Refreshing Zucchini Noodle Salad (Print version)
Crisp spiralized zucchini with fresh vegetables and zesty citrus dressing. Ready in 20 minutes.
# What you'll need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
→ Citrus Dressing
08 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
11 - 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
12 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Toppings
14 - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (omit for vegan version)
15 - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds
# How to make it:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, toss together the spiralized zucchini noodles, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell pepper, red onion, shredded carrots, chopped basil, and mint until evenly distributed.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lime juice, honey or agave syrup, and Dijon mustard until fully emulsified. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
03 - Pour the citrus dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently with salad tongs until all the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated.
04 - Scatter crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds over the top, tossing lightly. Serve immediately for the freshest texture, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- No cooking required, which means your kitchen stays cool even on the hottest days.
- The double citrus dressing brightens every single bite without weighing you down.
02 -
- Zucchini releases water fast, so if you are making this ahead for a gathering, keep the noodles and dressing separate until just before serving.
- Salting the zucchini noodles lightly and letting them drain in a colander for ten minutes prevents a soupy salad.
03 -
- A julienne peeler works fine if you do not own a spiralizer, though the noodles will be thinner and more delicate.
- Switching the herbs based on what is flourishing in your garden or windowsill keeps this salad exciting all summer long.