This marinated zucchini salad is so easy to make! A refreshing combination of shaved zucchini ribbons, corn, feta, walnuts and fresh herbs is tossed in a lemony vinaigrette.
If you’re like me and you’re holding on to the last days of summer like there’s no tomorrow, then you’re going to love this Marinated Zucchini Salad as much as I do. We’re talking thinly shaved ribbons of zucchini and yellow squash, fresh herbs, sweet white corn, creamy feta and crunchy walnuts all tossed together in a bright and simple lemon vinaigrette.
How to make zucchini ribbons
What makes this zucchini ribbon salad so tasty is that the thinly shaved zucchini ribbons are infused with lemony flavor from the simple dressing. As the squash sits in the dressing the flavor absorbs beautifully and softens the ribbons just the right amount. But because they’re raw they still retain a bit of pleasant crunch.
To make these evenly sliced zucchini ribbons, I use this mandolin. In fact, it’s one of my top essential tools that I always carry in my knife bag.
You’ll want to slice the squash on a thinner setting so that they’re pliable. You can even roll them up into little curls for presentation, if you’d like.
Why you’ll love this vegetarian zucchini recipe
This zucchini ribbon salad is so easy to throw together, and there’s absolutely no cooking involved, so it’s perfect for those hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven or on a busy weeknight.
The chilled, shaved squash is unbelievably refreshing, and the addition of fresh corn, flavorful herbs, creamy feta and crunchy walnuts makes this salad anything but boring.
It’s a great gluten free and low carb option and a wonderful way to use up leftover zucchini!
FAQ
Can I make this Zucchini Salad in advance?
If you want to make this salad 1-2 days in advance, you can keep the salad ingredients and dressing ingredients separate and toss them together 20-30 minutes before you plan to eat it. Then simply add the remaining ingredients once the zucchini ribbons have had a chance to marinate in the dressing.
How long will this Marinated Zucchini Salad last in the fridge?
This salad should keep well for at least a couple of days once it’s tossed with the lemon vinaigrette. In fact, the longer it sits, the more it will absorb that lovely lemon flavor from the dressing! But any longer than that and the zucchini will become quite soggy.
Variations on this recipe
- Other cheeses that would taste great besides feta include shaved Parmesan and goat cheese.
- If you want to keep this recipe vegan, simply omit the cheese
- Feel free to use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand for this recipe! Basil, tarragon, chives, parsley, cilantro, oregano and mint all work beautifully
Thanks for reading Le Petit Eats! To keep up with my kitchen escapades, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. If you make this Marinated Zucchini Salad, donโt forget to share it using the hashtag #LePetitEats!
Marinated Zucchini Salad
This marinated zucchini salad is so easy to make! A refreshing combination of shaved zucchini ribbons, corn, feta, walnuts and fresh herbs is tossed in a lemony vinaigrette.
Ingredients
For the lemon vinaigrette:
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the salad:
- 2 large zucchinis thinly sliced on a mandolin
- 2 medium yellow squash thinly sliced on a mandolin
- 1 ear corn kernels removed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs such as basil, chives, oregano and mint
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts chopped
- Sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Toss vinaigrette with zucchini and yellow squash ribbons in a bowl and allow to sit for 20-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Add corn, herbs, walnuts and feta and toss gently. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
Recipe Notes
- Other cheeses that would taste great besides feta include shaved Parmesan and goat cheese.
- If you want to keep this recipe vegan, simply omit the cheese
- Feel free to use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand for this recipe! Basil, tarragon, chives, parsley, cilantro, oregano and mint all work beautifully
I love zucchini! This salad looks so delicious and perfect as a healthy side dish!
I love zucchini and my family really started to enjoy it more recently too – fortunately for me haha! Tho I could eat this whole salad myself I am sure ๐ This would be a great side for a big dinner too, like a holiday dinner. Simple yet elegant.
Such a refreshing and tasty looking salad! The perfect side to all sorts of grilled meats!
My family is going to go crazy for this salad! The flavors pair so well together! Love it!
This is the perfect addition to any dinner. Such a great way to use up all the zucchini I have in my garden.
Looks delicious! My body canโt tolerate corn so could you suggest an alternative please?
Thank you
Feel free to leave it out! It’s not necessary to include in the recipe. You could also swap in another favorite veggie like some cherry tomato, peas or edamame.
Hi hi hi! I am looking at making this today, I can see that there are two yellow squashes listed in the ingredients, but they’re not included in the steps… Should I put those in the marinade with the zucchini? Or put them straight into the salad without marinating? Thank you so much!!!
Same time as zucchini! I’ll clarify that better in the steps ๐
Have you ever tried putting this over pasta for pasta salad? Looks amazing.
This salad was perfection ๐