Did you know you can eat zucchini raw? While this vegetable truly shines when cooked, we are here to celebrate it in its unprepared form! Our raw zucchini salad is not only a perfect demonstration of all things subtle and good about zucchini, but so quick to prepare too. Try this recipe out and see for yourself just how simple it is to enjoy old favorites in a new way.
Raw Zucchini Salad: Our Recipe
Zucchini is in season right now and it feels as if every market and grocery store is practically bursting with the beautiful summer fruit! And we wouldn’t be Scrumdiddlyumptious if we weren’t always coming up with new, delicious dishes. So today we’re making a raw zucchini salad. This simple dish boasts summery flavors and is totally refreshing too.
For our raw zucchini salad, you’ll need some firm, fresh zucchini of course. Slice them into paper-thin slices. It’s best to use a vegetable peeler or a mandoline for this, just be careful of your fingers! Marinate the zucchini strips with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. You’ll know that the zucchini is properly marinating as it becomes tender and starts releasing juice. Finally, mix in fresh herbs and some Parmesan, and just like, this unique salad is ready to enjoy!
Our raw zucchini salad is ideal as a light lunch on a warm workday or as a side dish for grilled food. Its nutty taste blends with lemony-fresh flavors and salty cheese. Combined with fresh herbs, you will have a salad you won’t be able to get enough of.
By the way: Eating zucchini raw is generally not a problem, but there are things you should look out for. If it tastes bitter, you’ll unfortunately have to toss it. Bitterness indicates the presence of cucurbitacin, which zucchini can produce for self-protection. It is heat resistant and can cause severe gastrointestinal upset if consumed. So: Always try zucchini responsibly!
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy all things fresh. That’s why we can’t get enough of salads at the moment, like our tomato & raspberry salad, sugar snap pea salad with feta, and summer salad with grilled peaches. Try them out today!

Raw Zucchini Salad
Ingredients
- 4 zucchini
- 1 organic lemon
- 1 garlic clove
- salt & pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp pne nuts
- 6 tbsp Parmesan shaved
Instructions
- Thinly shave the zucchini using a vegetable peeler or mandoline.
- Wash the lemon and zest the peel. Juice the lemon. Finely mince the garlic clove.
- Combine the zucchini with the lemon zest and garlic. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the pine nuts over the salad.
- Finally, toss in the Parmesan cheese.