I absolutely love how easy this delicious Giada Shaved Vegetable Salad with Goat Cheese Vinaigrette and Walnuts is to make. It only needs a few simple ingredients like zucchini, carrots, and goat cheese, and takes about 15 minutes—perfect for when I’m craving something fresh but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

The crunchy and the way the veggies come together are just irresistible. To make it extra special, I serve it as a side dish. It’s my go-to lunch when I want to impress without any stress.

Recipe Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini, trimmed
• 3 medium carrots, trimmed and peeled
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
• 2 ounces fresh goat cheese
• 2 teaspoons thyme leaves
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped

How To Make Giada Shaved Vegetable Salad with Goat Cheese Vinaigrette and Walnuts

1. Shave the Veggies: Grab your mandoline or super-sharp knife and shave those zucchinis and carrots into super-thin strips.
2. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the goat cheese, olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, thyme, and a pinch of black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust as needed.
3. Toss the Salad: In a large serving bowl, toss those veggie strips with a pinch of kosher salt. Drizzle with the goat cheese dressing and toss to coat.
4. Add the Crunch: Sprinkle those toasted walnuts and chopped parsley over the top of the salad and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Seasonal Vegetable Swaps: To refresh the Giada Shaved Vegetable Salad for different seasons, try substituting summer’s zucchini and yellow squash with fall’s butternut squash or winter’s parsnips, and balance the flavors with citrus additions, as the sweetness of the produce changes throughout the year.
• Nuts and Seeds Variations: For a crunchy texture alternative to walnuts, experiment with toasted almonds, sesame seeds, or even crispy chopped kale, each adding unique flavor profiles that complement the goat cheese vinaigrette and shaved vegetables, making it fun to customize your salad.
• Cheese Rind Magic: Utilize the rind of your goat cheese to make a creamy, rich vinaigrette by crumbling it into the blender along with the cheese, which will infuse an intense, savory flavor and also help emulsify the dressing, ensuring a smooth, luxurious texture that elevates the entire salad.
• Make-Ahead Component Assembly: Prepare individual components of the salad in advance, like shaving the vegetables and making the vinaigrette, to reduce stress and streamline the assembly process, then simply combine the elements just before serving for a fresh, vibrant flavor that wows your guests.
• Citrus Zest Enhancement: Brighten the salad with a burst of citrus by incorporating the grated zest of oranges, lemons, or limes, which will release aromatic, sunshine-filled oils, balancing the tanginess of the goat cheese and adding sunny depth to this elegant Giada Shaved Vegetable Salad.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
• Giada Cool Green Smoothie
• Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Carbonara