This vibrant Zucchini Orange Salad is a delightful, healthy dish that balances crisp textures with sweet and savory flavors. Inspired by Chinese cuisine, it features thinly sliced zucchini and green beans that are lightly blanched to retain their crunch, tossed with juicy mandarin oranges and crisp water chestnuts. The simple dressing of sugar and water creates a light, sweet glaze that coats the vegetables perfectly without overpowering them. It&# 226;ÂÂs an excellent side dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a refreshing addition to a vegetarian lunch. The flavors meld beautifully when chilled, making it a make-ahead favorite for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Zucchini Orange Salad
Description
This vibrant Zucchini Orange Salad is a delightful, healthy dish that balances crisp textures with sweet and savory flavors. Inspired by Chinese cuisine, it features thinly sliced zucchini and green beans that are lightly blanched to retain their crunch, tossed with juicy mandarin oranges and crisp water chestnuts. The simple dressing of sugar and water creates a light, sweet glaze that coats the vegetables perfectly without overpowering them. It&# 226;ÂÂs an excellent side dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a refreshing addition to a vegetarian lunch. The flavors meld beautifully when chilled, making it a make-ahead favorite for busy weeknights or special occasions.Ingredients
Directions
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In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced zucchini, onion, and chopped celery.
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Pour boiling water over the vegetable mixture, cover the bowl, and let it stand for 1 hour to soften slightly while retaining crunch.
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Drain the vegetables thoroughly in a colander.
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Return the drained vegetables to the bowl and add the green beans, sliced water chestnuts, and mandarin oranges.
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In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and salt.
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Bring the sugar mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Boil for 1 minute.
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Pour the warm dressing over the salad mixture.
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Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 20
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 57.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.5g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 32.6mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 12.7g5%
- Dietary Fiber 4.6g19%
- Sugars 6.2g
- Protein 3.1g7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
