Summer Squash Carpaccio with Fennel, Basil, Mint and Shaved Pecorino

Directions

1. Remove the ends of the squash. Using a mandoline, slice all the squash into thin slices, except the zucchini you may have reserved to make the timbales. To have a variety of shapes, I slice some into round discs and some long zucchini ribbons. Place in a bowl you will use to toss the entire salad.
2. Using the mandoline, thinly slice an entire small bulb of fennel, or 1/2 of a large bulb. Place in the bowl with the squash.
3. Zest and juice the lemon and add to the bowl. Add the mint and basil leaves.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk the olive oil into the champagne vinegar and add 1/2 - 2/3 of the dressing to the salad bowl and toss the vegetables in it. Salt and pepper lightly. Add the Pecorino shavings. Let sit for 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. If you're making timbales, slice the additional zucchini squash into thin long ribbons and dip them into the remaining dressing. The best way I've found to make these timbales is with metal baking rings. I place a ring in the center of the salad plate and position the dressed zucchini slices around it, overlapping them as needed. Add additional dressing to the salad if needed and spoon the salad into the middle. Let sit for 2-4 minutes and gingerly lift the baking ring off. My timbales have lasted as long as an hour without a problem. The dressing does a great job of holding it all together.
6. For garnish, I add a small fennel frond so folks know there's also fennel in the salad.