Spiralized Yellow Squash with Basil and Mint
Try this Spiralized Yellow Squash with Basil and Mint recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Spiralized Yellow Squash with Basil and Mint recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 large yellow summer squash cut into thin strands with a vegetable peeler or spiral slicer (spiralizer) or julienned
- 1 large celery stalk thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- Carbohydrate 1.57544666540578 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 4.62981875 g
- Fiber 0.602295841839086 g
- Protein 0.370342916611147 g
- Saturated Fat 0.639915875 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (45g)
- Sodium 103.803833333187 mg
- Sugar 0.973150823566697 g
- Trans Fat 0.1395 g
- Calories 48 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients, toss to coat, and serve.
Herb Selection and Oil Integration
Fresh basil and mint lose volatile aromatic compounds quickly once chopped, so chiffonade the leaves right before mixing to preserve maximum flavor. Extra-virgin olive oil coats the raw squash strands, acting as a lipid carrier that helps distribute the fat-soluble compounds of the ground cumin evenly across each portion. Whisking the lemon juice and olive oil into an emulsion prior to tossing prevents the acid from pooling at the bottom of the bowl.Dietary Substitutions and Modifications
Yellow summer squash contains high water content, meaning standard salt additions will draw out moisture within 10 minutes. Substitute lime juice for lemon juice at a 1:1 ratio if a sharper citrus profile is desired without altering the liquid balance. Celery provides a rigid textural contrast against the tender squash strands, but thinly sliced fennel bulb works equally well for individuals seeking an anise note.Equipment Alternatives and Raw Prep
Standard spiralizers create long, uniform ribbons, yet a basic julienne peeler yields identical results with minimal cleanup. Mandolines safely slice the celery stalk to a uniform 1/16-inch thickness in seconds. Letting the assembled dish rest at room temperature for 15 minutes allows the salt to soften the squash structure slightly without turning the strands completely limp.
