Are you looking for a refreshing and healthy side dish to add some excitement to your meal routine? Look no further! Zucchini salads are a great way to get your daily dose of veggies while also enjoying a burst of flavor. With its mild taste and versatility, zucchini is the perfect base for a wide range of delicious salads.
From classic combinations like grilled zucchini and herb salad to more adventurous options like spiralized zucchini with avocado dressing, we’ve got 18 refreshing zucchini salad recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and summery or hearty and satisfying, there’s a zucchini salad recipe here that’s just right.
Grilled Zucchini and Herb Salad
Enjoy a flavorful and refreshing salad perfect for warm weather, featuring grilled zucchini, fragrant herbs, and tangy feta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush zucchinis with olive oil, season with garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill zucchinis for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender and lightly charred.
4. Let zucchinis cool slightly, then slice into thick rounds.
5. In a large bowl, combine grilled zucchini, feta cheese, and chopped herbs.
6. Squeeze lemon juice over the salad and toss to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A refreshing summer salad that showcases the sweetness of zucchini, perfectly balanced by a tangy and citrusy lemon vinaigrette. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Spiralize the zucchinis into ribbons.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the zucchini ribbons to the dressing and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Mediterranean Zucchini Salad with Feta
A refreshing and flavorful summer salad that combines the sweetness of zucchini with the tanginess of feta, all tied together with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the zucchini for 3-4 minutes per side, until tender and slightly charred.
4. In a large bowl, combine the grilled zucchini, crumbled feta cheese, red wine vinegar, and chopped oregano.
5. Toss to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spiralized Zucchini Salad with Avocado Dressing
This refreshing salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, featuring spiralized zucchini, creamy avocado dressing, and a hint of citrus. It’s an ideal side dish or light lunch for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1 ripe avocado
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, or cilantro) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Spiralize the zucchinis using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, combine the spiralized zucchini and avocado dressing. Toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time: 5 minutes, cooking time: 0 minutes)
Zucchini and Corn Salad with Lime Dressing
A refreshing summer salad that combines the sweetness of corn and zucchini with a tangy lime dressing, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium zucchini, diced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine zucchini, corn kernels, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Roasted Zucchini and Quinoa Salad
A refreshing summer salad that combines the flavors of roasted zucchini, quinoa, and tangy feta cheese, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized zucchini
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the zucchini into 1-inch pieces and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
2. Roast the zucchini for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Allow it to cool.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted zucchini, feta cheese, and parsley.
5. Squeeze lemon juice over the salad and toss to combine.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Zucchini and Tomato Salad with Basil
This light and refreshing salad is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of tender zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil creates a delightful harmony of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini and diced tomatoes.
2. Sprinkle the chopped basil over the top of the vegetables.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Asian-Inspired Zucchini Noodle Salad
A refreshing summer salad that combines the best of Asian flavors with the simplicity of zucchini noodles. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook zucchinis into noodle-like strands using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and ginger until well combined.
3. Add the cooked zucchini noodles to the bowl and toss to coat with the dressing.
4. Sprinkle cilantro and sesame seeds on top of the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Zucchini and Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing
A refreshing summer salad that combines the natural sweetness of zucchini with the creamy richness of tahini dressing, perfect for a light and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium zucchini, diced
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine zucchini, chickpeas, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the tahini dressing over the zucchini mixture and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Zucchini and Cucumber Salad with Dill
This light and flavorful salad is perfect for hot summer days or as a healthy side dish for any meal. With the sweetness of zucchini, the crunch of cucumber, and the brightness of dill, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine zucchini and cucumber slices.
2. Sprinkle chopped dill over the top of the vegetables.
3. Drizzle olive oil and white wine vinegar over the salad, tossing gently to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served chilled.
Zucchini and Radish Salad with Mint
This salad is a perfect combination of crunchy and refreshing ingredients, making it a great side dish for any summer gathering. The sweetness of the zucchini and radish pairs well with the cooling flavor of mint, creating a delightful harmony in each bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
– 1 bunch of fresh radishes, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the zucchini and radish slices.
2. Sprinkle the chopped mint leaves over the top.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Zucchini and Carrot Salad with Ginger Dressing
This salad combines the sweetness of zucchini and carrots with the spicy kick of ginger, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. It’s a light and refreshing side dish or main course that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
– 4 medium carrots, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup fresh ginger, peeled and minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine zucchini slices and carrot gratings.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together ginger, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the zucchini-carrot mixture, tossing to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Zucchini and Black Bean Salad
This refreshing salad combines the natural sweetness of zucchini with the savory flavor of black beans, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. With its vibrant colors and textures, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine zucchini slices, black beans, bell pepper, and onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice; toss gently to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes of prep time.
Zucchini and Pomegranate Salad with Pistachios
This refreshing summer salad combines the sweetness of pomegranate seeds with the savory flavor of grilled zucchini, all tied together with crunchy pistachios.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush zucchinis with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, until tender and slightly charred.
3. In a large bowl, combine grilled zucchini, pomegranate seeds, parsley, and pistachios.
4. Drizzle lemon juice over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Zucchini and Farro Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing
This refreshing salad is a perfect representation of summer’s bounty, combining the natural sweetness of zucchini, the nutty flavor of farro, and the brightness of lemon herb dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup cooked farro
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the farro according to package instructions until al dente. Let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine zucchini slices, cooked farro, parsley, and feta cheese (if using).
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Zucchini and Arugula Salad with Parmesan
A refreshing summer salad that combines the sweetness of zucchini with the peppery flavor of arugula, all tied together with a sprinkle of creamy Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
– 4 cups arugula leaves
– 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the zucchini slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. In a large bowl, combine arugula leaves and roasted zucchini slices.
5. Sprinkle shaved Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Zucchini and Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
This refreshing salad combines the best of summer’s bounty – tender zucchini, sweet beets, and creamy goat cheese. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for your next BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1 large beetroot
– 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Wrap the beetroot in foil and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
2. Slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. In a large bowl, combine roasted beets, zucchini, crumbled goat cheese, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and toss to combine.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Zucchini and Kale Salad with Almonds
A refreshing summer salad that combines the best of seasons – sweet zucchinis, earthy kale, and crunchy almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium zucchini, spiralized
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, massage the chopped kale with your hands for about 3 minutes to help soften the leaves.
2. Add the spiralized zucchini, sliced almonds, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the bowl. Toss to combine.
3. Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional sliced almonds if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served fresh and raw.
Summary
Get ready to refresh your salad game with these 18 delicious zucchini recipes! From classic combinations like grilled zucchini and herbs, to creative twists like spiralized zucchini noodles with avocado dressing, there’s something for every taste. Try Mediterranean-inspired salads with feta and tomatoes, or Asian-style noodle dishes with chickpeas and tahini. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and lemony or hearty and quinoa-based, these recipes are sure to please.
Leave a Reply