Hey y’all! If you’re craving a dish that’s light, crunchy, and bursting with summertime flavor, this Zucchini Salad is tailor-made for you. It’s the ideal blend of crisp-tender Zucchini, vibrant herbs, and a zippy lemon dressing—perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a refreshing weeknight side. Ready to impress your table with something unforgettable? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Salad
- Super quick: Just 15 minutes of prep and no cooking required!
- Healthy and low-calorie, thanks to fresh garden veggies.
- Crunchy texture and tangy dressing make every bite irresistible.
- Versatile—customize it with your favorite add-ins or proteins.
- Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or barbecues.
Zucchini Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium Zucchini (about 12 oz), thinly sliced or spiralized
- 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn or chopped
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup roasted pine nuts or sliced almonds
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Zucchini Salad
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
Wash the zucchini well. Using a sharp knife, a mandoline slicer, or a spiralizer, slice zucchini into very thin rounds or ribbons (see slicing tips here). Place the zucchini in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the Veggies and Herbs
To the zucchini, add thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and torn basil. Toss gently to mix.
Step 3: Make the Zucchini Salad Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour the dressing over the zucchini mixture. Toss gently until everything is coated evenly. Add crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts or almonds. Toss one more time.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately for the crunchiest texture, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy chilled!
Zucchini Salad Notes & Cooking Tips
- Choose small to medium zucchini for the best texture and flavor; larger zucchini can be watery and seedy.
- Don’t skip the fresh herbs—they add bright, summery flavor.
- For tips on using a mandoline safely, check out this guide.
Zucchini Salad Variations
- Greek Zucchini Salad: Add sliced kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and swap feta for goat cheese.
- Asian-Inspired Zucchini Salad: Drizzle with sesame oil and soy sauce, and add toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions.
- Protein-Packed: Top with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a hearty main dish.
Equipment Needed for Zucchini Salad
- Mandoline slicer, spiralizer, or sharp chef’s knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk
- Tongs or salad servers
Zucchini Salad Storage & Shelf Life
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best the first day, as zucchini releases water over time. If prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions for Zucchini Salad
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a balanced meal.
- Pair with crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine.
- Makes a great topping for wraps or grain bowls.
Pro Tips for Perfect Zucchini Salad
- Pat sliced zucchini dry with paper towels to reduce excess moisture (see more tips).
- Taste and adjust the lemon and salt levels—zucchini loves acidity and seasoning!
- Toast the nuts just before adding for added crunch and flavor.
Zucchini Salad FAQ
- Can I make Zucchini Salad ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prep the veggies and dressing separately, then toss together right before serving.
- Should I peel the zucchini?
- No need—the skin is tender and adds color and nutrients. Just wash well before slicing.
- Is Zucchini Salad healthy?
- Yes! It’s low in calories, vitamin-rich, and full of hydration; learn more about zucchini nutrition at Healthline.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Wash and thinly slice the zucchinis using a mandoline or sharp knife.
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2In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
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3In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
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4Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to combine.
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5Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley.
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6Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
120 caloriescal
Protein:
4gg
Fat:
8gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
8gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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