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    Eat Fresh Glow » Recipes » Salads

    Shaved Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Lemon

    Published: Jun 28, 2022 · Modified: Feb 6, 2023 by Jacqui Wilson · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe
    shaved zucchini ribbon salad with lemon on white dish with blue napkin.
    shaved zucchini ribbon salad with lemon on white dish with blue napkin.

    Shaved zucchini ribbon salad with lemon will quickly become your new favorite summer salad. With fresh herbs, lemon and garlic, this simple salad is the perfect side dish to compliment a meal on a hot summer day.

    shaved zucchini ribbon salad with lemon and dill on white dish with lemon slice.
    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this raw zucchini recipe
    • Noteworthy ingredients and substitutions
    • How to make raw zucchini ribbon salad
    • Tips, tricks and variations
    • FAQs
    • Recipe

    Why you'll love this raw zucchini recipe

    • Simple salad - only a handful of ingredients and loaded with fresh flavor.
    • From neutral to yum - zucchini is fairly neutral in flavor and sponge-like. When paired with lemon and garlic, it absorbs the flavors and makes it super fresh and delicious.
    • Healthy - raw zucchini is loaded with fiber, as well as vitamins, such as folate and vitamin A. It also contains minerals like potassium and antioxidants.
    • Easy everyday tool - all you need is a simple vegetable peeler to whip up this quick summer salad recipe.

    Serve alongside my Zesty Baked Italian Style Chicken Wings, Sticky Baked Sesame Chicken Wings and Rice or my Homemade Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes. For more side dish inspiration try my Crunch Cabbage Salad with Mint or Kale Mango Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette.

    Noteworthy ingredients and substitutions

    flatlay of ingredients for shaved zucchini ribbon salad.
    • Zucchini - keep the peel on when making zucchini ribbons as there are many nutrients in the peel, but feel free to remove if you prefer. Mix green zucchini and yellow summer squash. Shave all around the zucchini and save the seedy core for soup, stew or scrambled eggs.
    • Fresh dill fronds - have an herby citrus-like vibrant flavor that pairs well with the squash and lemon. Substitute for fresh basil, mint, cilantro or parsley in this simple salad.
    • Lemon juice and zest - adds a fresh flavor pop to the raw zucchini salad. If you prefer a less intense lemon flavor leave out the zest. You can substitute white wine vinegar for the lemon.
    • Extra virgin olive oil - seems the perfect compliment but can be swapped for avocado oil as well.

    See recipe card for all ingredients and quantities.

    How to make raw zucchini ribbon salad

    1. Before you begin, make sure your zucchinis are cleaned well since the peel is part of the salad.
    process shot of making zucchini ribbons with vegetable peeler.
    1. To peel zucchini with a vegetable peeler, peel the skin lengthwise and continue to peel the flesh up to the seeded core. Rotate the zucchini as you do this until all you're left with is the core.
    process shot of lemon juice and zest, garlic, olive oil, dill, salt and pepper whisked in a bowl.
    1. Whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic. Stir in the dill.
    1. Add zucchini ribbons and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    1. Place in serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill fronds. Serve immediately.
    up close image of shaved zucchini ribbons with lemon, zest, dill, salt and pepper.

    Tips, tricks and variations

    • Zucchini ribbons - use a simple vegetable peeler to slice strips of zucchini into wide ribbons or thin ribbons. You can also use a spiralizer to get long curly ribbons for this zucchini recipe.
    • Variations - use different types of zucchini and squash, like yellow summer squash to the salad. You can also add other simple ingredients like thinly sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, or hot chili flakes to add interest and nutrients.
    • Store - the zucchini salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparing. If you need to make it in advance, keep the dressing and zucchini ribbons separate in the fridge and combine before serving. Place a paper towel under the zucchini to absorb any moisture, and don't wait longer than 2 hours to combine and serve.

    FAQs

    How do you make zucchini ribbons?

    Clean the zucchini well since you'll be eating the skin. Trim off ends. With a vegetable peeler, peel the skin lengthwise and continue to peel the flesh up to the seeded core. Rotate the zucchini as you do this until all you're left with is the core. You'll have beautiful ribbons of skin as well as white flesh ribbons trimmed in vibrant green skin.

    Do you need to peel the zucchini?

    There is no need to peel the zucchini for a fresh raw zucchini salad, as there is a more concentrated source of nutrients in the peel. It also adds a nice vibrant color to the salad. Just make sure to clean the skin well before peeling.

    How can you tell if zucchini is good?

    Look for small-medium sized zucchini that are firm, as the larger zucchini become more bitter. The skin should be a deep vibrant green with no nicks or bruising. You want to stay away from any that are mushy or soft.

    shaved zucchini ribbon salad in white bowl with small dressing bowl in background.

    Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below!

    Recipe

    shaved zucchini ribbon salad in white bowl with lemon quarters and dill garnish.

    Shaved Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Lemon

    5 from 2 votes
    Shaved zucchini ribbon salad with lemon will quickly become your new favorite summer salad. With fresh herbs, lemon and garlic, this simple salad is the perfect side dish to compliment a meal on a hot summer day.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time10 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 34kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 large bowl and whisk
    • 1 vegetable peeler or mandoline

    Ingredients

    • 2-3 medium zucchini, trimmed and peeled into ribbons
    • 2 tablespoons fresh dill fronds, chopped (and extra for garnish)
    • zest of 1 lemon (optional)
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 garlic clove, minced
    • fine sea salt & fresh ground black pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic. Stir in the dill. Add zucchini ribbons and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Place in serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill fronds. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Zucchini ribbons - with a vegetable peeler, peel the skin lengthwise and continue to peel the flesh up to the seeded core. Rotate the zucchini as you do this until all you're left with is the core (discard).
    Zucchini salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparing.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1portion | Calories: 34kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.3mg
    nutritional values are estimates only
    Author: Jacqui Wilson
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Keyword: easy side dish, raw salad, raw zucchini, squash salad, zucchini salad, zucchini with lemon

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Braden

      August 21, 2022 at 9:15 pm

      So easy and delicious, it’s my go to fresh side dish!

      Reply
      • Jacqui Wilson

        September 22, 2022 at 6:15 am

        So glad you enjoyed this dish. We make it every time there's zucchini in the house!

        Reply

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    WELCOME !

    I'm so happy you're here! My name is Jacqui - I'm a recipe developer, registered holistic nutritionist and culinary nutrition expert. I love all things healthy, and my goal is to inspire you to lead a healthy life through wholesome food that leaves you nourished, satisfied and energized! You'll find simple, easy-to-make naturally gluten-free, refined sugar-free and mostly dairy-free recipes your family will love!

    Learn more about me →

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