Asian Zucchini Ribbons Salad With Cherry Tomatoes

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A fresh and tasty salad that is perfect for the summer
zucchini ribbons salad on a plate

This Asian zucchini ribbons salad is the perfect summer dish. The light and refreshing dressing is soaked up beautifully by the tender zucchini and creates a delicious mix of flavors when combined with the fresh tomatoes.

This salad is guaranteed not to disappoint!

zucchini ribbon salad on a white plate with a fork

I always like having some fresh produce around so that I can create recipes with just about anything we want. That’s how this zucchini ribbon salad recipe and my peach arugula salad came to be.

Here is What You Will Need

This photo is to show the ingredients of Asian Zucchini Ribbons Salad With Cherry Tomatoes. Ingredients pictured are zucchini, cherry tomatoes, onions and dressing. Text overlay for dressing says: tamari sauce, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, rice vinegar and honey.

Ingredients

  • Zucchini
  • Onion
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Tamari sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Honey
  • Fresh ginger
  • Fresh garlic
  • Optional ingredients: sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, fresh herbs

Equipment


Here is How To Make Zucchini Ribbons Salad

Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse and dry the zucchini and tomatoes. Mix up the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or mason jar.

demonstration of a vegetable peeler making zucchini ribbons

Step 1. Make the zucchini ribbons

Use a Y-vegetable peeler to cut thin ribbons of zucchini and place the strips in a medium bowl.

Step 2. Add onions and tomatoes

Slice the onions into thin slices and the cherry tomatoes in half. Place them into the bowl with the zucchini strips.

zucchini ribbons onions and tomatoes in a glass bowl

This image is for step three of recipe and a hand is holding dressing and pouring over salad in glass mixing bowl.

Step 3. Add the dressing

Shake up the dressing and pour it over the salad.

Step 4. Stir in sesame seeds

Mix everything together; sprinkle the salad with sesame seeds.

an overhead view of the completed zucchini ribbon salad in a bowl

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Zucchini. Look for small to medium zucchini with dark green vibrant skin to make this salad. The smaller zucchini is more tender with a softer texture and smaller seeds; perfect for making zucchini ribbons.

Substitute zucchini with ribbons of yellow summer squash or cucumber ribbons.

Onions. All-purpose, sweet or red onions work in this recipe. My preference is sweet for the flavor that they add to the salad.

Cherry tomatoes. Cherry or grape tomatoes work well in this salad. Cherry and grape tomatoes are bite-sized and sweet tasting.

Substitute cherry tomatoes with quarters of plum tomatoes.

Tamari sauce. Is a Japanese soy fermented soy sauce that it typically gluten-free and has a more robust flavor.

Substitute tamari sauce with an equal amount of soy sauce or coconut aminos.

Rice vinegar is a lighter-tasting vinegar and can easily be substituted one for one with white wine vinegar.

Honey. Adds a touch of sweetness and can be substituted with an equal amount of maple syrup or brown rice syrup.

Fresh ginger adds a vibrant flavor to this recipe. I like to keep ginger root in my freezer and use a small grater to shred it.

Substitute fresh ginger with 1/8 teaspoon of ginger powder.

Fresh Garlic. Brings all of the flavors together in this zucchini salad.

Substitute fresh garlic with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.

an overhead veiw of zucchini tomatoes and onions in a salad on a plate

Serving Suggestions

This refreshing salad tastes great with any grilled seafood or meat. We like to serve it with grilled chicken breast, pork, or cilantro lime shrimp.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This salad tastes best when it’s made fresh. It can, however, be prepared partially ahead of time by mixing the dressing and slicing the zucchini ribbons, onions, and tomatoes.

Store all of the ingredients separately in the refrigerator and put it all together just before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover zucchini ribbons salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. 

a close up of salad on a white plate

Recipe Variations

Cooked Zucchini Ribbon Salad. Grill the ribbons quickly by brushing them with olive oil and placing them on the grill for about 2 minutes on each side before adding them to the salad.

Spice it Up. Add one to two teaspoons of hot pepper flakes to the dressing.

Mediterranean Zucchini Ribbon Salad. Add a handful of sliced fresh basil and chunks of mozzarella or feta cheese. Dress the salad with a combination of 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon honey, and a clove of crushed garlic.

Tips

  • You can use a spiralizer with a slicing blade attachment to make ribbon noodles.
  • Zucchini has a high moisture content, if zucchini ribbons are made ahead of time, you may need to blot them dry before adding the dressing.
Is raw zucchini healthy?

Yes! Zucchini is healthy and full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. When it is eaten raw, the nutrients will stay intact, and when it is cooked some of the nutrients may be lost during the cooking process.

Can you make zucchini ribbons with a knife?

You can use a sharp knife to make zucchini ribbons, but they will not be as thin and easy to make. A vegetable peeler is the easiest way to make them.

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zucchini ribbons salad on a plate

Spicy Asian Zucchini Salad

A fresh and tasty salad that is perfect for the summer
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Click on serving size to scale this recipe

Cuisine: American
Keyword: zucchini ribbon salad, zucchini ribbons
Servings: 2 to 4
Calories: 122kcal
Author: Anne
Scale this Recipe 2 to 4

Ingredients

  • 2 small zucchini
  • 1 small onion sliced thin
  • 15 to 20 cherry tomatoes cut into halves or quarters

DRESSING:

  • 2 tablespoons tamari sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 small clove garlic crushed

Instructions

  • Use a Y vegetable peeler or spiralizer make the zucchini ribbons.
  • Place ribbons into a bowl, add the sliced onions and tomaotes.
  • Mix up the dressing and pour it over the salad/

Video

Notes

Recipe Variations
  • Replace the zucchini ribbons with cucumbers or use a combination of both
  • Grill the zucchini ribbons: brush them with olive oil and place them on a grill for about 2 minutes one each side.
  • Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of hot pepper flakes to teh dressing
  • Sprinkle the salad with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, parsley or basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 511mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used

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