She Strengthens

Summer Salad Showstopper

Vibrant Flavors in No Time

When summer veggies are at their peak, it’s time to get creative! A quick dice of zucchini and yellow squash can transform into a stunning salad with a few clever additions. Throw in some juicy red bell pepper, plump grapes, crunchy pine nuts, and a sprinkle of fresh mint, all tied together with a Moroccan-inspired dressing. Pair this beauty with a grilled rib-eye or a hearty piece of fish for a summer meal that’s both healthy and flavorful.

The Secret to Success: Preserved Lemons

To give your salad an exotic twist, look for preserved lemons in gourmet grocery stores or online. If you can’t find them, don’t worry! A tablespoon of finely grated lemon zest will do the trick.

Moroccan-Inspired Dressing

This dressing is the star of the show! With a blend of freshly squeezed lemon juice, ground cumin, paprika, garlic, and a hint of cayenne pepper, it adds a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.

Salad Ingredients

• 1 pound yellow squash, medium dice
• 1 pound zucchini, medium dice
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and medium dice
• 8 ounces seedless green grapes, halved
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint leaves
• Kosher salt

Dressing Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 preserved lemon, rind only, finely chopped (about 5 teaspoons)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 medium garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Assembly and Serving

In a large bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients except the oil. Slowly add the oil while whisking constantly until fully incorporated. Add the salad ingredients to the bowl and toss until evenly coated. Let the flavors meld at room temperature for 15 minutes, then toss again and season with salt as needed. Serve and enjoy!