MediterraneanEasy · Hot
Zucchini ribbons with soft egg and chives
Delicate zucchini ribbons draped over a soft-poached egg, finished with a scatter of fresh chives and a gentle drizzle of olive oil. A quiet, nourishing dish for one.
Prep
10 min
Cook
10 min
Total
20 min
Method
Prepare the zucchini
1
Wash the zucchini and dry them well with a clean cloth. Using a vegetable peeler, slice each zucchini into long, thin ribbons from top to bottom, turning as you reach the seedy center. Lay the ribbons in a single layer on a plate.
Season the ribbons
Cook the eggs
3
Bring a small saucepan of water to a gentle simmer. Crack each egg into a small cup. Stir the water to create a soft swirl, then slide the eggs one at a time into the simmering water. Poach for exactly 4 minutes for a soft, runny yolk with a tender white. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a folded kitchen towel.
Assemble the dish
4
Divide the seasoned zucchini ribbons among four shallow bowls or plates, arranging them in loose nests. Place one soft-poached egg in the center of each portion. Drizzle with the remaining half tablespoon of olive oil, scatter the fresh chives generously over the top, and finish with a small pinch of black pepper. Serve immediately.
A
Nutri-Score
Excellent balance
A–E · lower is better · score -2
Calories
136
per serving
High in protein · 8gLow sugar · 3g
Protein
8g
Carbs
4g
Fat
10g
Sat. fat
3g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
3g
Sodium
365mg
Gluten FreeDairy FreeLow CarbMediterraneanWhole30PescatarianLacto Ovo VegetarianHeart HealthyAnti InflammatoryDiabetes FriendlyLow Sodium AdaptableHigh ProteinHealthy Fats
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
A
Environmental impact
Very low impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
0.3
per serving
ACarbonAEU all-round· both agree
Water
0.2m³
Land
13Pt
Runoff
0.04g P
Egg drives 72% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
5
Umami
3
Sweet
4
Salty
1
Sour
1
Bitter
3
Spicy
Textures
TenderDelicateSilkyFresh
Aromas
HerbalGrassyDelicate
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
SaucepanCounter FootprintSmall
Safety & Storage
High Risk Population
Soft-poached eggs with runny yolks carry a Salmonella risk and are not recommended for pregnant women, infants, elderly individuals, or immunocompromised persons. Consider fully cooking eggs if serving to vulnerable populations.
Cooking Temperature
Maintain poaching water at a gentle simmer (160-170°F). Avoid vigorous boiling which breaks delicate egg whites. The 4-minute poaching time yields a runny yolk; this is intentional but represents a higher-risk preparation.
Cross Contamination
Crack each egg into a separate clean cup before adding to water to prevent shell fragments and reduce contamination risk. Wash hands, utensils, and all surfaces thoroughly after handling raw eggs.
Storage
Store eggs in refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. Use raw eggs within 3-5 weeks of purchase date. Prepared zucchini ribbons may be stored separately for 1-2 days; assembled dish should be consumed immediately as egg continues cooking from residual heat.
Handling
Use gentle hands when tossing zucchini ribbons with oil to prevent breaking the delicate vegetable strips. Handle soft-poached eggs carefully when plating to maintain their shape and runny yolk.
Pro Tips
Technique
When you peel the zucchini into ribbons, let the peeler do the work with a gentle, steady hand. Rushing only breaks the delicate ribbons, and we want them whole and tender, not torn. If the ribbons feel too long for the bowl, simply fold them once when you nestle them in.
Substitution
If fresh chives are not available, a few thin slices of scallion work nicely — or even a small handful of baby arugula, tossed lightly with oil, for a gentle peppery note that still respects the soft character of the dish.
From the chef
This dish came to me on a quiet morning when I needed something gentle — not just for the body, but for the spirit. Zucchini ribbons have a softness that reminds me the best cooking does not need to shout. A single soft egg, barely set, and suddenly you have everything: a whisper of green, a burst of golden yolk, a little drizzle of olive oil that ties it all together. My students on the landing love this one. It is simple enough that anyone can manage it, and satisfying enough that no one feels like they are settling for less.
TagsLightQuickEasyVegetarianSingle PortionNo CookMediterranean
AllergensEgg
Source: generated · June 10, 2026