RecipesSummer Squash (Pumpkin) › Summer Squash Ribbon Salad with Lemon and Mint

Summer Squash Ribbon Salad with Lemon and Mint

Raw summer squash shaved into long, translucent ribbons with a vegetable peeler, then dressed with bright lemon, olive oil, mint, and Parmesan. No cooking required, completely seasonal, ready in ten minutes. The squash turns out silky and fresh — completely different from cooked.

15 min (15 min prep, 0 min cook)Serves 4easySaladsvegetarian · gluten-free

Ingredients

  • 4 summer squash, shaved into ribbons with a vegetable peeler, seeds discardedyellow squash or a mix of both
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1½ oz Parmesan cheese, shaved with a peeler
  • ½ oz fresh mint leaves, tornbasil also works
  • ½ tsp flaky sea salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Contains: milk.

Method

  1. Shave the squash into long ribbons by running a vegetable peeler down the length. Stop when you reach the seedy core and rotate. Spread on a plate or cutting board.About 8 min
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.About 2 min
  3. Add the squash ribbons and gently toss to coat. Transfer to a serving platter.About 2 min
  4. Scatter with Parmesan shavings, torn mint, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.About 2 min

Tips

  • Serve within 10 minutes of dressing — the squash will start to water out if left too long.
  • Mix green and yellow squash for a colorful presentation.

Ring the changes

  • Add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for crunch.
  • Replace Parmesan with ricotta salata for a saltier, more intense cheese flavor.

Keeping it

Best eaten immediately. Once dressed, the ribbons release water and wilt.

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Tony C Smith
Tony C Smith

Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 4 April 2026.