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 as needed

If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh side that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for summer, you’ve got to try this Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe. It’s surprisingly simple, yet totally impressive—with beautifully charred zucchini ribbons seasoned just right with tajín, it’s a definite crowd-pleaser at any barbecue or weeknight meal.

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’ve made these zucchini ribbon skewers more times than I can count—they’re my go-to when I want something light but with a little kick and smoky grill flavor. Plus, they look so pretty on the plate, I never have to explain that eating healthy can be fun and festive.

Easy prep: Thin slicing and quick grilling mean you’ll have these on the table in under 30 minutes.
Bold flavor: Tajín seasoning brings that perfect balance of chili, lime, and salt that makes every bite addictive.
Healthy and colorful: Zucchini is low-calorie and packed with nutrients, with a gorgeous green ribbon that brightens up your plate.
Versatile: Great as a side for any Mexican-inspired meal or just on its own with a squeeze of lime.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this dish, I recommend grabbing fresh, firm zucchinis with smooth skin—you want ones that can be sliced thinly and hold their shape on the skewers. And don’t skimp on the tajín! It’s really the seasoning superstar here, but if you can’t find it, a homemade blend works beautifully.

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: Choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis for thin slicing and easy weaving on skewers.
Tajín seasoning: This classic Mexican chili-lime-salt blend adds the perfect spicy tang—you can also mix chili powder with lime zest and salt if needed.
Olive oil: A light brush keeps the zucchini from sticking to the grill and enhances caramelization for that gorgeous char.

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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 most fun things about this Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Whether you love more heat, a citrusy zing, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, these zucchini skewers are your canvas for creativity!

Variation: For a smoky twist, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika along with the tajín seasoning. I love how it adds depth without overpowering the fresh zucchini flavors.
Make it Vegan & Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be easily enjoyed by those on a gluten-free diet. Just double-check your tajín or seasoning blend to ensure it's free from additives.
Seasonal Spin: Swap out zucchini for thin ribbons of summer squash or even carrot ribbons for a colorful mix on your skewers.
Herb Boost: Toss some finely chopped cilantro or fresh oregano over the skewers just before serving for a fresh, fragrant finish.
Add Some Heat: If you love spice, a drizzle of chipotle hot sauce before grilling can turn up the heat beautifully.

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: Prepare the Zucchini Ribbons Just Right

Grab your mandoline slicer and carefully slice each zucchini into thin ribbons about ⅛ inch thick. This thickness is just perfect — thin enough to be flexible and quick to grill, but thick enough to hold a lovely texture without falling apart. Give one ribbon a gentle bend to check flexibility; if it snaps, slice a bit thinner next time. This prep sets the stage for those beautiful, delicate curls on the skewers!

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill to High Heat

Preheat your grill to a sizzling 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. That high temperature is key — it develops those irresistible charred edges and caramelized spots on the zucchini ribbons. If you're using a charcoal grill, let your coals get hot and glowing red before cooking. A hot grill means faster searing and that smoky flavor everyone loves.

Step 3: Season Each Ribbon with TLC

Lay out all your zucchini ribbons flat on a baking sheet. Brush one side lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and to help deepen the flavor. Then sprinkle your tajín seasoning evenly across them—feel free to adjust how much you add based on your preferred spice level. Flip each ribbon and repeat the brushing and seasoning on the other side. This double-sided seasoning ensures every bite is flavorful.

Step 4: Weave and Skewer with Care

Now for the fun part: start weaving the zucchini ribbons gently onto your skewers. Use bamboo or stainless steel skewers—note that stainless steel conducts heat and can speed up cooking slightly. Create a stacked, slightly curled effect by folding and threading the ribbons carefully to avoid tearing. This weaving not only looks gorgeous but also gives an enjoyable texture to the grilled result.

Step 5: Grill to Charred Perfection

Place your prepared skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10 minutes total, turning 2 to 3 times so every side gets beautiful charred bits and caramelization. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook—the zucchini should stay tender with that just-right smoky flavor. When done, the ribbons will have those lovely grill marks and a slightly crisp exterior with a soft bite inside.

Top Tip

Getting the most out of your Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe comes down to a few simple but important tricks that I've picked up along the way. These tips make all the difference between good and truly memorable grilling!

Perfect Ribbon Thickness: Using a mandoline slicer to get your zucchini ribbons about ⅛ inch thick is key. I've found that this thickness gives you ribbons thin enough to be flexible for weaving but sturdy enough not to tear on the grill.
Tajín Balance: I start with ¼ cup of tajín, but I always taste as I go. Sometimes dialing it up or down really helps balance the bright, spicy flavors with the natural sweetness of the grilled zucchini.
Oil It Up: Don’t skip brushing the zucchini with olive oil on both sides. This little step prevents sticking to the grill and helps create that gorgeous caramelization.
Handle With Care: When weaving the ribbons onto skewers, be gentle. I’ve learned that rushing this part can tear the zucchini, and the skewer won’t hold its shape as charmingly on the grill.

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

Brighten up your zucchini skewers with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving adds a refreshing zing that complements the tajín perfectly. For extra texture, a scattering of toasted pumpkin seeds or crumbled cotija cheese can turn these skewers into a real showstopper.

Side Dishes

These spicy grilled zucchini ribbons pair wonderfully with a light Mexican black bean salad, cilantro-lime rice, or grilled corn on the cob. If you want a protein addition, grilled chicken or shrimp with a hint of lime and chili complements the smoky flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover zucchini ribbon skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor holds up nicely, making them perfect for quick lunches or as a ready-made side for your next meal.

Freezing

Because zucchini has high water content, freezing is not ideal as it can compromise texture. I recommend enjoying these skewers fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen to maintain their delightful tenderness and charred flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on a grill or grill pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to revive the smoky char and warmth without overcooking. You can also warm them briefly in an oven set to 350°F, keeping an eye to avoid drying out the ribbons.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular chili powder instead of tajín?

Absolutely! If you don’t have tajín on hand, a mix of chili powder, lime zest, and a pinch of salt is a great homemade alternative that captures a similar tangy, spicy flavor.

Do I need to soak bamboo skewers before grilling?

Yes, soaking bamboo skewers in water for about 30 minutes before grilling helps prevent them from burning and keeps your skewers intact while cooking.

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

You can prepare the zucchini ribbons and assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Just wait to grill them until you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

What if my zucchini ribbons tear while skewering?

If this happens, try slicing the zucchini a little thinner or thinner on your mandoline. Also, handling the ribbons gently and working slowly helps prevent tearing. Using stainless steel skewers can give you more control while weaving.

Final Thoughts

These Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers have become one of my favorite vibrant side dishes to share with family and friends. They’re light, colorful, and packed with bright, smoky flavors that perfectly complement any summer meal. Try them at your next barbecue and watch how quickly they disappear! Happy grilling!