Best 3 Lemony Zucchini Salad Recipes

In the realm of vibrant and refreshing summer salads, lemony zucchini salad stands out as a true culinary gem, offering a delightful balance of flavors, textures, and colors. With its zesty lemon dressing, tender zucchini, and a symphony of herbs, this salad is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a light and healthy lunch option. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking a quick and easy recipe, this guide will take you on a journey of flavors, showcasing the best recipes and techniques to create an unforgettable lemony zucchini salad that will tantalize your taste buds and become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

LEMONY ZUCCHINI SALAD

Lemony Zucchini Salad image

Refreshing and simple zucchini salad. Pairs well with everything from seafood to BBQ.

Provided by Alison Sprinkman

Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Zucchini Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

4 small zucchini, thinly sliced
½ small sweet onion (such as Vidalia®), thinly sliced
½ bunch fresh parsley, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons white sugar
salt and ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup light olive oil

Steps:

Place zucchini slices in a colander for 10 minutes, allowing juices to release; pat dry.
Combine zucchini, onion, and parsley together in a bowl.
Mix lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and sugar together in a separate bowl; season with salt and pepper. Slowly stream olive oil into lemon juice mixture while whisking constantly until dressing emulsifies. Pour dressing over zucchini mixture; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 79.7 calories, Carbohydrate 5.3 g, Fat 6.9 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 24.4 mg, Sugar 2.3 g

LEMONY ZUCCHINI, CHICKPEA, AND LIMA BEAN SALAD

Lemony Zucchini, Chickpea, and Lima Bean Salad image

Every spoonful of this chopped salad includes a medley of fresh zucchini and basil, buttery lima beans, and rich Parmesan.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Salad Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh or frozen lima beans, blanched
1/2 cup drained canned chickpeas, rinsed
1 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/2 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 to 3 romaine leaves, cut into thin strips
1 ounce Parmesan cheese, broken into small chunks (1/4 cup)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, plus small sprigs for garnish
4 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Steps:

Combine lima beans, chickpeas, zucchini, onion, romaine, Parmesan, and chopped basil. Add lemon juice, oil, red-pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine. Garnish with basil sprigs.

LEMONY ZUCCHINI, CHICKPEA, AND LIMA BEAN SALAD

LEMONY ZUCCHINI, CHICKPEA, AND LIMA BEAN SALAD image

Categories Bean Side Vegetarian Quick & Easy

Yield 6 people

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh or frozen lima beans, blanched
1/2 cup drained canned chickpeas, rinsed
1 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/2 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 to 3 romaine leaves, cut into thin strips
1 ounce Parmesan cheese, broken into small chunks (1/4 cup)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, plus small sprigs for garnish
4 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Steps:

Combine lima beans, chickpeas, zucchini, onion, romaine, Parmesan, and chopped basil. Add lemon juice, oil, red-pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine. Garnish with basil sprigs.

Tips:

Selecting the Right Zucchini: For the best flavor and texture, choose smaller zucchini, typically 6-8 inches in length. They tend to have fewer seeds and a more tender texture compared to larger ones.
Slicing Technique: To ensure even cooking and a pleasing presentation, slice the zucchini thinly and uniformly. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for achieving consistent, thin slices.
Salting the Zucchini: Salting the zucchini before cooking draws out excess moisture, resulting in a firmer texture and preventing sogginess. Don't skip this step for optimal results.
Cooking the Zucchini: Whether you choose to grill, pan-fry, or roast the zucchini, make sure to cook them until they have a slight golden brown color and are tender but still retain a bit of a bite. Overcooking can make them mushy.
Dressing Variations: Experiment with different variations of the lemon-herb dressing to suit your taste preferences. You can add a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, adjust the amount of lemon juice for a more or less tangy flavor, or incorporate fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added complexity.

Conclusion:

This lemony zucchini salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that showcases the flavors of fresh zucchini, complemented by a tangy lemon-herb dressing. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this recipe, you can create a delicious and healthy salad that is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a light and flavorful side dish. With its vibrant colors and zesty taste, this salad is sure to be a hit among your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients, get your kitchen ready, and enjoy the process of making this delicious and satisfying dish!