Name: Spicy 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); 1/4 cup tajín, more or less to taste; 1/4 cup olive oil for brushing, plus extra if needed

If you love fresh, vibrant flavors with a little kick, you’re going to adore this Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe. It’s a perfect way to turn simple zucchini into a mouthwatering, charred delight that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

The image shows three wooden sticks with thin, folded slices of grilled zucchini layered along each stick. The zucchini slices have a warm golden-brown color with some slightly darker grill marks and green edges, giving them a textured look. At the top right corner of the baking tray, there are three lime wedges placed together. To the left side, inside a small purple container, there is a light brown spice mix. On the right side outside the tray, there is a bunch of fresh green herbs, likely cilantro. All items are placed on a white marbled textured 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 Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to say, these grilled zucchini ribbons quickly became one of my go-to side dishes. The way that tangy, slightly spicy tajín seasoning melds with the smoky grill marks and tender zucchini is just irresistible.

Simple Ingredients: Only three essentials to keep it healthy and straightforward.
Quick and Easy Prep: Ready in just 25 minutes — perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Bold Flavor: Tajín seasoning adds a zesty, mildly spicy punch that wakes up your taste buds.
Versatile Side or Appetizer: Impress guests or jazz up your meal with these vibrant skewers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

All you need are a few quality ingredients to create this flavorful dish. Look for firm zucchini with shiny skin for easy slicing and pick your tajín seasoning based on how spicy you like things — or go for homemade if you want a personal touch.

Flat lay of two fresh whole zucchinis with shiny dark green skin, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red tajín powder, and a small white ceramic bowl containing golden olive oil, arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Choose firm, fresh zucchini for ribbons that hold up well on the grill and have a subtly sweet flavor.
Tajín Seasoning: This tangy, mildly spicy Mexican blend is the star that gives these skewers their signature bold taste.
Olive Oil: A light brush of olive oil prevents sticking and helps the edges caramelize beautifully 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 things about this Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your taste buds and dietary needs. Whether you love it heat-packed or mild, or want to add a few creative twists, it’s an adaptable dish that everyone can enjoy.

Variation: For a smoky kick, I often sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika in with the tajín before seasoning. It adds a wonderful depth without overpowering the fresh zucchini flavor.
Make it Vegan+ This recipe is already plant-based and low fat. For an extra protein boost, try brushing the ribbons with a mix of olive oil and a dash of nutritional yeast before grilling.
Seasonal Swap: During summer, I sometimes add thinly sliced grilled bell peppers or red onions threaded alongside the zucchini ribbons for vibrant color and sweetness.
Spice Level Adjustment: Tajín gives a nice tangy spice, but if you want more heat, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or crushed chili flakes. Prefer less spice? Just reduce the tajín and enjoy the mild olive oil charred flavor.

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

A rectangular baking tray holds eight long, thin slices of zucchini lined up side by side. Each zucchini slice has a light green edge and pale green inside with a light dusting of brown powder sprinkled evenly on top. A red silicone brush with a blue handle rests on the zucchini, angled slightly to the right. To the top left of the tray, two small white bowls sit on a white marbled surface; one contains a red liquid with herbs and the other is filled with a brown powder. The scene is well lit with bright colors and clear details, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Slice Your Zucchini Into Perfect Ribbons

Start by slicing 2 zucchinis into thin ribbons roughly ⅛ inch thick. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife works best for this. To test if your slices are thin and flexible enough, try bending one gently — it should fold without breaking. These delicate ribbons will weave easily on your skewers and cook evenly on the grill.

Step 2: Heat Your Grill to Sizzling Hot

Preheat your grill to a high temperature, aiming for around 450° to 500° Fahrenheit. This intense heat ensures those zucchini ribbons will develop beautiful charred edges and caramelized spots, all while staying tender inside. If you’re using a grill pan, get it smoking hot over your stovetop burner.

Step 3: Season and Oil the Zucchini Ribbons

Lay your zucchini ribbons flat on a baking sheet or clean surface. Lightly brush both sides with ¼ cup of olive oil — this not only helps prevent sticking but also encourages a lovely golden caramelization on the grill. Then, sprinkle tajín evenly over each side, adjusting the sprinkle amount according to your spice preference. This tangy seasoning is the secret to that signature Mexican flavor.

Step 4: Weave the Ribbons Onto Skewers

Carefully thread or weave the seasoned zucchini ribbons onto skewers. The ribbons’ flexibility allows you to overlap and fold them so they stay securely in place. This weaving also creates beautiful layers, giving you a great surface for grilling those delicious char marks.

Step 5: Grill to Charred Perfection

Place the skewers on your preheated grill and cook, turning 2 to 3 times to ensure even grilling on all sides. You’re looking for tender ribbons with gorgeous charred bits and some caramelized edges. This grilling process takes about 10 minutes — keep an eye so nothing burns. Use tongs gently to turn the skewers without unraveling the ribbons.

Top Tip

These tips will help you master the art of making the perfect Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe every time — ensuring your zucchini ribbons are tender, flavorful, and beautifully charred.

Perfect Thin Slices: Using a mandoline slicer is a game changer for getting those perfectly thin, flexible zucchini ribbons that grill evenly without breaking apart.
Season Generously but Mindfully: Tajín gives the skewers a tangy and spicy kick, so start with ¼ cup but adjust based on your spice tolerance—it's easier to add more than to take away!
Oil Up for Success: Brushing the ribbons with olive oil on both sides not only prevents sticking but also helps those edges caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Don't Rush the Grill: Turning your skewers 2 to 3 times during the 10-minute grilling ensures even cooking and those irresistible grill marks—patience here pays off big time.

How to Serve Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface holding three main items: on the left is a grilled corn on the cob with dark char marks and a slice of lime on top, in the middle is a skewer of grilled zucchini ribbons folded and spaced with pieces of a light yellow vegetable, and on the right are two pieces of grilled chicken with brown and dark grill marks, one skewered with a wooden fork and knife resting on it. In the background is a small round wooden bowl filled with finely ground seasoning, and fresh green cilantro leaves lie on the surface next to the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To brighten up your zucchini skewers, sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro or a handful of toasted pepitas for a lovely crunch. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving adds a zesty freshness that complements the tajín perfectly. If you like a creamy touch, a dollop of tangy Mexican crema or a drizzle of avocado crema amps up the flavor even more.

Side Dishes

These skewers shine alongside classic Mexican fare like cilantro-lime rice or a fresh black bean salad. For a heartier meal, serve with grilled chicken or fish tacos, or a vibrant corn and tomato salad. They also make a fantastic appetizer or side for gatherings and pair beautifully with a cold margarita or light cerveza.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes them a convenient and healthy option for quick lunches or snacks the next day.

Freezing

Because of their delicate texture and high moisture content, zucchini ribbons don’t freeze well; freezing tends to make them mushy when thawed. For best results, enjoy your skewers fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

To reheat, place the skewers on a grill pan or under a broiler for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the ribbons soggy. A quick re-grill also revives that beautiful char and caramelization.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Yellow squash or pattypan squash can be sliced thinly and used with the same seasoning and grilling method. Just adjust your slicing technique to get flexible ribbons.

What if I don’t have tajín seasoning?

You can make a simple substitute by mixing chili powder, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. This homemade blend won’t be quite the same but will provide a nice tangy-spicy flavor.

Can I grill these indoors?

Yes! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan on your stovetop set to high heat works perfectly to achieve those charred edges.

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

Make sure your zucchini ribbons are thin but still flexible. Weaving or folding them carefully onto the skewers helps hold them securely. Brushing with olive oil also helps keep them intact during grilling.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making—and eating—this vibrant and healthy Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe as much as I do. This simple dish packs so much flavor with just a few ingredients and brings a fresh, festive touch to any meal. Next time you fire up your grill, give these zucchini ribbons a try—you might just find a new favorite that’s as delightful to make as it is to share.