🥒 Zucchini Carpaccio with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Mandarin Sorbet

A light, refined, and surprising dish—perfect for warm days

Zucchini carpaccio is an ideal recipe for those seeking a fresh and elegant alternative to traditional appetizers. Paired with a flavorful sun-dried tomato pesto and a refreshing mandarin sorbet, this plate becomes an explosion of textures and contrasts—perfect as a gourmet starter or even a light lunch.

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🛒 Ingredients for 2 servings

For the carpaccio:

• 1 medium zucchini (fresh and firm)
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• A few arugula leaves (optional, for garnish)

For the sun-dried tomato pesto:

• 4 sun-dried tomatoes (in oil)
• 1 tbsp pine nuts (or almonds)
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

For the mandarin sorbet:

• 300 ml freshly squeezed mandarin juice (strained)
• 2 tbsp honey (or agave syrup)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• A pinch of salt

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👩‍🍳 Method

1. Prepare the sorbet (a few hours in advance)

1. Mix the mandarin juice with honey and lemon juice.
2. Pour the mixture into a container and freeze.
3. Every 30–40 minutes, stir the sorbet with a fork to break up the ice crystals. Repeat 3–4 times until you reach a smooth consistency.

2. Make the pesto

1. In a blender, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan.
2. Add olive oil and balsamic vinegar and blend into a smooth paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the carpaccio

1. Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, slice the zucchini into very thin ribbons.
2. Arrange the slices on a plate in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Add small spoonfuls of pesto over the zucchini.
5. Place a quenelle (or scoop) of mandarin sorbet in the center of the plate.
6. Garnish with fresh arugula leaves for extra freshness.

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🌿 Nutrition Tip

Did you know?
Zucchini is a delicate and easy-to-digest vegetable often eaten raw in salads and carpaccio. It’s an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and dietary fiber, supporting healthy digestion. Combined with sun-dried tomatoes (rich in lycopene) and vitamin-packed mandarin sorbet, this dish becomes a light yet nourishing plate full of health benefits.

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📌 Perfect for:

• A sophisticated appetizer
• A refreshing summer snack
• A refined vegetarian menu

Enjoy this elegant and seasonal dish on a sunny day and turn your meal into a gourmet experience!