If you are looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy zucchini, try this recipe for zesty zucchini ribbons with garlic and lemon. This is a light and refreshing side dish that goes well with grilled meat, fish, or eggs. You can also make it vegan by skipping the cheese or using a plant-based alternative.
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many ways. In this recipe, we use a peeler to make thin ribbons that cook in minutes and have a satisfying texture. We also add some lemon zest, garlic, and red pepper flakes to give it some flavor and spice. You can adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to your liking.
To make this dish, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2-3 large cloves of garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon of chili flakes, or more to taste
- 2-3 medium zucchini, peeled into ribbons, about 1 pound of ribbons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, or more to taste
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- Black pepper to taste
You can also add some optional garnishes, such as:
- Basil leaves, cut into thin strips
- Feta cheese, crumbled or cubed
- Pecorino or parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
- Cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- Pine nuts or toasted walnuts, chopped
To make the zesty zucchini ribbons, follow these steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and chili flakes and cook until fragrant and soft, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the zucchini ribbons and lemon zest and toss to coat with the oil and spices. Cook until wilted and tender, but still crisp, about 1 minute. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
- Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with your choice of garnishes. Enjoy hot or at room temperature.
This recipe serves 4 as a side dish. You can easily double or triple it if you have more zucchini to use up.
Zucchini is a summer squash that is low in calories and high in water content. It is rich in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. It can help improve digestion, lower blood pressure, boost immunity, and prevent inflammation.
Zucchini is also very adaptable and can be used in many other recipes. You can spiralize it into noodles, grate it into bread or muffins, slice it into lasagna or gratin, roast it with other vegetables, or pickle it for salads.
Enjoy the season of zucchini with this simple and delicious recipe for zesty zucchini ribbons with garlic and lemon!
