It’s summer and that means I’m craving more light, fresh and healthy meals and this fresh zucchini salad with roasted corn and fresh tomatoes hits the spot. Making a salad from zucchini is a bit different, but it’s so refreshing on a hot summer day
I LOVE a good salad with smple ingredients, but sometimes too much lettuce or kale as the base can leave me stomach feeling meh, so lately I’ve embraced the no lettuce salads and this one is quick, easy and has a beautiful presentation if you need a simple idea for a party. Add this salad as a side dish to any grilled dish, bring to a BBQ or serve it up with a cup of gazpacho for a light lunch.
However you serve it, this salad will leave you feeling satisfied, yet light!
Zucchini Salad Recipe Ingredients
This fresh zucchini salad is crisp and light and only requires a few ingredients. Do not forget the dill, it’s the ingredient that really makes this salad extra tasty and really unique! In a pinch you could swap the dill for basil for a different flavor profile that’s still equally as delicious.
Zucchini
Raw zucchini is a nutritious vegetable that is high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Eating raw zucchini can help with a healthy digestion, support a healthy immune system, and promote overall health and well-being. You can use a combination of zucchini and yellow summer squash if you want. In this recipe, we use a spiralizer, but you could use a vegetable peeler or just use a sharp knife to thinly slice it.
Fresh Corn
Fresh corn is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and folate. It can help improve digestion, boost the immune system, and support overall health.
Tomato or Cherry Tomatoes
Raw fresh tomatoes are a great source of vitamins C and K, potassium, folate, lycopene, and more, which may help reduce the risk of developing heart disease and cancers.
Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano
Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin A. It also contains probiotics that can improve gut health and boost the immune system. If you don’t like parmesan, you can also try goat cheese or feta cheese.
Fresh Dill
Fresh dill is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to a healthy diet. It can help support digestion, reduce inflammation, and provide a good source of vitamin A and C.
I finished the salad off with one of my go-to dressings, a champagne and lemon vinaigrette (the recipe for this is below), that’s equally as delicious on any salad. I highly recommend it on a simple arugula and parmesan salad for a fresh, crisp side dish!
Zucchini Salad with Roasted Corn & Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 ear corn
- 1 tomato or a few cherry tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp fresh dill (or fresh basil or fresh parsely)
- 1 Tbsp freshly shaved parmesan
Vinaigrette
- 2 Tbsp champagne vinegar
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- pinch dried thyme
- kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- To grill the corn, brush or spray it with olive oil and grill over medium heat until lightly browned and cooked through. Let cool and cut corn from the cob.
- Meanwhile, mix all dressing ingredients into a wide-mouth jar and use an immersion blender to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper. You can also put all ingredients in a jar and shake until mixed.
- To slice zucchini or yellow squash, use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons, or simply use a sharp knife and slice them into thing rounds.
- To assemble the salads, add zucchini, corn, sliced tomatoes and top with fresh dill or basil and shaved parmesan—you can use your vegetable peeler for the parmesan too.
- Top each plate with zucchini, then add corn, tomato and top with fresh dill and parmesan. Drizzle with the champagne and lemon vinaigrette and serve. Crack some more fresh black pepper on top if desired.
- To store any leftovers, place in an airtight container, preferably without the dressing.
Zucchini Salad Serving Suggestions
- Grilled chicken or salmon: We love anything grilled over here in he summer and nothing pairs better with grilled meat then a fresh crisp salad to balance it all out. The fresh and light flavors of the raw zucchini salad would pair so well with grilled chicken or salmon. Having the protein makes this a filling and healthy dish!
- Quinoa or couscous: Adding a side of quinoa or couscous to the raw zucchini salad would make it a more filling and complete meal. The grains would absorb the flavors of the salad dressing and herbs.
- Grilled vegetables: Serve the raw zucchini salad alongside a platter of grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, eggplant, and asparagus. The combination of fresh and charred vegetables would create a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
- Crusty bread & burrata: A side of crusty bread, such as a baguette or ciabatta with some fresh burrata with a hefty scoop of basil pesto would be perfect alongside this salad for a simple and light meal. We made this in a cooking class recently and it was so simple and so delicious!
- Roasted potatoes: Roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs and olive oil would be a great accompaniment to the raw zucchini salad. The crispy potatoes would provide a comforting and satisfying addition to the meal.
Similar Salad Ideas
Here are a few more of our favorite summer salad recipes that we absolutely love!
Tomato, Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad: Another simple and fresh salad that we love for summer.
Pesto Pasta Salad: An easy to throw together hearty side dish that’s a hit and makes for great leftovers too.
Tangled Noodle Salad: One more no-lettuce salad that’s made with noodles, Asian flavors and is so delicious!
Next time you’re looking for an easy crunchy summer salad recipe with simple ingredients that’s a twist on your traditional lettuce-based salads, try this one!
BTW, chicken noodle soup, and chicken tortilla soup.
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