2tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oilplus more for drizzling
1tablespoonfresh lemon juice
1teaspoonlemon zestfinely grated, plus more for finishing
½teaspoonkosher salt
black pepperfreshly ground
For the zucchini ribbons:
1poundzucchiniabout 3–4 small firm zucchini
1tablespoonextra-virgin olive oil
1teaspoonfresh lemon juice
¼teaspoonkosher salt
For finishing:
2tablespoonspine nutstoasted
¼cupfresh basil leavestorn
2tablespoonsfresh mint leavestorn
flaky sea salt
black pepperfreshly ground
extra-virgin olive oilfor drizzling
lemon zestextra
Instructions
Combine the ricotta, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper in a food processor. Blend for 60–90 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides once, until the ricotta is completely smooth and mousse-like. Taste and adjust salt or lemon. Set aside.
Trim the ends off the zucchini. Using a vegetable peeler (Y-shaped works best) or a mandoline, shave long ribbons from one side of each zucchini. Rotate after each pass and keep going until you reach the seedy core — discard the core or save for another use. You should have a generous pile of ribbons.
Transfer the ribbons to a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Toss gently with your hands to coat every ribbon — don't bruise them.
Spread the whipped ricotta across a large serving plate or divide among individual plates, using the back of a spoon to create swoops and a shallow well in the center. Pile the zucchini ribbons loosely on top of the ricotta, letting some ricotta show at the edges.
Scatter the toasted pine nuts, torn basil, and torn mint over the ribbons. Finish with flaky salt, freshly ground black pepper, a generous drizzle of olive oil, and extra lemon zest. Serve immediately.
Notes
• Use small, firm zucchini with thin skin and few seeds. Large end-of-season zucchini are watery and bitter raw.
Shave toward the seedy core and stop. The center is too soft for ribbons and falls apart easily.
Dress the zucchini just before serving. Salted ribbons release water quickly and turn watery if they sit too long.
Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3–4 minutes, shaking often, until golden and fragrant. They burn fast.
Whole-milk ricotta works best here. Low-fat ricotta stays grainy instead of smooth.
The whipped ricotta keeps refrigerated for up to 2 days. Zucchini ribbons can be shaved 2 hours ahead and kept covered in the fridge.
Best served with grilled or toasted crusty bread alongside — the ricotta wants something to sit on.