griddled Courgette lemon and chilli salad

The weather doesn’t say summer, but this salad does! One of my favourite side dishes that goes with loads of different things, great as part of a BBQ spread, with grilled fish, chicken, halloumi, or spicy fried tofu. I also like to put feta and toasted pumpkin seeds on top for added protein and fibre that gives extra creaminess and crunch.

Courgettes are so good for you and this is the best way to eat them IMO, they’re super sweet and tasty when griddled or fried.

Here’s why they are an important part of a healthy diet:

• Immune boosting: courgettes are rich in vitamin C and A along with ….

• Antioxidants such as carotenoids that can support your immune system and have an anti-inflammatory effect (basically calming the immune response). This can help reduce the risk of developing chronic disease and slow the aging process.

• High in both types of fibre: insoluble fibre adds bulk to stools and can ease constipation by helping move to food through the intestines more quickly. Soluble fibre can help to feed your gut bacteria, in return these microbes then produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the gut lining, helping to reduce symptoms of IBS.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 3 courgettes, halves and 3mm sliced

• 1 tsbp extra virgin olive oil

• juce of 1 lemon

• ½ garlic clove, grated or chopped finely

• ½ red chilli, thinly sliced or chopped

• Good pinch of salt

• Fresh basil, mint or parsley leaves

Method

• Brush one side of the courgettes with a little olive oil.

• Heat a griddle or frying pan and then place the courgettes in the pan, oil side down.

• If you’re using a griddle, after 3-4 minutes, push the courgette into the pan with a spatular, to help the black lines form. Cook for another minute or so then drizzle a little olive oil on the up side and turn, repeat. Remove to a plate and cook the next batch.

• Make the dressing by mixing the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, chill and salt.

• Lay the courgettes out on a medium sized plate or platter and pour over the dressing

• Add the fresh herbs and serve.