Description
A vibrant and satisfying salad layered with creamy roasted red pepper romesco sauce, fresh zucchini ribbons, protein-packed white beans, toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and crumbled feta cheese. This colorful bowl is rich, smoky, fresh, and perfect for a nourishing lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large roasted red peppers
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 medium zucchini, shaved into ribbons
- 3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup roasted almonds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat for toasting the pine nuts.
- Add roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Toast the pine nuts in the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Spread the romesco sauce into shallow serving bowls.
- Top with zucchini ribbons, cannellini beans, feta cheese, fresh basil, and toasted pine nuts.
- Let the salad sit for 5 minutes so the zucchini lightly softens and absorbs flavor.
- Finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- The romesco sauce can be prepared up to 4 days ahead and refrigerated.
- Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler for thin zucchini ribbons.
- Toast pine nuts carefully because they brown quickly.
- For extra protein, add roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: high protein salad, romesco salad, zucchini ribbon salad, white bean salad, mediterranean salad, healthy lunch bowl, vegetarian salad recipe, roasted red pepper salad