Refreshing Zucchini Noodle Salad Delight (Print Version)
Crisp spiralized zucchini with fresh vegetables and zesty citrus dressing for a light, vibrant dish.
# What You 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 crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan)
15 - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds
# How To Make:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the spiralized zucchini noodles, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell pepper, red onion, shredded carrots, chopped basil, and mint.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lime juice, honey or agave syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is fully emulsified.
03 - Pour the citrus dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently with salad tongs until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
04 - Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds over the top and toss lightly to incorporate.
05 - Serve immediately for peak freshness, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Zero cooking means your kitchen stays cool and you stay sane on hot days.
- The double citrus trick with both lemon and lime makes people ask what your secret is.
02 -
- Salt the zucchini noodles too early and they will release a puddle of water that dilutes your beautiful dressing into sadness.
- Tasting the dressing on its own before mixing it in lets you adjust acidity and salt when it is still easy to fix.
03 -
- Toast your pine nuts in a dry skillet over low heat and stand right there, because they go from golden to burnt in seconds when you look away.
- Roll your citrus firmly on the counter before juicing to break down the internal membranes and extract significantly more liquid.