Marinated Zucchini and Carrots

Marinated zucchini and carrots are a simple but tasty dish that serves well as a fresh and light side. Here is how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 2 large carrots
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 clove of garlic
• Fresh mint or basil (according to preference)
• Vinegar (white wine or apple)

Preparation

1. Wash the zucchinis and carrots. Dry them, and then slice the zucchinis into thin rounds and the carrots into julienne or likewise into rounds, according to personal preference.
2. Blanch the vegetables in salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften them. We want them to remain crunchy, so be careful not to overcook.
3. Drain the vegetables and immediately place them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. In a bowl, prepare the marinade by mixing the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, crushed or finely chopped garlic, and a bit of vinegar.
5. Add the vegetables to the bowl with the marinade and gently mix to flavor them well.
6. Add the chopped fresh mint or basil according to your preferences.
7. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend well.

For an Italian twist, you can add grated salted ricotta or pecorino cheese flakes before serving. In this way, you will have a dish with an even more pronounced Mediterranean flavor.

The marinated zucchini and carrots can be enriched with other vegetables like bell peppers or red onions for a more varied and colorful salad.

Enjoy your meal!