“Easy Zucchini Beef Salad Recipe: A Fresh, Flavorful, and Protein-Packed Meal for Any Time of Year”

Here’s a quick and easy recipe for a Zucchini Beef Salad that’s both hearty and healthy. This dish is perfect for those looking for a balanced meal that combines protein, fresh veggies, and flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any time of year. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Salad

1 lb (450g) lean ground beef

2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced or spiralized

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup mixed greens (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 garlic clove, minced

Optional: 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary, and set the beef aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prep the Zucchini

1. While the beef cooks, wash and slice the zucchinis. You can either spiralize them for a noodle-like texture or slice them thinly into half-moons.
2. If you prefer your zucchini slightly softer, lightly sauté it in the same skillet for about 2-3 minutes. However, leaving it raw keeps it crisp and fresh.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad bowl, add the cooked beef, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and mixed greens if you’re using them.
2. Gently toss to combine.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add honey or maple syrup if you’d like a touch of sweetness.
2. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

1. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to evenly coat all ingredients.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh flavor.
3. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 day for the flavors to meld.

Tips and Variations

1. Add Cheese: Sprinkle feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan on top for extra flavor.
2. Add Grains: For a heartier meal, mix in cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice.
3. Add Crunch: Toss in toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts.
4. Make it Vegetarian: Swap out the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or roasted chickpeas.
5. Extra Veggies: You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: ~350 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fiber: 4g | Fat: 24g