepper and add the crumbled feta.

When you are ready to serve, drizzle 3 tablespoons of vinaigrette over the top. If you are not going to use the salad right away, wait to add the vinaigrette at the last minute. 

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
Published 07/28/2010

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