salad

courgette salad with mint, garlic, red chilli, lemon and extra virgin olive oil

servings
Serves 4

method

This is quite an unusual salad and terribly simple to make. It's great because it's a nice little side dish that will go with things like mozzarella, goat's cheese, cured meats, grilled or barbecued white fish like cod or haddock, even things like chicken or pork. Use courgettes when at their best (nice and firm and not too big).

Slice 4 courgettes lengthways as thin as you can (use a mandolin if you have one). Grill on a red-hot griddle pan, or on the barbecue, until lightly charred on each side. Scatter the slices over a large plate, making sure you don't sit them on top of each other otherwise they'll steam and go a bit limp, and there's nothing worse than limp courgettes, I can tell you. While they're still warmish, sprinkle them with a little sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Deseed a red chilli and chop finely. Finely chop ½ a clove of garlic and sprinkle the chili and garlic evenly from a height over the courgettes. (Add to your own taste, but just remember that when the chili and garlic mix with the olive oil and lemon juice the heat and flavors are lessened.)

Tear over a handful of fresh mint and drizzle with good extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. I've even been known to throw in some blanched broad beans or raw peas if I can get any. This salad is always a real treat.

PS If you find yourself with leftovers, try baking any fish filets (cod, haddock or bass for example) on top of the courgettes. Lovely with steamed rice and seasoned yoghurt. Very fresh and good for you.

• from Happy Days with the Naked Chef

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1. by kim on Sun 22 Jan 2012 @ 14:16

Tried this with mozzerella and discoverd i'm not a big fan. Tried it again and used fried haloumi instead, way better. Passed the recipe on to family and now it's a family favourite.Thanks Jamie

2. by Luciana on Sat 17 Dec 2011 @ 23:33

Winner!!!! Best way to have zucchini ever!!! Thanks Jamie!

3. by Tim Stretton on Sun 12 Jun 2011 @ 14:26

Hi Jamie,<br /> Your courgette salad is definately a winner and I always enjoy making it. I just love the kick from the garlic and the chili and the the way the courgette's are presented. And, or course, the essential extra virgin olive oil!<br /> I made it for the Cambridge's Royal Wedding street party held in my parent's road and everybody was praising it! There was nothing left!<br /> I'm having a housewarming party this summer and I know it will be finished off.<br /> Thanks again.

4. by Cherrieth on Sun 13 Dec 2009 @ 18:40

Thanks so much for your recipe.It 's make my job easy.

5. by Walnut Tree Allotment on Mon 27 Jul 2009 @ 21:17

Superb stuff Jamie. As always your recipes work and work bloody brilliantly. I've linked this one to my allotment blogspot: www.walnuttreeallotment.blogspot.com to share the 'courgette love'. Thanks!

6. by violeta on Fri 03 Jul 2009 @ 11:45

absolutely delicious!!!!!! my husband said it is sooooo posh .... thanks!

7. by Rhonda ..Kiwi Bird New Zealand on Wed 11 Feb 2009 @ 19:05

Summer here and our kids really enjoyed this one. Thanks alot

8. by Kim in Oregon on Tue 29 Jul 2008 @ 01:55

We picked our first zucchinis this morning after watching your show last night! Zucchini salad is a fab idea...will go well with roasted goat (a.k.a. chevon) or lamb we think. Yum!

9. by anne on Sun 27 Jul 2008 @ 22:28

question how do i get the water out of courgettes before i cook them. they are always soggy.

10. by Lora on Tue 08 Jul 2008 @ 09:14

This sounds like it could be good in a baguette with some paptrika chicken.. I will try it later.

11. by pam on Mon 07 Jul 2008 @ 15:09

i think that was i a nice time to see you on the net because me and my mum loves wacthing you on tv

12. by Beata on Thu 03 Jul 2008 @ 12:40

Janos, Jamie means the smaller type of zucchini which we call "saláta cukkini" in Hungary
The bigs ones are perfect for fried zucchini

13. by Brianna on Tue 01 Jul 2008 @ 16:52

Zucchini, baby marrows

14. by Horvath Istvan on Tue 01 Jul 2008 @ 11:27

I've got 40 cm zucchinis in my garden in Hungary. Are they good for this recipe?

15. by Brianna on Tue 01 Jul 2008 @ 08:59

Courgettes are also called zucchini, or baby marrows, hope that helps!

16. by Sadie on Tue 01 Jul 2008 @ 00:59

What is a courgette??

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