Vegan Fresh Zucchini Salad

Bright, crisp, and bursting with garden-fresh flavors, this Vegan Fresh Zucchini Salad is the perfect recipe for a light and healthy meal or side dish. Featuring ribbons of tender zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, delicate red onion, and fragrant fresh basil, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing, this salad is as refreshing as it is satisfying. The dish is elevated with the nutty crunch of toasted pine nuts, adding depth and texture to every bite. Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required, it’s a quick and easy option that’s perfect for hot days or when you’re craving something wholesome. This vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free recipe pairs beautifully with grilled dishes or can stand alone as a flavorful appetizer. Whether served fresh or chilled to let the vibrant flavors meld, this zucchini salad is sure to be a showstopper on any table!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 medium-sized zucchini
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
• 0.5 small red onion
• 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 large lemon
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup pine nuts

Directions

Step 1

Begin by washing all vegetables thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2

Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline slicer, thinly slice the zucchini into long ribbons. If preferred, you can instead cut the zucchini into thin round slices.

Step 3

Halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside.

Step 4

Peel and thinly slice the red onion into half-moon shapes.

Step 5

Stack the fresh basil leaves, roll them tightly, and slice into thin strips (chiffonade).

Step 6

For the dressing, zest the lemon and then juice it. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the zucchini ribbons, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and basil.

Step 8

Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 9

Toast the pine nuts in a small dry pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

Step 10

Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the salad just before serving.

Step 11

Serve the salad immediately, or let it sit in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1026.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	880.4

Total Fat 67.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 12.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6789.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 69.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.0g	0%
Total Sugars 52.0g
Protein 14.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 166.8mg	0%
Iron 5.4mg	0%
Potassium 2223.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.6%

Protein: 6.0%

Carbs: 29.4%