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Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Lemon – Fresh, Light, and Ready in Minutes

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Zucchini: 3 medium, firm and fresh
  • Lemons: 2 (you’ll use both juice and zest)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: Good quality for the dressing
  • Honey or maple syrup: Just a touch for balance
  • Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing
  • Fresh herbs: Mint and parsley (or basil)
  • Nuts: Toasted almonds, pine nuts, or walnuts
  • Cheese: Shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta
  • Sea salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Optional add-ins: Red pepper flakes, capers, or thinly sliced shallot

Method
 

  1. Prep the zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchini. Trim the ends. Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, shave the zucchini lengthwise into thin ribbons. If the center gets seedy, rotate and keep shaving the firmer sides. Place ribbons in a large bowl.
  2. Salt lightly and rest: Sprinkle a small pinch of salt over the ribbons and toss gently. Let sit for 5–7 minutes. This draws a bit of moisture out and softens the zucchini without making it limp. If excess liquid pools, gently tip the bowl and drain it off.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, the zest of 1 lemon, the juice of 1–1½ lemons (about 3–4 tablespoons), 1 teaspoon Dijon, and 1 teaspoon honey. Season with a good pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper. Taste and adjust: more lemon for brightness, more honey if it’s too sharp.
  4. Toast the nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1/3 cup nuts until fragrant and lightly golden, 3–4 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and chop roughly. Let cool.
  5. Chop the herbs: Finely chop a small handful of parsley and a small handful of mint. You want about 1/3 cup total, loosely packed.
  6. Dress the ribbons: Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the zucchini. Toss gently with your hands to coat without breaking the ribbons. Add more dressing if needed; the zucchini should look glossy, not drenched.
  7. Add crunch and creaminess: Fold in most of the nuts and herbs, reserving a little for garnish. Add shaved Parmesan (use a peeler) or crumbled feta. Toss once more, carefully.
  8. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Garnish with remaining herbs and nuts. Serve right away, or let it rest 10 minutes so the flavors meld.