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August 17, 2025

Discover how to make Courgette Ribbon Salad with courgettes, kale, goat’s cheese, crunchy croutons, mint and a zesty honey dressing.

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Courgette Ribbon Salad is a wonderfully fresh way to transform simple courgettes into an eye-catching dish that is light, colourful and packed with contrasting textures. Instead of chopping the courgettes into ordinary slices, you shave them into delicate ribbons that curl beautifully through crisp baby kale, creamy goat’s cheese, fragrant mint, and sweet raisins.

This Courgette Ribbon Salad is inspired by the vibrant summer recipe published by BBC Good Food. The original combines courgette ribbons with baby kale, goat’s cheese, sourdough croutons, pine nuts, mint, and raisins, then brings everything together with a simple dressing made from extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and clear honey.

What makes this Courgette Ribbon Salad particularly exciting is the balance of flavours. You get the fresh crunch of raw courgettes, the richness of goat’s cheese, the sweetness of raisins and honey, the freshness of lemon and mint, plus beautifully toasted croutons and pine nuts for a satisfying crunch. It is an easy courgette salad recipe that looks impressive enough for entertaining but is simple enough for a weekday meal.

💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🥒 Beautifully Fresh: This Courgette Ribbon Salad celebrates fresh courgettes without making them heavy or complicated.
🌿 Packed With Colour: Green courgette ribbons, baby kale, fresh mint and golden croutons create an inviting plate.
🧀 Creamy and Crunchy: Goat’s cheese provides richness while toasted bread and pine nuts add irresistible texture.
🍋 Bright and Zesty: Lemon juice and zest give the salad a refreshing citrus lift.
🍯 Perfectly Balanced: Honey adds gentle sweetness to the sharp lemon and savoury ingredients.
⏱️ Quick to Prepare: The original recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook.
🥗 Vegetarian-Friendly: It makes a satisfying vegetarian salad suitable for lunch, dinner, or entertaining.
☀️ Ideal For Warm Weather: This summer courgette salad feels particularly refreshing when served fresh.
✨ Restaurant-Worthy Presentation: Long vegetable ribbons instantly make a simple salad look special.

🛒 Ingredients Needed – Serving 6 People

🥒 6 Large Courgettes: Use firm, fresh courgettes and shave them lengthways into thin ribbons with a vegetable peeler.
🌲 38g Pine Nuts: These provide a delicate toasted flavour and satisfying crunch.
🍋 ¾ Lemon: Use the juice and zest for the courgettes and dressing, adding brightness throughout the dish.
🍞 1½ Small Loaves Sourdough Bread: Stale or day-old sourdough works particularly well for making chunky, crunchy croutons.
🫒 1½ tbsp Olive Oil: Use this for coating the bread before roasting.
🥬 90g Baby Kale: Wash thoroughly and dry well before adding it to the salad.
🧀 150g Goat’s Cheese: Crumble it over the salad for a creamy, tangy contrast.
🌿 A Generous Handful of Fresh Mint: Pick the leaves from the stems and add them whole or roughly torn.
🍇 38g Raisins: Their natural sweetness creates a lovely contrast with the lemon and goat’s cheese.
🫒 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This forms the rich, smooth base of the dressing.
🍋 1½ tbsp Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the dressing its bright citrus character.
🍯 1½ tbsp Clear Honey: Honey gently balances the acidity of the lemon.
🧂 Salt, To Taste: Season the vegetables, croutons, and dressing carefully.
⚫ Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste: Add plenty for a gentle peppery finish.

🔪 Equipment Needed

🥒 Vegetable Peeler: Use it to create long, thin courgette ribbons.
🔪 Sharp Kitchen Knife: Cut the sourdough into chunky, even pieces.
🥣 Large Mixing Bowl: Provides enough room to toss the vegetables and dressing without crushing them.
🥄 Small Mixing Bowl: Use this to whisk together the lemon, honey, and olive oil dressing.
🧑‍🍳 Baking Tray: Toast the sourdough croutons and pine nuts until golden.
🥗 Large Serving Platter: Arrange the finished Courgette Ribbon Salad attractively before serving.
🧻 Kitchen Paper: Pat the kale dry so excess water does not dilute the dressing.

👩‍🍳 Step-By-Step Guide

Cooking Instructions:

Follow these detailed steps carefully to make a perfect Courgette Ribbon Salad every single time.

🥒 Step 1: Prepare The Courgette Ribbons

Wash and dry the courgettes thoroughly.
Trim both ends.
Use a vegetable peeler to shave each courgette lengthways into long, thin ribbons.
Place the ribbons into a large mixing bowl.
Add the lemon zest and juice.
Toss gently so the citrus coats the courgettes without breaking the delicate ribbons.

🍞 Step 2: Prepare The Croutons

Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.
Cut the sourdough into chunky cubes.
Spread the bread pieces across a baking tray.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Place the tray in the oven.

🌲 Step 3: Toast The Pine Nuts

Add the pine nuts to the baking tray beside the bread.
Toast for approximately 5 minutes, watching them closely because pine nuts can brown quickly.
Once golden and fragrant, remove the pine nuts from the tray.
Return the bread to the oven.
Continue cooking the croutons for another 5–8 minutes, or until crisp and golden.

🥬 Step 4: Build The Salad

Wash the baby kale and dry it thoroughly.
Add the kale to the bowl containing the courgette ribbons.
Crumble in the goat’s cheese.
Add the raisins.
Scatter over the fresh mint leaves.
Fold the ingredients together gently using salad spoons.
Avoid vigorous mixing because the courgette ribbons and goat’s cheese should retain their texture.

🍋 Step 5: Make The Lemon-Honey Dressing

Add the extra virgin olive oil to a small bowl.
Pour in the fresh lemon juice.
Add the clear honey.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Whisk vigorously until the dressing becomes smooth and well combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

🥗 Step 6: Dress The Salad

Pour the dressing gradually over the Courgette Ribbon Salad.
Toss gently until the courgettes, kale, herbs, and cheese are lightly coated.
Do not drown the salad in dressing; you want the fresh ingredients to remain the stars.

✨ Step 7: Finish And Serve

Transfer the salad to a large serving platter.
Scatter the toasted croutons over the top.
Sprinkle over the toasted pine nuts.
Finish with plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
Serve immediately for the best contrast between fresh vegetables and crunchy toppings.

✅Your Courgette Ribbon Salad is ready to enjoy!🎉

healthy vegetarian recipes — **Courgette Ribbon Salad**

💡 Tips For A Perfect Result

🥒 Choose Firm Courgettes: Small-to-medium courgettes are usually easier to ribbon and have a pleasing texture.
🔪 Use A Sharp Peeler: A sharp vegetable peeler creates smoother ribbons rather than tearing the courgette.
💧 Dry The Vegetables Well: Excess moisture can water down the dressing and make the salad less crisp.
🍋 Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon gives this Courgette Ribbon Salad a much brighter flavour than bottled juice.
🌲 Watch The Pine Nuts: They can go from golden to burnt quickly, so check them frequently.
🍞 Use Slightly Stale Bread: Day-old sourdough usually produces crisper croutons.
🧀 Add Goat’s Cheese Last: Folding it through gently prevents it from becoming completely smeared into the salad.
🌿 Do Not Overwork the Mint: Keep the leaves fresh and vibrant rather than bruising them excessively.
🍯 Taste the Dressing: Lemon varies in acidity, so taste before pouring it over the whole salad.
🥗 Dress Just Before Serving: This keeps the kale lively and the croutons crunchy.
⚫ Finish With Black Pepper: A final grind of pepper brings the creamy cheese, lemon, and vegetables together.
⏱️ Prepare Components Ahead: The dressing, croutons, and toasted pine nuts can be prepared separately, then combined shortly before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestion

Serve this Courgette Ribbon Salad as a light lunch with crusty bread, or place it alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, grilled fish, or vegetable skewers for a more substantial meal.

For entertaining, pile the salad high on a large platter and scatter the croutons and pine nuts over the top at the last moment. The long ribbons make this fresh vegetable salad particularly attractive on a buffet table.

It also works beautifully as a starter. Divide the ribbons between individual plates, add crumbled goat’s cheese, and finish each portion with golden croutons, pine nuts, and fresh mint.

🌈 Variations

🧀 Feta Version: Replace goat’s cheese with crumbled feta for a saltier Mediterranean-style salad.
🥑 Avocado Version: Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
🍅 Tomato Version: Add halved cherry tomatoes for extra colour and juicy sweetness.
🫘 Chickpea Version: Stir in drained chickpeas to make the salad more substantial.
🌿 Herb Version: Add fresh basil or parsley alongside the mint.
🌶️ Spicy Version: Add finely sliced fresh chilli or a pinch of chilli flakes.
🍊 Citrus Version: Replace some lemon juice with orange juice for a sweeter dressing.
🥜 Nut Alternative: Use toasted almonds or walnuts instead of pine nuts.
🍇 Fruit Variation: Replace raisins with dried cranberries for a slightly sharper sweet note.

⏱️ Recipe At A Glance

🥗 Recipe: Courgette Ribbon Salad
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Serves: 6
⏰ Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: Approximately 10 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes
🌱 Cuisine Style: Modern European-inspired
🥬 Category: Salad / Light Lunch
🌿 Diet: Vegetarian
🔥 Calories: Approximately 555 kcal per serving, based on the source recipe’s nutrition information.

Courgette Ribbon Salad Recipe

Courgette Ribbon Salad is a fresh, colourful and delicious salad made with delicate courgette ribbons, baby kale, creamy goat’s cheese, crispy sourdough croutons, toasted pine nuts, raisins and fresh mint. Finished with a zesty lemon and honey dressing, it’s a light yet satisfying choice for lunch, dinner or entertaining.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Course light Lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine European-Inspired

Servings 6

Calories 555 kcal

Equipment

1 Vegetable Peeler:
1 Sharp Kitchen Knife
1 Large Mixing Bowl
1 Small Mixing Bowl
1 Baking Tray –
1 Large Serving Platter –
1 Kitchen Paper:

Ingredients

6 large courgettes
38 g pine nuts
¾ lemon
1½ small loaves sourdough bread
1½ tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
90 g baby kale
150 g goat’s cheese
A generous handful of fresh mint
38 g raisins
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1½ tablespoons clear honey
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Courgette Ribbons

Wash and dry the courgettes thoroughly.
Trim both ends.
Use a vegetable peeler to shave each courgette lengthways into long, thin ribbons.
Place the ribbons into a large mixing bowl.
Add the lemon zest and juice.
Toss gently so the citrus coats the courgettes without breaking the delicate ribbons.

Step 2: Prepare the Croutons

Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.
Cut the sourdough into chunky cubes.
Spread the bread pieces across a baking tray.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Place the tray in the oven.

Step 3: Toast the Pine Nuts

Add the pine nuts to the baking tray beside the bread.
Toast for approximately 5 minutes, watching them closely because pine nuts can brown quickly.
Once golden and fragrant, remove the pine nuts from the tray.
Return the bread to the oven.
Continue cooking the croutons for another 5–8 minutes, or until crisp and golden.

Step 4: Build the Salad

Wash the baby kale and dry it thoroughly.
Add the kale to the bowl containing the courgette ribbons.
Crumble in the goat’s cheese.
Add the raisins.
Scatter over the fresh mint leaves.
Gently fold the ingredients together using salad spoons.
Avoid vigorous mixing so the courgette ribbons and goat’s cheese retain their texture.

Step 5: Make the Lemon-Honey Dressing

Add the extra virgin olive oil to a small bowl.
Pour in the fresh lemon juice.
Add the clear honey.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Whisk vigorously until the dressing becomes smooth and well combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Dress the Salad

Gradually pour the dressing over the Courgette Ribbon Salad.
Toss gently until the courgettes, kale, herbs and cheese are lightly coated.
Avoid adding too much dressing, allowing the fresh ingredients to remain the focus of the salad.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Transfer the salad to a large serving platter.
Scatter the toasted croutons over the top.
Sprinkle over the toasted pine nuts.
Finish with plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
Serve immediately for the best contrast between the fresh vegetables and crunchy toppings.

Notes

🥗 For the freshest flavour and best texture, serve the Courgette Ribbon Salad shortly after adding the dressing so the courgette ribbons and kale remain crisp.
🥒 Use fresh, firm courgettes and a sharp vegetable peeler to create long, thin ribbons without tearing the vegetables.
🍋 Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest give the dressing a brighter, more vibrant flavour than bottled lemon juice.
🍞 Use slightly stale sourdough bread for the best crunchy croutons, and allow them to cool slightly before adding them to the salad.
🌲 Keep an eye on the pine nuts while toasting, as they can brown quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they become golden and fragrant.
🧀 Add the goat’s cheese gently and fold it through the salad to prevent it from becoming overly mixed into the dressing.
🌿 Add the fresh mint just before serving to preserve its colour, aroma and refreshing flavour.
🧂 Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, freshly ground black pepper, or a little lemon juice if needed.
❄️ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 1 day for the best texture. Keep the croutons and pine nuts separate where possible.
🚫 This salad is not recommended for freezing, as the fresh courgettes, kale, and herbs will lose their crisp texture after thawing.
🌱 For a vegan version, replace the goat’s cheese with a suitable plant-based alternative and swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
🍽️ Courgette Ribbon Salad is ideal for light lunches, summer gatherings, picnics, barbecues, and entertaining. Serve it on its own or alongside grilled chicken, fish, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.

Keyword Courgette Ribbon Salad

🧊 Storage Instructions

🥗 Store leftover Courgette Ribbon Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
⏰ For the best texture, consume within 1 day, particularly because the raw courgettes and dressed kale soften over time.
🍞 Keep croutons separate whenever possible so they remain crunchy.
🌲 Store toasted pine nuts separately and scatter them over individual portions when serving.
🍋 If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and dress the salad shortly before eating.
❄️ Do not freeze this salad because the raw courgettes, kale, and fresh herbs will lose their desirable texture after thawing.

📊 Nutritional Information

The original BBC Good Food recipe lists approximately 555 kcal, 22g fat, 7g saturates, 66g carbohydrates, 13g sugars, 4g fibre, 21g protein, and 1.7g salt per serving.

Nutrient	Approx. Per Serving	Approx. UK RI/DV
Calories	555 kcal	28%
Total Fat	22g	28%
Saturates	7g	35%
Carbohydrates	66g	24%
Sugars	13g	14%*
Fibre	4g	13%*
Protein	21g	42%
Salt	1.7g	28%

Percentages for sugars and fibre are approximate reference values rather than official UK Daily Value figures. Nutritional values can vary according to ingredient brands, portion sizes, and recipe preparation.

Direct Source: BBC Good Food – Summer Courgette Ribbon Salad↗

💚 Health Benefits And Advice

🥒 Courgettes: Courgettes contribute water, fibre, and several vitamins and minerals while keeping the salad naturally fresh.
🥬 Baby Kale: Kale adds leafy-green goodness, fibre, and micronutrients to this healthy courgette salad.
🌿 Fresh Mint: Mint provides freshness and aromatic flavour without needing a large amount of added seasoning.
🍋 Lemon: Lemon contributes vitamin C and helps create a bright flavour without requiring a heavy sauce.
🌲 Pine Nuts: These add unsaturated fats and plant-based protein alongside their distinctive nutty flavour.
🧀 Goat’s Cheese: Goat’s cheese contributes protein and calcium while providing the creamy element of the salad.
🫒 Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil contributes predominantly unsaturated fat and helps carry the flavours of the dressing.
⚖️ Balance Matters: Although this is a nutrient-rich, healthy summer recipe, portion sizes and the amount of cheese, bread, and oil influence the final calorie content.
🩺 Dietary Advice: People managing specific medical conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions should check individual ingredients and seek personalised advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.

Note: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I Make Courgette Ribbon Salad Ahead Of Time?
👉 Yes. Prepare the vegetables, dressing, croutons, and pine nuts separately, then combine everything shortly before serving for the best texture.

Q2. Do I Need To Cook The Courgettes?
👉 No. The courgettes are served raw as delicate ribbons, which keeps the salad fresh and crisp.

Q3. What Is The Best Tool For Making Courgette Ribbons?
👉 A sharp vegetable peeler is ideal. Run it lengthwise along the courgette to create thin, flexible ribbons.

Q4. Can I Use A Different Cheese?
👉 Absolutely. Feta, soft ricotta, or another crumbly cheese can work well, although goat’s cheese gives the salad its distinctive creamy and tangy character.

Q5. Can I Make This A Vegan Salad?
👉 Yes. Replace the goat’s cheese with a suitable plant-based cheese and replace the honey with maple syrup or another vegan sweetener.

Q6. What Can I Serve With Courgette Ribbon Salad?
👉 Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, roasted vegetables, crusty bread, or vegetable skewers. It is also delicious as a light standalone lunch.

Q7. How Do I Stop The Salad from Becoming Watery?
👉 Dry the courgettes and kale thoroughly, avoid over-dressing the salad, and serve it soon after adding the dressing.

Q8. Can I Replace Pine Nuts?
👉 Yes. Toasted walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds can provide a similar crunchy element.

Q9. Is Courgette Ribbon Salad Vegetarian?
👉 Yes. The recipe is vegetarian as written, provided the bread and cheese used meet your dietary requirements.

Q10. How Many Calories Are In This Salad?
👉 The source recipe provides approximately 555 calories per serving. The exact amount will vary depending on ingredient quantities and substitutions.

Q11. Can I Add Protein To Courgette Ribbon Salad?
👉 Yes. Chickpeas, grilled chicken, cooked prawns, lentils, or another preferred protein can turn it into a more substantial meal.

Q12. Why Are The Croutons Added At The End?
👉 Adding them immediately before serving helps preserve their crisp texture against the fresh, dressed vegetables.

🌟 Final Thought

A great salad does not have to be complicated, and this Courgette Ribbon Salad proves exactly that. With a vegetable peeler, a handful of fresh ingredients and a few simple cooking steps, ordinary courgettes become elegant ribbons that create an impressive centrepiece.

A great salad does not have to be complicated, and this Courgette Ribbon Salad proves exactly that. With a vegetable peeler, fresh ingredients, and a few simple steps, ordinary courgettes become elegant ribbons that create an impressive centrepiece.

The magic of this Courgette Ribbon Salad comes from its delicious contrasts. Crisp courgettes meet tender kale, creamy goat’s cheese meets sweet raisins, while toasted sourdough, pine nuts, lemon and honey create a satisfying combination of textures and flavours.

Whether you are looking for an easy courgette salad, a colourful vegetarian lunch, a quick salad recipe, or a fresh side dish for entertaining, this recipe is a wonderful choice. Serve it freshly dressed and enjoy a vibrant Courgette Ribbon Salad that turns simple ingredients into something truly special.

💚 For the best results, prepare the individual components ahead of time and combine them just before serving. This keeps the courgettes fresh, the kale crisp, and the croutons beautifully crunchy. With its colourful presentation and refreshing flavour, this Courgette Ribbon Salad is a recipe you will want to make again and again.

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Article Tags:

foodie · healthy living · housewife · nigerianfood · recipe · vegetable · yummy

Article Categories:

European-Inspired · Food and Travel · Halal · Healthy Eating · Lunch · Salads · Side Dishes · Vegetarian

How to Make Courgette Ribbon Salad: A Delicious Fresh & Vibrant Delight 🥗✨

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