Oats Free Classic Zucchini Ribbon Salad

Total time23 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time3 min

4.7

(12)

Raw zucchini gets a serious glow-up here, transformed into silky, elegant ribbons that soak up a bright lemon-garlic dressing and taste far more impressive than the prep time deserves. The trick of salting the ribbons first draws out just enough moisture to give them a tender, almost silky texture without turning them soggy — it's a small step that makes a big difference. Toasted pine nuts add a warm, nutty crunch, while torn basil and mint keep everything feeling fresh and summery. Shaved Parmesan brings a salty, savory finish that ties the whole bowl together beautifully. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of grains and cereals, so there's nothing to swap or second-guess — just clean, vibrant produce and pantry staples doing their best work. This is the kind of salad that disappears fast at a dinner table, whether it's served alongside grilled fish, roasted chicken, or simply eaten on its own with good bread.

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Ingredients

4 servings

4 medium zucchini (about 1 ½ lb total)
¾ tsp kosher salt, divided
3 tbsp pine nuts
1 oz parmesan, shaved with a vegetable peeler
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, torn

For the dressing

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
1 tsp lemon zest
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1
Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, shave each zucchini lengthwise into long, thin ribbons, rotating the zucchini a quarter-turn after every few passes and stopping when you reach the seedy core. Place the ribbons in a colander set over the sink, toss with 1/2 tsp of the salt, and let stand for 5 minutes until slightly softened and a little moisture has released.
2
While the zucchini drains, toast the pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer immediately to a plate to cool.

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