salads

Warm Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Mint

Name: Warm Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Mint
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 medium Zucchini (about 1.5 lbs); 4 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil (divided); 0.33 cup Almonds (roughly chopped); 0.25 cup Fresh mint (leaves torn); 2 tbsp Lemon juice; 1 tsp Lemon zest; 1 clove Garlic (minced); 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Black pepper; 2 oz Feta cheese (crumbled (optional))

Delicate zucchini ribbons, fresh mint, and crunchy toasted almonds in a light lemon dressing. An elegant yet simple summer side dish.

vegetarian gluten free

More Recipes

Prep 15 min

Cook 5 min

Total 20 min

Servings 4

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Instructions

Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to shave zucchini into long thin ribbons. Discard seedy core.
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add zucchini ribbons in batches, cooking 1-2 minutes per batch until just softened but still bright. Transfer to a bowl.

Tip: Work in batches—crowded zucchini steams instead of searing.
Whisk remaining 2 tbsp olive oil with lemon juice, zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Toss warm zucchini with dressing.
Add torn mint and toasted almonds. Toss gently.
Top with crumbled feta if using. Serve immediately while warm.

Storage & Meal Prep

Best eaten immediately while the ribbons are warm and tender. The almonds lose their crunch if stored. Components can be prepped ahead—make ribbons and dressing, then cook and assemble just before serving.

Variations

Raw Zucchini Ribbon Salad: Skip the cooking and serve the ribbons raw with extra lemon and shaved Parmesan for a carpaccio-style presentation.
Zucchini Ribbons with Goat Cheese: Add crumbled goat cheese and toasted pine nuts for a richer, more substantial salad.
Zucchini Ribbons with Chili: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pan for a warm, spicy contrast to the cool mint.

FAQ

How do you make zucchini ribbons?

Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to shave long, thin ribbons from the zucchini. Work lengthwise along the zucchini, rotating as you go. Stop when you reach the seedy core.

Do you cook zucchini ribbons?

Briefly—just 1-2 minutes in a hot pan with olive oil. They should be barely wilted, not soft. You can also serve them raw, tossed with dressing, for a different texture.

What does mint do with zucchini?

Mint adds a fresh, cooling contrast to the mild, sweet zucchini. It's a classic Mediterranean pairing that brightens the dish and aids digestion.

The Story Behind This Dish

Shaving zucchini into ribbons transforms it from boring vegetable to elegant salad component.

The thin ribbons cook in seconds, stay bright green, and curl beautifully on the plate. Combined with mint and toasted nuts, this becomes a side dish worth remembering.