---
title: Warm Zucchini Ribbons with Lemon, Feta, and Walnuts
author: Alton Brown
source: Alton Brown Cooks Food
url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to1y94oMZ5Q&t=730s
servings: 4
prep time: 15 minutes
cook time: 8 minutes
time required: 23 minutes
course: salad, light main
cuisine: Mediterranean
diet: vegetarian
tags:
  - zucchini
  - feta
  - walnuts
  - warm salad
  - ribbons
description: Shaved zucchini ribbons lightly salted and blotted dry, gently folded into a warm skillet dressing of toasted walnuts, shallots, Aleppo pepper, homemade breadcrumbs, lemon, sheep's milk feta, and fresh mint (Episode 38: Shredded, Shaved, Smacked).
---

-- Pair with a grassy Sauvignon Blanc. Pul biber can be substituted if Aleppo pepper is unavailable.

Wash @zucchini{680%g}(3 small or 2 medium, 1.5 lbs total). Using a #harp peeler{} (such as a Kuhn Rikon Y-peeler), shave wide ribbons from the stem to the blossom end with even pressure. Stop when you hit the bumpy seed core, rotate the zucchini 90 degrees, and continue shaving all four sides. Compost or reserve the square seeded cores.

Place the shaved ribbons in a #colander{}, toss with @kosher salt{1%tsp}, and let drain for ~purge{5%minutes}.

Without rinsing, spread the ribbons out onto a clean #kitchen towel{} or #paper towels{} and blot dry while preparing the warm dressing.

Set a #12-inch skillet{} over medium-low heat. Add @walnuts{75%g}(roughly chopped) and toss frequently for ~toast walnuts{5%minutes} until lightly colored and fragrant.

Add @extra-virgin olive oil{3%tbsp}, @shallot{1%medium}(minced), and @Aleppo pepper{1%tsp} to the skillet. Stir constantly for ~cook aromatics{2%minutes}.

Add @breadcrumbs{30%g}(1/3 cup, preferably homemade) and cook, stirring, for ~toast breadcrumbs{1%minute}.

Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in @lemon zest{1%whole lemon} and @lemon juice{2%tbsp}.

Crumble in @sheep's milk feta{42.5%g}(firm and well-drained, first half) and stir so it begins to soften in the residual heat, then gently fold in the blotted zucchini ribbons.

Scatter the remaining @sheep's milk feta{42.5%g}(crumbled) and @fresh mint leaves{1/3%cup} over the top, fold once more, and serve warm as a salad or light main course.