Canoas de Zucchini / Zucchini Canoes

There is a plentiful harvest of squash and tomatoes right now, so this is the perfect time to make refreshing Canoas de Zucchini!

Ingredients:
2 large zucchinis
2 cups of diced and seeded tomatoes
½ cup of roasted sweet/mild chili peppers diced
1 can of Palmito pieces (Hearts of Palm) diced into small pieces
½ cup of finely diced onion
3 tablespoons of FRESH chopped basil (Note: It must be fresh, or it just won't work. If you don't like basil, you can substitute culantro (cilantro.))
¾ cup of finely cubed, or coarse grated, mozzarella cheese
¼ cup Balsamic vinegar
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Paprika

Directions:
Slice the zucchini lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with a spoon. Using a sharp knife, take of a thin slice from the rounded side so that the zucchini sits flat without rocking. Add salt and pepper to taste. Place in a microwave dish and cook on high for 3-4 minutes until the squash is cooked. Remove them and place them in the refrigerator to chill for about an hour.

In a medium size bowl, gently toss all of the tomatoes, peppers, onions, palmito, cheese and basil with the olive oil and vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste and place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill.

When everything is chilled, divide the salad mixture into fourths and fill the zucchini canoes. Just before serving, sprinkle a little paprika over the canoes.

¡Buen Provecho!