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 (or homemade tajín); 1/4 cup olive oil for brushing, plus extra as needed

If you're looking to spice up your summer grilling, this Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe is exactly the fresh, flavorful twist you need. Those tender zucchini ribbons, dusted with zesty tajín and kissed by smoky grill marks, transform simple veggies into a crowd-pleasing treat.

There are four wooden skewers laid out on a rectangular copper tray, each skewer holding thin, folded slices of grilled zucchini that show light brown grill marks with green edges. In the top left corner of the tray, there is a small purple bowl filled with a brown spice mix. In the upper center of the tray, three lime wedges are placed together, bright green and fresh. To the right side of the tray, a bunch of fresh green cilantro rests on the white marbled surface. The overall look is colorful and fresh, with the warm tones of the zucchini and tray contrasting with the bright lime and herb green. 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 make these Mexican grilled zucchini skewers all summer long—there’s something so satisfying about how the zucchini softens, caramelizes, and picks up a spicy tang from tajín. It’s a side dish that never feels boring.

Simple ingredients: Just zucchini, tajín, and olive oil come together to create bold flavor.
Quick prep and cook: Ready on your plate in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend BBQs.
Perfectly grilled: High heat gives a smoky char and sweet caramelization that elevates zucchini.
Versatile side: Pairs beautifully with Mexican dishes or any summer meal craving something light and spicy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this recipe, look for fresh, firm zucchini with glossy skin and minimal blemishes. Having a reliable tajín seasoning on hand—whether homemade or store-bought—really works magic here. And don’t skimp on good olive oil; it helps those ribbons grill evenly and adds great flavor.

Flat lay of two fresh whole zucchinis, several thin zucchini slices arranged in a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red tajín seasoning powder, a small white bowl containing 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: Fresh, thin slices make for tender ribbons that grill up beautifully without falling apart.
Tajín: This tangy and slightly spicy Mexican seasoning brings just the right kick and depth.
Olive oil: Helps prevent sticking on the grill and adds a rich, fruity undertone.

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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 easy it is to customize! Whether you like extra heat, want to add fresh herbs, or even switch up the seasoning, you can make it perfectly suited to your taste buds.

Variation: For a smoky twist, I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika to the tajín before sprinkling it on the zucchini. It adds a deeper flavor that pairs beautifully with the grill’s char.
Herb Upgrade: Toss in some chopped fresh cilantro or parsley right after grilling for a fresh, vibrant finish. It’s especially nice if you’re serving these with Mexican-inspired mains.
Cheesy Touch: If you’re not strictly vegetarian, sprinkling some crumbled cotija or feta cheese just before serving adds a lovely salty contrast to the spicy, tender zucchini ribbons.
Make It Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan, making it a perfect light side for plant-based meals.

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

The image shows a baking tray filled with seven long, thin slices of zucchini placed side by side, covering the tray evenly. Each zucchini slice has a light green edge with a pale, creamy inside sprinkled with a reddish-brown spice mix across the surface. A red silicone brush with a blue handle rests on the fourth zucchini slice, with a woman's hand holding the brush brushing oil or sauce over the zucchini. Next to the tray, two small white bowls sit on a white marbled surface; one bowl holds a red oil or sauce, and the other holds a reddish-brown spice mix. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Slice the zucchini thin and flexible

Start by slicing your zucchini into thin ribbons, about ⅛ inch thick. The key is getting them thin enough so they bend easily without snapping—this makes weaving them onto skewers a breeze. A mandoline slicer helps get consistent thickness, but a sharp knife works fine, too. Bend a slice gently to check its flexibility before moving on.

Step 2: Preheat your grill to high heat

Fire up your grill and get it hot—around 450° to 500° Fahrenheit is perfect. A very hot grill sets the stage for those irresistible charred edges and caramelized flavor on the zucchini ribbons. While your grill heats, lay out the zucchini slices for seasoning.

Step 3: Season the zucchini with olive oil and tajín

Arrange your zucchini slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil—this not only prevents sticking but helps the seasonings cling. Sprinkle a generous ¼ cup of tajín over the ribbons, or more if you like it extra spicy and tangy. Flip and repeat, making sure every ribbon is evenly coated with that flavorful kick.

Step 4: Weave zucchini ribbons onto skewers

Now for the fun part! Carefully weave the seasoned zucchini ribbons onto skewers, folding or twisting them gently to hold shape. This helps the ribbons stay secure while grilling and allows the smoky flavor to permeate evenly. Don’t rush—taking a bit of extra care here makes a huge difference when you flip them on the grill.

Step 5: Grill and turn for even caramelization

Place the zucchini ribbon skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10 minutes total, turning 2 to 3 times. You want to achieve those beautiful charred bits and a lovely caramelized exterior without overcooking. Watch carefully and turn gently to avoid breaking your ribbon bundles. When the skewers have a smoky aroma and grill marks, they're ready to enjoy!

Top Tip

These tips come straight from my own kitchen adventures with the Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe — they’ll help you get that perfect charred, tender, and flavorful result every time.

Perfect Ribbon Thickness: Using a mandoline slicer really makes a difference to get those uniformly thin (about ⅛ inch) and flexible zucchini ribbons that are easy to weave and grill without breaking.
Season Generously: >I learned the hard way that you can never go too light on the tajín — it really brings that signature tangy, slightly spicy punch that pairs beautifully with the smoky grill flavors.
Turn with Care: When grilling, gently turn the skewers 2 to 3 times to ensure even caramelization without tearing the ribbons apart.
Oil is Your Friend: Brushing each side lightly but thoroughly with olive oil prevents sticking and helps develop those irresistible grilled edges.

How to Serve Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe

A black plate holds three grilled items arranged side by side: on the left is a bright yellow grilled corn on the cob with some char marks and a small slice of green lime on top, in the middle a skewer of alternating light green and pale yellow folded zucchini slices coated with seasoning, and on the right are two pieces of grilled chicken with grill marks and slight browning. Wooden fork and knife rest on the chicken on the right side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with fresh green cilantro in the lower left corner and a small wooden bowl filled with reddish-brown spice near the top. A white cloth with thin stripes lies on the right edge of the frame. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshen up your skewers with a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for an authentic Mexican twist. Fresh chopped cilantro or a dash of chopped green onions adds a lovely herbal brightness that complements the smoky flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

These skewers shine as a side dish alongside a juicy grilled protein like carne asada or pollo asado. They also pair brilliantly with Mexican street corn (elote), fluffy cilantro-lime rice, or even a simple avocado salad for a vibrant summer meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover zucchini ribbon skewers to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them a convenient make-ahead side for busy weeknights.

Freezing

Because of their delicate texture and olive oil, these grilled zucchini ribbons don’t freeze well. It's best to enjoy them fresh or refrigerated rather than freezing.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, gently reheat the skewers on a grill pan or under a broiler for a few minutes to regain some of that char and smoky flavor without overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Yellow squash works great with this recipe, as long as you slice it thinly into flexible ribbons about ⅛ inch thick. Just adjust the seasoning to your taste.

What if I don’t have a grill—can I cook these indoors?

Yes! You can replicate the char by using a grill pan on the stovetop set to medium-high heat, or broil the skewers briefly in your oven, turning carefully for even cooking.

How spicy is the tajín seasoning?

Tajín has a mild to moderate heat level that also delivers tanginess and a little saltiness. You can adjust the amount you sprinkle depending on how spicy you like your skewers.

Can I prepare the skewers in advance?

You can slice and season the zucchini ribbons ahead of time and keep them refrigerated, but it’s best to weave and grill them just before serving to preserve texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Spicy Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers Recipe becomes your new go-to side dish for summer barbecues, Mexican-inspired dinners, or whenever you crave something fresh, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The smoky char, the vibrant tajín seasoning, and the simplicity of just three ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Enjoy the process as much as the delicious results — happy grilling!