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    Recipes » Sides » Easy Zucchini Salad

    Easy Zucchini Salad

    Aug 15, 2019 · Leave a Comment

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This easy zucchini salad will be your new favorite way to enjoy zucchini! This easy no-cook recipe comes together in just 10 minutes.

    Easy Zucchini Salad

    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.

    zucchini ricotta salad
    Jump to:
    • Recipe Inspiration
    • Why You'll Love this Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Directions
    • Expert Tips and Tricks
    • Kitchen Equipment
    • Recipe Substitutions/Variations
    • What To Serve With
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Recipe Storage and Reheating
    • Other Recipes to Try
    • Easy Zucchini Salad

    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!

    Easy Zucchini Salad

    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
    zucchini, pine nuts, honey, olive oil, lemon juice

    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.

    homemade salad dressing in bowl

    Step 2

    Add zucchini thin ribbons to a large bowl. Drizzle dressing on the salad and gently toss.

    zucchini strips in a bowl

    Step 3

    Top with dollops of ricotta cheese, lemon zest, basil, and pine nuts.

    zucchini, ricotta, and pine nuts on a plate

    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!

    Easy Zucchini Salad

    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.

    zucchini, ricotta, bail

    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
    summer salad

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you eat zucchini raw in a salad?

    Yes, you can absolutely eat zucchini raw. It has a mild flavor that is delicious. You can frequently find raw zucchini in salad recipes.

    What seasonings go well with zucchini?

    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.

    How do you cut and eat 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

    • Spaghetti alla Nerano
    • Roasted Italian Cauliflower
    • Negroni Spritz
    • French Martini

    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

    This easy zucchini salad will be your new favorite way to enjoy zucchini! This easy no-cook recipe comes together in just 10 minutes.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 223 kcal

    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.
    Keyword Easy Zucchini Salad
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