10 Minute Shaved Zucchini Salad with Lemon Parmesan

10 Minute Shaved Zucchini Salad with Lemon Parmesan is one of those recipes that feels like a little celebration for your taste buds and your schedule. When I first tossed this together, I was amazed at how fresh and bright it tasted with minimal effort. If you’ve got a few minutes and a craving for something light but satisfying, this salad might just become your new go-to.

Why You Should Try 10 Minute Shaved Zucchini Salad with Lemon Parmesan

Ever found yourself staring at a zucchini wondering what to do? This salad solves that problem in a snap. It’s fresh, tangy, and has just the right amount of cheesy goodness from the Parmesan. Plus, it’s perfect for those moments when you want something healthy but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.

The lemon juice wakes up the zucchini’s mild flavor, and shaving the zucchini instead of chopping it makes the texture so much more interesting. Trust me, the thin ribbons soak up the dressing in a way chunks just can’t.

Variations I’ve Tried

I like to keep things simple, but I’ve played around with a few twists that work well:

• Adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a bit of crunch.
• Tossing in some fresh mint or basil leaves for an herbal lift.
• Sprinkling chili flakes if you’re into a little heat.
• Using shaved pecorino instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor.

Have you experimented with any add-ins that surprised you? It’s fun to switch up the salad depending on what’s in your fridge.

Adaly Kandice

10 Minute Shaved Zucchini Salad with Lemon Parmesan

A quick and fresh shaved zucchini salad with a bright lemon and parmesan dressing, perfect for a light meal or side dish.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients

  

• 4 medium zucchini
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shaved
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

1. Use a vegetable peeler to shave zucchini lengthwise into ribbons.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add zucchini ribbons to the bowl and toss gently to coat in dressing.
4. Sprinkle shaved parmesan on top and toss lightly before serving.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. Shaved zucchini can be prepared ahead but dress just before serving to keep texture crisp.

Tips for Shaved Zucchini Salad with Lemon Parmesan

• Don’t skip the lemon juice. It’s the secret that brightens the whole dish.
• Shave the zucchini just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
• If you like your salad chilled, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before eating.
• Use good quality Parmesan freshly grated makes a big difference.
• If your zucchinis are large and seedy, scoop out the seeds before shaving.

Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be rare because it’s that good), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The zucchini will release some water, so give it a quick toss before serving again.

Try to eat it within 24 hours for the best texture. Beyond that, the salad might get a bit soggy, and nobody wants that.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using zucchinis that are too big or overripe they tend to be watery and seedy.
• Overdressing the salad. A little lemon and oil go a long way.
• Shaving the zucchini too thickly, which can make the salad feel heavy instead of light.
• Forgetting to season. Salt and pepper are small but mighty players here.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 4 g