Shaved Squash Salad With Tomatoes Zucchini Blossoms Ricotta And Thyme Oil Recipes

SUMMER SQUASH AND TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Combine 2 cups halved assorted cherry tomatoes with 1/4 cup each white wine vinegar and olive oil, 1 sliced shallot and 2 tablespoons each chopped basil, mint and chives. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. Thinly slice 1 each medium zucchini and yellow squash using a mandoline; spread out on a platter. Top with the tomato mixture and let sit, 30 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

SHAVED-SQUASH SALAD WITH TOMATOES, ZUCCHINI BLOSSOMS, RICOTTA, AND THYME OIL

Steps:

• Place thyme on a cutting board, and bruise with the dull edge of a knife. Place thyme and oil in a small saucepan. Cover, and heat over medium heat until small bubbles appear. Turn off heat, and steep thyme, covered, 20 minutes. Discard sprigs, leaving loose thyme leaves in oil. Whisk together lemon zest and juice and 2 tablespoons thyme oil (reserve remaining oil for another use; it can be refrigerated up to 2 weeks).
• Combine half the dressing with the zucchini, pattypan squashes, tomatoes, zucchini blossoms, basil, red-pepper flakes, and salt. Season with pepper, and toss. Divide half the salad between 2 plates, and dot with half the ricotta. Top with remaining salad and remaining ricotta. Drizzle with remaining dressing, and sprinkle with basil.