Shaved Zucchini Salad with Spicy Almonds and Parmesan
A refreshing raw zucchini salad featuring thin ribbons of zucchini tossed with lemon dressing, shaved Parmesan, and crunchy spiced almonds. It’s simple yet gourmet — perfect as a side for grilled chicken, fish, or a Mediterranean pasta dish.
⏱️ Time
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook (for almonds): 5 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 medium zucchini (green or a mix of green and yellow)
¼ cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: a few fresh basil or mint leaves, torn
For the Spicy Almonds:
½ cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
1 tsp olive oil
¼ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Pinch of cayenne (optional)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Spicy Almonds
1. Heat a small pan over medium heat.
2. Add olive oil, then toss in almonds, paprika, chili flakes, cayenne, and salt.
3. Stir constantly for 3–4 minutes, until almonds are fragrant and lightly toasted.
4. Transfer to a plate to cool — they’ll crisp up as they rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
1. Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, shave zucchini lengthwise into thin ribbons.
2. Place ribbons in a large bowl.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Gently toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
1. Arrange the zucchini ribbons on a platter.
2. Scatter spicy almonds over the top.
3. Add shaved Parmesan and torn basil or mint leaves.
4. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a crack of black pepper.
Notes & Tips
Milder version: Skip cayenne and use smoked paprika only for a warm flavor.
Add crunch: Toast a few breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle on top.
Add protein: Top with grilled shrimp or chicken for a light summer meal.
Make ahead: Keep the almonds separate until serving so they stay crisp.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
A: Yes! Walnuts or hazelnuts work well — just toast them the same way.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan shreds.
Q: Will zucchini release water?
A: Slightly — if making ahead, salt the zucchini lightly and pat dry before dressing.
Nutrition information
Calories: ~250 kcal
Protein: 9g
Carbs: 8g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 3g