Name: Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 zucchini, sliced thin - approximately 1/8 inch thick; ¼ cup tajín seasoning, more or less to taste; ¼ cup olive oil for brushing, plus extra as needed

Nothing screams summer like vibrant, smoky vegetables fresh off the grill. This Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe brings a spicy Mexican flair to your backyard BBQ that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Ready to wow your friends with something light, healthy, and bursting with flavor?

The image shows three skewers of grilled zucchini ribbons arranged side by side on a textured copper tray. Each skewer has many thin, folded light green zucchini slices with dark green edges, with some char marks giving a slightly browned look. At the top edge of the tray, three lime wedges are placed together, showing a fresh bright green color. To the left side of the tray, there is a small white bowl filled with a reddish-brown spice mix. On the right side of the tray, fresh green cilantro sprigs are resting on the tray surface. The tray sits on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve been making these grilled zucchini ribbon skewers all summer long, and honestly, they never disappoint. The mix of subtle char from the grill and the zingy tajín seasoning is downright addictive!

Vibrant Flavors: The tajín brings the perfect kick of chili and lime, making simple zucchini pop on the taste buds.
Healthy Side Dish: Low in calories yet full of nutrients, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy your veggies.
Impressive Presentation: The woven ribbons on skewers look elegant and festive served alongside any meal.
Quick and Easy: From prep to grill, you’re looking at just 25 minutes total—perfect for last-minute plans!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right zucchini and seasoning can elevate this simple recipe from good to unforgettable. Look for firm, fresh zucchini without blemishes, and if you can’t find tajín, I’ve got a handy homemade alternative that works wonders.

Flat lay of two fresh green zucchinis sliced into thin ribbons, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red tajín spice powder, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Zucchini: Use fresh, firm zucchini for ribbons that are flexible and perfect for weaving on skewers.
Tajín Seasoning: This Mexican chili-lime salt is the star that adds the zesty, spicy kick.
Olive Oil: A light brushing prevents sticking and helps achieve a beautiful char on the grill.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to dial up the heat, add fresh herbs, or swap ingredients based on what’s in season, these skewers are a fantastic canvas for your creativity.

Variation: For a smoky twist, try sprinkling a bit of smoked paprika along with tajín before grilling. I love how it adds a deep, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the bright zestiness of the tajín.
Seasonal Swap: If zucchini isn’t in season, yellow squash makes a perfect stand-in. It grills similarly and carries the tajín seasoning wonderfully, giving you that vibrant summer vibe all year round.
Diet-Friendly Option: To keep it keto or low-carb, simply maintain the original ingredients—this recipe’s naturally low in carbs and packed with fresh flavor. It’s a winner for anyone watching their intake without sacrificing taste.
Homemade Tajín: I sometimes make my own tajín blend with chili powder, lime zest, and salt when I run out of the store-bought kind. It’s super easy and still delivers that signature tangy-heat you expect.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface. On the plate, three items are arranged side by side: a grilled corn cob with char marks and a lemon wedge on the left, a skewer next to it with yellow pieces and thin green spiral slices, and two grilled pieces of meat on the right. A pair of wooden tongs holds one piece of meat. In the background, a small wooden bowl with brown spices and a white cloth with thin stripes are visible, along with green leafy herbs in the lower left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Thinly Slice the Zucchini

I start by grabbing my trusty mandoline slicer to cut the zucchini into ⅛ inch thick ribbons. The key here is consistency – the ribbons need to be thin enough to bend without breaking, which makes weaving them onto skewers easier and ensures they cook evenly. A quick bend test tells me if the slices are just right. If they snap, a slightly thinner slice is needed.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill to High Heat

While slicing, I fire up the grill aiming for a temperature between 450 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is essential to get those gorgeous char marks and caramelization that bring out the zucchini’s natural sweetness. It usually takes a few minutes for the grill to get up to temp, so I keep an eye on the thermometer.

Step 3: Season the Zucchini Ribbons

Next, I lay the zucchini ribbons flat on a baking sheet and lightly brush each side with olive oil. This not only prevents sticking but also helps the tajín seasoning adhere beautifully. Then, I sprinkle a generous amount of tajín over each side for that signature spicy, tangy kick. Watching the colors pop against the green ribbons always makes me even more excited to grill!

Step 4: Weave and Skewer the Zucchini

Now for the fun part – weaving the zucchini ribbons onto skewers. Using either bamboo or stainless steel skewers, I carefully thread the ribbons in a woven pattern. This technique helps keep the ribbons secure during grilling and creates a stunning presentation. It might take a little patience the first few times, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Step 5: Grill Until Tender and Charred

Finally, I place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning them 2 to 3 times. This rotation ensures even cooking and those irresistible charred spots on all sides. You'll know they're ready when the zucchini becomes tender but still holds its shape, with lovely caramelization and just a hint of char. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and vibrant flavor.

Top Tip

To get the perfect balance of tender zucchini with those signature charred grill marks, these tips come straight from my own kitchen experiments and are sure to up your Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe game.

Mandoline Magic: Make sure each zucchini ribbon is sliced consistently about ⅛ inch thick. I’ve found that ribbons too thick won’t curl nicely on the skewers or grill evenly.
Oil It Up: Brushing both sides lightly with olive oil not only prevents sticking but also helps the tajín seasoning stick better, delivering that extra punch of flavor.
Turn Often: Don’t be shy about flipping your skewers every 3-4 minutes. This keeps the zucchini from drying out and ensures an even char all around.
Skip Overcooking: Grilled zucchini can go from perfectly tender to mushy quickly—grill for about 10 minutes total and keep an eye on that color.

How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe

The image shows a wooden tray with six long, thin green zucchini slices laid out in one layer, each sprinkled with a brown seasoning. A blue brush with a red tip is applying the seasoning on the zucchini, held by a woman's hand. Nearby, there are two small white bowls; one contains a red sauce with visible seeds, and the other holds more brown seasoning. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an added burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top just before serving. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the smoky, spicy flavors beautifully. If you like a little heat, a dusting of extra tajín or a drizzle of a creamy chipotle aioli pairs wonderfully.

Side Dishes

These skewers make a fantastic sidekick for Mexican grilled meats like carne asada or grilled chicken. Pair them with a simple cilantro-lime rice, black bean salad, or warm tortillas for building a casual, colorful summer meal that’s packed with flavor and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooked zucchini ribbon skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick reheats or adding to lunches during a busy week.

Freezing

Because the zucchini is delicate and moist, I don’t recommend freezing these skewers; freezing can cause a mushy texture after thawing. It’s best to enjoy fresh or refrigerated leftovers.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the grill or in a hot skillet over medium heat for just a few minutes until warmed through. This helps restore some of the grilled texture without overcooking. Avoid microwaving to maintain that lovely char.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use another type of squash instead of zucchini?

Yes! Yellow squash works wonderfully as a substitute in this recipe. Just slice it thinly like the zucchini and follow the same grilling instructions.

What if I don’t have tajín seasoning?

No worries—you can make a simple homemade version by mixing chili powder, lime zest, and salt. Adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences to get that signature tangy, spicy kick.

How do I prevent the zucchini from falling apart on the skewers?

Make sure to slice the zucchini thin yet flexible (about ⅛ inch). Weaving the ribbons carefully on the skewers helps keep them secure while grilling.

Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time before grilling?

Absolutely! You can weave and season the zucchini ribbons a few hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to grill to save time on your barbecue day.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers are a refreshing way to celebrate fresh summer produce with a delicious Mexican twist. Their simplicity is what makes this recipe so charming—you don’t need fancy ingredients, just good quality zucchini, your favorite tajín, and a hot grill. Once you try this dish, it will become a go-to side for all your warm-weather gatherings, adding color, flavor, and a bit of smoky flair to your plate. Happy grilling!