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; ¼ cup tajín, more or less to taste - or homemade tajín; ¼ cup olive oil for brushing, plus extra if needed

If you love bold flavors and easy grilling, you’re going to adore this Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe. These vibrant, thin ribbons of zucchini are seasoned with zesty tajín and charred just right for an irresistible side dish.

Three wooden skewers hold curly, thin green and light yellow zucchini slices stacked in loose layers, showing slight grill marks and seasoning dusted on top. They rest on a copper-toned textured baking tray near three bright green lime wedges placed at the top center. To the right of the tray, fresh green cilantro leaves with stems add a natural touch. A small, white bowl filled with a brownish powder sits at the tray's left corner. The scene is set on a white marbled 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 first made these zucchini skewers on a whim, and wow, they quickly became a summer favorite. The combination of smoky grill flavor with the tangy, spicy tajín hit all the right notes — and they’re surprisingly easy to prepare!

Bright & Flavorful: The tajín seasoning packs a punch of chili, lime, and salt that makes these skewers pop.
Healthy & Light: Zucchini ribbons keep things fresh and low-calorie, perfect as a side or appetizer.
Quick Grilling: Just 10 minutes on a hot grill delivers tender, caramelized veggies with smoky char marks.
Impressive Presentation: The ribbon style turns simple zucchini into a fun, visually stunning dish that your guests will love.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this recipe, a few simple ingredients come together beautifully. When you’re picking out zucchini, go for firm, medium-sized ones with vibrant green skin. Using a mandoline slicer helps get those thin, flexible ribbons perfect for skewering. And tajín — well, that’s the secret to its signature Mexican-inspired kick!

Flat lay of two fresh green zucchinis sliced into thin ribbons arranged beside a small white ceramic bowl filled with deep red tajín chili powder, and a small white ceramic bowl containing golden olive oil, all placed neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, 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: Look for fresh, firm zucchini with smooth skin so your ribbons hold together well on the grill.
Tajín seasoning: This chili-lime-salt blend adds zesty, spicy flavor; you can use homemade blend if you prefer.
Olive oil: Brushing ribbons lightly prevents sticking and enhances 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

The beauty of this Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your tastes and what you have on hand. Whether you want to dial up the heat, add fresh herbs, or swap out seasonings, these skewers invite creativity.

Variation: For an extra burst of freshness, I sometimes add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and sprinkle chopped cilantro right after grilling. It brightens the smoky, spicy flavors wonderfully.
Gluten-Free & Vegan: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a perfect healthy side dish for many diets.
Seasonal Twist: Try mixing in thin ribbons of summer squash or yellow squash along with zucchini for colorful skewers that are just as delicious.
Homemade Tajín: If tajín isn’t available, a simple blend of chili powder, lime zest, and salt works beautifully—just like the classic tajín flavor profile.

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

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a grilled meal with three parts arranged side by side. On the left is a bright yellow grilled corn with char marks, topped with a lime wedge. In the middle, a skewer has yellow, grilled pineapple chunks and thin green zucchini ribbons stacked alternately. On the right, two pieces of grilled chicken with golden and brown sear marks lie next to wooden tongs. Fresh green herbs are placed nearby, with a wooden bowl containing a light brown spice in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Slice the Zucchini into Perfect Ribbons

Start by grabbing your mandoline slicer and carefully slice two zucchinis into thin ribbons about ⅛ inch thick. You’ll want them thin enough to be flexible but not so thin they tear easily. A quick bend test of a slice will tell you if it’s perfect for weaving onto skewers. Thin, flexible slices make for beautiful ribbons that cook evenly and hold together well on the grill.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill to Sizzle-Ready High Heat

Fire up your grill and set it to high, aiming for a blazing 450° to 500° Fahrenheit. This high heat is essential to get those gorgeous charred grill marks and caramelization on the zucchini ribbons, locking in flavor and adding a smoky depth. A hot grill means you’ll finish cooking in a quick 10 minutes without drying out the delicate veggies.

Step 3: Season the Zucchini Ribbons Generously

Lay all your zucchini slices flat on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with about ¼ cup olive oil. This not only prevents sticking but also helps achieve that irresistible caramelized texture. Next, sprinkle the vibrant red tajín generously over each side—this seasoning adds a spicy citrus punch that makes each bite pop. If you want a little extra kick, feel free to add more tajín to suit your palate.

Step 4: Weave and Skewer the Ribbons

Now for the fun part—take your bamboo or stainless steel skewers and carefully weave the zucchini ribbons onto them. Folding and layering gently creates a ribbon effect that’s not only beautiful but ensures even grilling. Make sure the ribbons are snug but not overly tight to prevent tearing. This step might take a little practice, but it’s well worth it for those elegant skewers that are sure to impress.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection with Love and Patience

Place your skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10 minutes total. Turn them gently 2 to 3 times throughout grilling to promote even cooking and to develop gorgeous charred spots. You’re looking for the zucchini ribbons to become tender, slightly smoky, and beautifully caramelized—but still holding their shape. Remember to turn slowly to keep those delicate ribbons intact.

Serving Tips

Serve your Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers immediately for the best vibrant flavor and texture. These make a standout side dish for summer barbecues, family dinners, or even as a light vegetarian main with some crusty bread or fresh salad on the side. Enjoy the burst of zesty tajín seasoning and that lovely smoky grill flavor in every bite!

Top Tip

Getting these Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers just right is all about a few simple details. Here are my favorite tips to make your skewers turn out perfectly every time.

Use a Mandoline Slicer: This tool is a game-changer for achieving zucchini ribbons that are evenly thin (around ⅛ inch) and flexible enough to fold and skewer without breaking.
Season Generously: >Don’t be shy with the tajín! Sprinkling both sides before grilling ensures that zesty, tangy kick shines through on every bite.
Brush with Olive Oil Lightly: A gentle coat prevents sticking and encourages that gorgeous caramelization and char on the grill.
Turn Skewers Gently: Zucchini ribbons are delicate. Turning them 2-3 times carefully helps avoid tearing and keeps your skewers intact while getting even cooking.

How to Serve Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe

The image shows a shallow white baking tray with eight long slices of zucchini laid flat in two neat rows, each slice dusted with a light brown seasoning powder that looks evenly spread. A blue silicone brush with a dark gray handle rests on the tray, with a woman's hand holding it, brushing the seasoning onto the zucchini slices. At the top left corner, there are two small square white bowls, one containing a red sauce with visible chili flakes and the other filled with more of the light brown seasoning. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a fresh squeeze of lime juice over the skewers just before serving for a citrusy punch. A scattering of crumbled queso fresco or cotija adds a lovely salty contrast. For some extra color, toss on a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. If you like a little heat, a few thin slices of jalapeño or a drizzle of a smoky chipotle mayo pairs beautifully.

Side Dishes

These zucchini skewers shine as a vibrant side to grilled chicken, fish tacos, or your favorite carne asada. Pair them with Mexican street corn (elote), a fresh avocado salad, or even some fluffy cilantro-lime rice to round out a festive summer meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them chilled if you’re not serving right away, and avoid stacking too many skewers to prevent squishing those delicate ribbons.

Freezing

Because zucchini has high water content and the ribbons are quite delicate, freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture and flavor after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, place the skewers on a hot grill or grill pan for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through and renewed with those lovely char marks. You can also rewarm gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, but grilling brings back the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can use a grill pan on the stovetop set to high heat. Just be sure to turn the skewers 2-3 times to get that nice char and caramelization.

What if I don’t have tajín seasoning?

No worries! You can make a quick substitute by blending chili powder, lime zest, and salt. This will give you a similar tangy, mildly spicy flavor.

How thin should I slice the zucchini ribbons?

Aim for about ⅛ inch thick. They should be thin enough to bend easily without breaking but sturdy enough to hold together when folded and skewered.

Are these skewers gluten free?

Yes! This Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe is naturally gluten free, making it a perfect healthy side for gluten-free meals.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe brings a splash of bright, zesty flavor and healthy goodness to your table. There’s something so satisfying about those tender, smoky ribbons kissed by the grill and seasoned with tajín—it’s simple, colorful, and just downright delicious. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just jazzing up your everyday dinner, these skewers are sure to impress and delight. Happy grilling!