Lemon-Pickled Zucchini Slices Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins
Rest Time 24 hrs
Total Time 24 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: ,
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 4
Best Season: Summer
Description

Lemon-Pickled Zucchini Slices are a refreshing, tangy, and crunchy vegetable side dish or snack, perfect for summer meals. Fresh zucchini is thinly sliced and marinated in a zesty lemon brine with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice. This quick and easy pickle recipe requires no canning, making it ideal for meal prep, picnics, and healthy snacking.

Ingredients
    For the Pickle Brine:
  • 200 ml water (filtered)
  • 150 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tbsp sea salt (fine, non-iodized)
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
  • 2 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
  • 0.5 tsp black peppercorns (whole)
  • 0.5 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 sprigs fresh dill (or parsley, for a lighter flavor)
    • For the Zucchini:
  • 500 g zucchini (fresh, thinly sliced into rounds or ribbons)
Instructions
    Prepare the Zucchini
  1. 1
    Wash the zucchini thoroughly. Slice them thinly into uniform rounds or use a mandoline for ribbon-like slices. This ensures even pickling and consistent texture.
    2. Make the Lemon Brine
  2. 2
    In a clean mixing bowl or jug, combine water, lemon juice, salt, and sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar fully dissolve. Add garlic, peppercorns, chili flakes, and dill. Taste the brine—it should be tangy, slightly salty, and fragrant. Adjust with extra lemon or salt if needed.
    3. Pack the Jars
  3. 3
    Place zucchini slices neatly in a clean glass jar (sterilized if storing longer). Layer with garlic slices and dill sprigs for flavor infusion.
    4. Pour the Brine
  4. 4
    Carefully pour the lemon brine over the zucchini, ensuring all slices are fully submerged. If needed, press them down with a clean spoon or place a small weight inside the jar to keep the zucchini under the liquid.
    5. Rest and Pickle
  5. 5
    Seal the jar tightly. Let it sit at room temperature for 2–3 hours for quick pickling or refrigerate for 12–24 hours for deeper flavor. The zucchini will soften slightly while remaining crisp, absorbing the lemony, herby brine.
    6. Serve
  6. 6
    Once ready, enjoy the Lemon-Pickled Zucchini Slices as a snack, salad topping, sandwich filler, or side dish.
Note

Storage: Keep refrigerated. Best enjoyed within 7–10 days.

Flavor Variations: Add mustard seeds, coriander seeds, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.

Sugar-Free Option: Skip the sugar if you prefer a sharper, tangier pickle.

Serving Idea: Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, rice dishes, or in wraps.

Keywords: quick pickles, zucchini recipes, healthy side dish, lemon pickles, easy summer recipes
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/lemon-pickled-zucchini-slices-recipe/