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" thick; ¼ cup tajín, more or less to taste; ¼ cup olive oil for brushing

If you’re craving a fresh, smoky side that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, you absolutely need to try this Mexican Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe. It’s such a simple way to elevate zucchini with just a few ingredients and a quick grill session.

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 fell in love with these zucchini ribbon skewers the very first time I grilled them. The way the tajín seasoning perfectly complements the subtle flavor of zucchini, combined with those beautiful char marks, is just irresistible. They quickly became my go-to side dish for summer cookouts!

Lightning quick prep: You can slice, season, and skewer these zucchini ribbons in about 15 minutes.
Bold, zesty flavor: The tajín seasoning adds a tangy, spicy kick that brings life to simple veggies.
Perfect for grilling: High heat caramelizes the zucchini, creating fantastic smoky charred bits.
Versatile side: These skewers pair beautifully with any Mexican-inspired meal or summer BBQ spread.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Here’s the magic team that turns ordinary zucchini into a smoky, flavorful marvel. When shopping, look for firm, fresh zucchini without soft spots, and pick a good quality tajín to maximize that signature tangy spice.

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 fresh, firm zucchini for slicing into thin ribbons that grill beautifully without falling apart.
Tajín seasoning: This classic Mexican chili-lime-salt blend adds zing and a little heat that's perfect for grilled veggies.
Olive oil: A light brushing helps prevent the zucchini from sticking and promotes gorgeous caramelization 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 Mexican Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to dial up the heat, sneak in extra herbs, or experiment with different seasonings, these zucchini skewers are a perfect canvas for your creativity.

Variation: I like to add a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese just before serving for a salty, creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with the smoky zucchini ribbons. It instantly transforms this side dish into something a little more indulgent.
Spicy twist: If you're a heat lover, try mixing some cayenne pepper or chipotle powder into your tajín before seasoning the zucchini. It gives the skewers a nice kick without overpowering the fresh flavors.
Herb infusion: Fresh cilantro or chopped mint tossed on right after grilling adds a bright, refreshing note that complements the char perfectly—especially on warm summer evenings.
Diet-friendly: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by sticking to plant-based seasonings and opting out of any cheese toppings.
Indoor option: If you don't have access to an outdoor grill, grilling these zucchini ribbons under a broiler or in a heavy grill pan works wonderfully, just keep a close eye to achieve those perfect char marks.

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 Into Perfect Ribbons

Start by thinly slicing your zucchini about ⅛ inch thick—using a mandoline slicer makes this quick and consistent. The key here is flexibility: gently bend a slice to check it won’t snap. These pliable ribbons will weave easily onto your skewers without breaking, so take your time getting that thickness just right.

Step 2: Fire Up Your Grill to High Heat

Preheat your grill to high, aiming for temperatures between 450° and 500° Fahrenheit. This high heat is crucial for achieving those irresistible charred edges and caramelization on the zucchini ribbons that bring out their natural sweetness and add a smoky depth.

Step 3: Oil and Season the Ribbons

Lay your zucchini ribbons flat on a baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil — not too much, just enough to prevent sticking and help the grill marks develop. Next, sprinkle tajín seasoning generously on both sides. The tangy, spicy flavors from the tajín are what really elevate this dish, so season according to your taste preference.

Step 4: Weave the Zucchini Onto Skewers

Carefully weave the zucchini ribbons onto bamboo or stainless steel skewers. This step might take some patience, but weaving each ribbon securely helps the zucchini cook evenly and ensures they won’t slip off during grilling. If using bamboo skewers, remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Step 5: Grill Until Perfectly Charred

Place your zucchini ribbon skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 10 minutes total. Turn them 2-3 times during cooking to evenly char all sides. You’re looking for beautiful grill marks and caramelized edges, but take care not to overcook—the zucchini should remain tender with a slight bite, not mushy.

Top Tip

Mastering the art of grilling zucchini ribbons can really elevate this dish. These tips come from plenty of grilling experience, so you can avoid common pitfalls and get those perfect smoky, tender ribbons every time.

Use a Mandoline for Consistency: Slicing your zucchini about ⅛ inch thick is key. A mandoline slicer makes this easier and ensures the ribbons are flexible enough to weave without breaking.
Soak Bamboo Skewers: If you're using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning on the high heat.
Brush Lightly with Olive Oil: Too much oil can cause flare-ups. A light, even coating keeps the zucchini moist and enhances caramelization without flame flare.
Turn Skewers Frequently: Turning 2-3 times during the 10-minute grilling ensures even cooking and beautifully charred marks rather than burnt edges or mushy spots.

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

To really make your Mexican Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers pop, try sprinkling fresh cilantro leaves or finely chopped green onions on top. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving adds a bright zing that complements the tangy tajín seasoning beautifully. For a creamy contrast, serve with a dollop of Mexican crema or a drizzle of crumbled cotija cheese.

Side Dishes

This vibrant side pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like carne asada or chicken, but it’s just as good alongside other vegetarian dishes like black bean salad or Mexican rice. For a complete fiesta plate, add warm corn tortillas and some fresh guacamole for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover zucchini skewers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh to retain their smoky flavor and crisp-grilled texture.

Freezing

Because zucchini ribbons are delicate and tend to lose texture upon freezing, freezing is not recommended for this recipe. For best taste and texture, enjoy your skewers fresh or refrigerated shortly after cooking.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover Mexican Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers gently in a grill pan or under a broiler for just a couple of minutes to revive the charred flavors without turning the zucchini mushy. Avoid microwaves as they can make the ribbons soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of squash instead of zucchini?

Yes, summer squash like yellow squash can work well too, as long as you slice them thinly about ⅛ inch thick to ensure they bend easily and grill evenly.

What if I don’t have tajín seasoning?

You can substitute with a homemade blend of chili powder, lime zest, and salt to mimic the tangy, spicy flavor of tajín. This mix also pairs beautifully with the grilled zucchini.

How do I prevent zucchini ribbons from falling off the skewers?

Weaving or folding the ribbons carefully onto the skewers helps them stay secure. Using stainless steel skewers can offer more grip, but bamboo skewers work great if soaked beforehand to prevent burning and slipping.

Can I cook these skewers indoors?

Absolutely! A grill pan on your stovetop or your oven broiler can replicate the grilling effect. Just watch closely to achieve nice char without overcooking the zucchini ribbons.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers are one of those simple dishes that burst with flavor yet require minimal fuss. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a festive summer BBQ or adding a fresh, smoky touch to your Mexican-inspired meal, these zucchini ribbons deliver that perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and charred goodness. Give them a try—you might find your new favorite grilled veggie side!