Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing is the perfect dish for those hot summer days when you crave something fresh, light, and satisfying. With crisp zucchini ribbons, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lemon tahini dressing, this salad brings all the flavors of summer together. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and quick to prepare, making it an ideal side dish for a BBQ, picnic, or a light lunch. The creamy tahini dressing adds richness while the lemon juice brightens it all up, making every bite feel refreshing and flavorful.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Ribbons
- Using a vegetable peeler, slice the zucchinis into long, thin ribbons. If you prefer, you can also use a spiralizer for a similar effect.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. If the dressing is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding water until you reach your desired texture.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the zucchini ribbons, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
- Pour the lemon tahini dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with additional parsley or a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: To make this salad a full meal, add some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu.
- Use Other Veggies: Add sliced cucumber, bell peppers, or avocado for extra texture and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or toss in some chopped jalapeños.
- Different Dressing: Swap tahini with a yogurt-based dressing or a vinaigrette for a lighter option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Reheating: This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. It does not need reheating, but you can let it sit for about 10 minutes after tossing for enhanced flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this salad?
Yes! You can substitute zucchini with cucumber or add in other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more variety.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I use a different kind of cheese in this recipe?
While this recipe is vegan, you could use feta or goat cheese as a topping if you prefer.
How long will this salad last in the fridge?
This salad will last for up to two days in the fridge, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Can I use store-bought tahini?
Yes, store-bought tahini works just fine for this recipe. Make sure it’s well-mixed, as tahini tends to separate in the jar.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, as long as the tahini used is certified gluten-free.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this salad?
Yes! Toasted sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or chopped almonds would be great additions for some crunch.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is always best for flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
How can I make this salad more filling?
You can add some quinoa, couscous, or grilled chicken to make the salad more filling and substantial.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad and dressing in advance, but it’s best to toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to maintain the freshness of the zucchini.
Conclusion
Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing is a light, refreshing dish that combines crisp vegetables with a rich, creamy dressing. Quick and easy to make, it’s the perfect side dish or light lunch, and it’s fully customizable to suit your tastes. Enjoy it fresh, or save it for later – either way, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!
Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Side Dish
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegan, Gluten-Free
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing is the perfect light and refreshing dish for warm weather. Featuring fresh zucchini ribbons, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy tahini dressing, this salad is healthy, gluten-free, and incredibly quick to prepare. Ideal for a light lunch, BBQ, or picnic, it offers a healthy balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
2 medium zucchinis
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Zucchini Ribbons:
-
Using a vegetable peeler, slice the zucchinis into long, thin ribbons. Alternatively, use a spiralizer for a similar effect.
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-
Prepare the Dressing:
-
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. If the dressing is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding water until you reach your desired texture.
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Combine the Salad Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, combine the zucchini ribbons, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley.
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Toss the Salad:
-
Pour the lemon tahini dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
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Serve:
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Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with additional parsley or a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
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Notes
Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu to make the salad more filling.
Use Other Veggies: Feel free to add sliced cucumber, bell peppers, or avocado for extra texture and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicy version.
Different Dressing: Swap tahini with a yogurt-based dressing or a light vinaigrette.
