Fresh Zesty Zucchini Ribbon Salad Recipe Easy Lemon Parmesan Dressing
A quick and easy zucchini ribbon salad tossed in a bright lemon Parmesan dressing, perfect for a light, fresh side dish that pairs well with many mains.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchini (about 12 oz / 340 g), washed and trimmed
- ¼ cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (optional, chopped basil or parsley)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon, squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced or grated
- Salt, to taste (start with ¼ teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and trim the ends of the zucchini. Using a vegetable peeler, slice along the length of the zucchini to create long, thin ribbons about ⅛-inch (3 mm) thick.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the zucchini ribbons in a large mixing bowl. Pour the lemon Parmesan dressing over the ribbons and gently toss to coat evenly without tearing the ribbons.
- Sprinkle the grated or shaved Parmesan over the salad and toss lightly again. Add fresh herbs if using.
- Let the salad sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and zucchini to soften slightly.
Notes
If ribbons release too much water after resting, gently pat dry with a paper towel before serving. For chilled salad, refrigerate for 15 minutes and bring to room temperature before serving. Use a vegetable peeler for best ribbon texture. Dressing can be made ahead and stored separately. Variations include adding toasted nuts, cherry tomatoes, or swapping Parmesan for vegan alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: zucchini salad, lemon Parmesan dressing, zucchini ribbons, fresh salad, easy side dish, vegetarian, gluten-free