This easy zucchini salad will be your new favorite way to enjoy zucchini! This easy no-cook recipe comes together in just 10 minutes.
Recipe Inspiration
If you love zucchini recipes, you will absolutely love this easy salad!
I love this zucchini salad for it's simplicity. I believe if you have high quality ingredients, meals can always be simple. This is definitely a testament to that.
I was a bit nervous when I made this the first time. I had seen raw zucchini salad recipes before, but I had never tried raw zucchini.
When I took a bite, my reservations flew out the door! This stuff is delish. It's a great option to take to a cookout or potluck as a side. Everyone will love it, trust me.
You can approach the zucchini in two ways: thick ribbons or thin zoodles. Either way is delicious! I prefer peeling the zucchini in long strips, but you can also buy pre spiraled zoodles at the grocery store to save time.
If you're looking for more zucchini recipes, check out our Pesto di Zucchini, Pesto Zoodles, and Sesame Salmon and Grilled Zucchini recipes.
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
Delicious - This easy zucchini salad is really a perfect side dish. It's packed with flavor and is a great way to use fresh produce.
Approachable - This recipe is approachable and is easy to make. You only need a few kitchen tools to make this great recipe.
Easy - This raw zucchini salad recipe looks like it came from the kitchen of a restaurant, but is so easy to make!
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon juice - Use fresh lemon juice if you can!
- Dijon Mustard
- Honey
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Zucchini - Look for medium zucchini to large zucchini. Use a vegetable peeler, mandolin, or sharp knife to make zucchini ribbons or buy zoodles at the grocery store. You can also use yellow squash in this recipe.
- Ricotta Cheese - You can use whole milk or part skim ricotta, whichever you prefer.
- Lemon Zest
- Fresh Basil - Or any other fresh herbs
- Pine Nuts
Directions
Let's make this recipe together!
Step 1
Combine extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until combined and set aside.
Step 2
Add zucchini thin ribbons to a large bowl. Drizzle dressing on the salad and gently toss.
Step 3
Top with dollops of ricotta cheese, lemon zest, basil, and pine nuts.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this delicious recipe perfect.
Complete the Meal - Complete the meal with your favorite protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, fresh bread, and a glass of white wine.
Make Extra Dressing - This is one of my favorite salad dressings, for zucchini season and year round! If you love making a summer salad, double the dressing and use the rest in a salad the next day.
Use Fresh Produce - Using the freshest produce will give you the best fresh flavors in this recipe. The easiest way to get the freshest product is to visit your local farmers market!
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Kitchen Glove - If you're working with a sharp peeler or a mandolin, I absolutely recommend getting a kitchen glove. They're super affordable and will save you from potential kitchen accidents!
High Quality Peeler - If your peeler is rusty and dull, it's time for an upgrade! This peeler is great quality.
Zester - If you don't have a zester, get one! They're only a few dollars and great for grating lemon zest and garlic.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy recipe.
Cheese Substitution - You can substitute ricotta cheese with feta cheese, goat cheese, or parmesan cheese ribbons.
Add Vegetables - You can add in more fresh ingredients like red onion, peppery arugula, or any other raw vegetables you have on hand.
Nut Variation - You can use walnuts, pecans, or even peanuts as a substitute for pine nuts. The key is adding an element of salty crunch to the dish.
What To Serve With
Here are some easy main dish recipes to serve this cold zucchini salad with:
- Baked Jumbo Shrimp
- Baked Salmon Steaks
- Spinach Stuffed Salmon
- Oven Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
- Seared Filet Medallions
- Chicken Limone
- Pistachio Crusted Salmon
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can absolutely eat zucchini raw. It has a mild flavor that is delicious. You can frequently find raw zucchini in salad recipes.
Fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, parsley, and cilantro go great with zucchini. Garlic and lemon are also delicious and common seasoning parings for zucchini.
Start by cutting the ends off of the zucchini. Slice into round or slice it lengthwise in to strips or thin ribbons.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: We don't recommend freezing this recipe.
Other Recipes to Try
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave us a star rating below! Plus, find us on Instagram and Pinterest.
Easy Zucchini Salad
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon honey
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 2 medium zucchini shaved into ribbons
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Lemon zest for serving
- Fresh basil for serving
- Pine nuts for serving
Instructions
- Combine extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until combined and set aside.
- Add zucchini slices to a large bowl. Drizzle dressing on the salad and gently toss.
- Top with dollops of ricotta cheese, lemon zest, basil, and pine nuts.
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