Zucchini Carpaccio

Sometimes don't you want a salad that is more than mixed greens and salad dressing without adding a bunch of calories and fat? Well, I decided to change it up a bit and make a carpaccio style salad with Zucchini, Fried Capers, Arugula and Grape Tomatoes. I drizzled it with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemon Juice and Sherry Vinegar, then garnished it with fresh Basil, Himalayan Pink Sea Salt and Fresh Cracked Black Pepper.

Zucchini – Is a cucumber like vegetable that is actually, botanically considered a fruit. This slender shaped fruit has many health benefits and one zucchini is 25 calories, ideal stomach filler for those looking to lose weight. Zucchini helps to cure asthma and fight against cardiovascular disease containing Vitamin C which is an anti-inflammatory property.

This vegetable is high in Potassium, Folate, Vitamin A and Vitamin B6.

Capers on the other hand have been used throughout history to promote healthy liver function. They contain two bioflavonoids, rutin and quarcetin which have strong antioxidant properties. They are high in sodium which need to be used sparingly and can be used in place of salt in a dish.

Having an outdoor dinner party?  Serve this as a light first course.  Arrange on a large platter or make  individual small plates for your guests. Super simple with a great presentation!

Zucchini, Sliced Super Thin (I used a mandolin slicer - $10 Tuesday Morning)

Fresh Arugula

Capers

Fresh Basil, Chiffonade Cut

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Lemon Juice

Sherry Vinegar

Grape Tomatoes

Himalayan Pink Sea Salt

Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

Fry capers in olive oil until crispy and transfer to a paper towel to blot dry.   

Slice Zucchini on mandolin and arrange on platter or plate.  Arrange Grape Tomatoes in the corners for color.  Sprinkle with fresh sliced Basil.  Toss Arugula with Olive Oil, squeezed lemon, Sherry Vinegar until lightly coated.

Drizzle Olive Oil, squeeze lemon and drizzle Sherry Vinegar lightly over sliced Zucchini.  Place dressed Arugula in the center, garnish with Fried Caper Berries and season with Himalayan Pink Sea Salt and Fresh Cracked Black Pepper.

Try it - You'll like it!  Stormy