This Easy Marinated Zucchini Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a light side for any meal. With crisp zucchini, sweet onion, juicy tomatoes, and a burst of fresh basil, all marinated in tangy Italian dressing, it’s a delightful way to enjoy seasonal produce. Let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Marinated Zucchini Salad

This salad is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for busy days. The marination process enhances the flavors, giving you a delicious, tangy, and slightly sweet salad that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those extra zucchinis from your garden or farmer’s market haul.

Ingredients For Easy Marinated Zucchini Salad 

• 2 small zucchini, sliced
• 1 medium sweet onion, halved and sliced
• 1 large tomato, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 8 oz Italian dressing, bottled
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Easy Marinated Zucchini Salad

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by slicing the zucchini into thin rounds. Halve the sweet onion and slice it thinly. Peel and roughly chop the large tomato. Chop the fresh basil finely.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, halved and sliced onion, chopped tomato, and fresh basil.
3. Add Dressing: Pour the bottled Italian dressing over the vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to ensure the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
4. Marinate: Transfer the mixture to a storage container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
5. Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Give it a final toss, and your salad is ready to enjoy.

Variations

• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some sliced radishes or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
• Cheese Lovers: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
• Herb Substitute: If you don’t have basil, try using fresh parsley or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
• Vegan Option: Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Storage container with lid

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day.

What to Serve with Easy Marinated Zucchini Salad

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also a great side dish for pasta, sandwiches, or a hearty soup. For a complete vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a grain bowl or a slice of crusty bread.

Tips

• Even Slices: For even marination, try to slice the zucchini and onion as uniformly as possible.
• Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and flavor. If you can’t find fresh, dried basil can be used, but fresh is best.
• Marination Time: While the salad needs at least 3 hours to marinate, letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator will make it even more flavorful.

FAQ

Can I use a homemade dressing instead of bottled?

Yes, you can! A homemade Italian dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs will work perfectly.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or radishes.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure the Italian dressing you use doesn’t contain any gluten.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is great for making ahead. In fact, the flavors improve as it marinates, making it perfect for meal prep.

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Yield: 4 servings

Easy Marinated Zucchini Salad

Print

Enjoy this delightful and easy-to-make Marinated Zucchini Salad with your family and friends!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Marinating Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• - 2 small zucchini, sliced
• - 1 medium sweet onion, halved and sliced
• - 1 large tomato, peeled and roughly chopped
• - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• - 8 oz Italian dressing, bottled
• - Salt and pepper, to taste
• - 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, halved and sliced onion, chopped tomato, and fresh basil.
2. Pour the bottled Italian dressing over the vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Transfer the mixture to a storage container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Before serving, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Notes

Approximate Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 100 kcal per serving
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 2mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 8g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 2g

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