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Fresh Zesty Zucchini Ribbon Salad Easy Lemon Herb Dressing Recipe

zucchini ribbon salad - featured image

A light, tangy, and refreshing zucchini ribbon salad tossed in a bright lemon herb dressing, perfect for a quick summer dish or side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium fresh zucchinis (68 inches long)
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional toppings: toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds, shaved Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry zucchinis thoroughly to prevent sogginess (about 3 minutes).
  2. Using a vegetable peeler, shave zucchinis lengthwise into long, thin ribbons about 1/8-inch thick, avoiding the seedy core (about 5 minutes).
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, parsley, basil, sea salt, and black pepper until honey dissolves and dressing emulsifies (2-3 minutes).
  4. Place zucchini ribbons in a medium mixing bowl and pour dressing over them. Gently toss to coat evenly without bruising (about 2 minutes).
  5. Let the salad rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and zucchini to soften slightly.
  6. Just before serving, sprinkle optional toasted pine nuts or almonds and shaved Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Use fresh herbs for best flavor; dried herbs can substitute but fresh is preferred. If salad seems watery after resting, drain excess liquid and toss again. For zestier flavor, add lemon zest to dressing. Serve soon after resting to maintain ribbon texture. Dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored refrigerated. For vegan version, omit Parmesan and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini ribbon salad, lemon herb dressing, fresh salad, summer salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, vegetarian, gluten-free