Name: Mexican 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, more or less to taste; ¼ cup olive oil for brushing, plus extra as needed

Trust me when I say this Mexican Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe is going to be your new summer side obsession. Fresh zucchini, zesty tajín, and that irresistible grill char come together in such a vibrant, tasty way you’ll want to make it at every cookout.

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 Mexican Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mexican Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mexican Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these zucchini ribbon skewers more times than I can count, and every time they turn out perfectly tender, full of smoky flavor, and with just the right amount of tang from the tajín. It’s a simple recipe but packs so much personality!

Simple prep: Only a few ingredients and minimal slicing skills needed to make a show-stopping side.
Vibrant flavor: Tajín seasoning adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that pairs beautifully with grilled zucchini.
Healthy and gluten free: A guilt-free dish that fits into many diets effortlessly.
Great for summer grilling: Quick cook time and perfect for alfresco meals and backyard barbecues.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this Mexican grilled zucchini skewers recipe, focus on fresh, firm zucchinis and quality tajín seasoning. Using a mandoline slicer will really help get those perfect thin ribbons for weaving onto skewers, but a sharp knife works in a pinch.

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: Choose medium-sized, firm zucchini without soft spots for best texture and flavor.
Tajín: This chili-lime-salt blend brings that signature tangy spice; if unavailable, a homemade chili and lime zest mix works nicely.
Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle fruity note and helps the zucchini char without sticking to 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

The beauty of this Mexican Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to dial up the heat, swap out seasonings, or add other veggies, there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

Variation: I love adding thin strips of red bell pepper or red onion woven alongside the zucchini ribbons for pops of color and extra sweetness. It grills just as beautifully and adds a fresh contrast to the tajín’s tangy spice.
Spicy kick: If you prefer a bit more heat, sprinkle extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the tajín. It’s a simple way to turn up the flavor without overpowering the zucchini’s natural freshness.
Vegan & Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile side for a wide range of meals and diets.
Homemade Tajín Substitute: Don’t have tajín on hand? Mix chili powder with lime zest and a pinch of salt as a quick homemade seasoning that still captures the bright, zesty character.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mexican 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: Slice the Zucchini Thinly and Test Flexibility

Start by slicing your zucchini into thin ribbons about ⅛ inch thick using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. The key is to make sure each slice is thin enough to bend without breaking. To test, gently bend a slice; it should be pliable and easy to weave onto your skewers. Even slices cook faster and more evenly, so taking this step seriously pays off!

Step 2: Preheat Your Grill to High Heat

Set your grill to high, aiming for a temperature between 450 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. A hot grill ensures the zucchini ribbons will develop those beautiful charred edges and caramelize quickly, locking in their fresh flavor. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking!

Step 3: Season and Brush Both Sides

Lay all your zucchini slices flat on a baking sheet and brush them lightly but thoroughly with olive oil on both sides. Then sprinkle the ¼ cup of tajín evenly over each slice, turning them to season both sides. This layering of oil and seasoning helps each ribbon shine with zesty flavor on the grill.

Step 4: Weave the Zucchini Ribbons onto Skewers

Carefully take each seasoned zucchini ribbon and weave or fold it onto your skewers, whether bamboo or stainless steel. The ribbons should intertwine tightly enough to stay put during grilling but still have some room to breathe for even cooking. If you’re using stainless steel skewers, keep in mind they may conduct heat and cook the zucchini a little faster.

Step 5: Grill Until Tender with Lovely Char Marks

Place your skewers on the hot grill. Grill for about 10 minutes total, turning the skewers 2 to 3 times to achieve those perfect charred edges and some caramelization. You want the zucchini to become tender but still hold its shape and texture. Keep an eye out for flare-ups and brush on more olive oil if the zucchini begins to dry out or stick.

Top Tip

Mastering the art of grilling zucchini ribbons can really elevate your Mexican Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe. These tips will help you get perfectly tender, flavorful, and beautifully charred skewers every time.

Mandoline Slicing: Using a mandoline slicer ensures your zucchini ribbons are consistently thin—about ⅛ inch—which makes them pliable enough to weave onto skewers without breaking.
Seasoning Balance: >I found sprinkling tajín on both sides of the zucchini slices before grilling really infuses that wonderful tangy, spicy flavor evenly throughout.
Oil Application: >Brushing olive oil lightly but thoroughly helps prevent sticking and flare-ups while still keeping the zucchini moist and tender on the grill.
Grill Timing: >Turning the skewers 2 to 3 times over about 10 minutes allows the zucchini to caramelize nicely without becoming mushy or burnt.

How to Serve Mexican 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 a fresh and colorful finish, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or finely diced red onion over the skewers. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving adds an extra zing. Crumbled cotija cheese or a drizzle of creamy avocado sauce also complement these skewers beautifully, bringing out the bold Mexican flavors.

Side Dishes

These zucchini ribbon skewers pair wonderfully with Mexican classics like cilantro-lime rice, black bean salad, or grilled corn elote. They also make a vibrant side alongside grilled chicken or fish, perfect for a laid-back summer cookout or festive family dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover grilled zucchini ribbon skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed the same day for peak flavor and texture, but cooling and storing them properly keeps them tasty for a quick, healthy snack or side later.

Freezing

Because of their delicate texture and the olive oil, freezing zucchini ribbon skewers is not recommended. The zucchini can become watery and mushy after thawing, which detracts from their grilled charm.

Reheating

To reheat, place skewers on a grill or grill pan over medium heat for just a few minutes until warmed through and reviving some of those lovely char marks. Avoid microwaving, which can make the zucchini soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other vegetables for this zucchini ribbon skewer recipe?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced vegetables like yellow squash or eggplant can also be woven onto skewers and grilled similarly, though cooking times might vary slightly depending on their thickness and moisture content.

What if I don't have tajín seasoning—can I substitute something else?

You can create a simple substitute by mixing chili powder, lime zest, and salt to mimic tajín’s tangy, spicy flavor. Adjust to taste to keep that wonderful Mexican flair in your recipe.

How thin should the zucchini slices be for weaving?

Slices should be about ⅛ inch thick. This thickness ensures the ribbons are flexible enough to weave or fold without breaking and that they grill evenly to tender perfection.

Can I prepare these skewers indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Yes! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or even broil the skewers in your oven, turning them to get similar caramelization. Keep the cooking time around 10 minutes for ideal tenderness.

Final Thoughts

These Mexican Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers are more than just a side dish—they're a fresh summer celebration on a stick. With their vibrant flavor, easy prep, and healthy ingredients, they quickly become a favorite at any barbecue or family meal. So fire up the grill, grab your skewers, and enjoy this colorful, tasty way to savor zucchini with a zesty Mexican twist. Happy grilling!