Emulsifier Free Cilantro-Lime White Bean Zucchini Skewers
These vibrant skewers are a serious crowd-pleaser — smoky, herby bean patties nestled between tender grilled zucchini rounds, all finished with a bright cilantro-lime drizzle that makes every bite sing. The entire ingredient list is refreshingly straightforward: white beans, fresh herbs, spices, olive oil, and zucchini, with absolutely nothing processed or additive-laden hiding in the mix. That matters a lot when you're navigating emulsifier-free eating, since so many packaged sauces, dressings, and even canned goods sneak in lecithin, mono- and diglycerides, or polysorbates. Here, the drizzle is whisked together from scratch — just olive oil, fresh lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of red pepper flakes — so you know exactly what you're getting. The technique of patting the beans completely dry before pulsing them is the real secret to patties that hold their shape on the grill without any binders or additives doing the heavy lifting. A quick chill in the fridge before threading them onto skewers gives them just enough structure to develop a gorgeous golden crust over the heat. Serve them straight off the grill with extra lime wedges and this one easily becomes a weeknight staple or a backyard showstopper.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the bean patties
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the skewers
- 2 medium zucchini (about 1 lb total), cut into 1-inch rounds
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
For the cilantro-lime drizzle
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For serving
- lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- 1
If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for at least 15 minutes so they don't scorch on the grill.
- 2
Spread the drained white beans on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat thoroughly dry — the drier the beans, the better the patties will hold together.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!