Welcome to a fresh and vibrant take on salad — the Zucchini Noodle Salad. This dish is a perfect blend of crisp, colorful veggies, and tangy cheese, making it an ideal addition to your meal rotation, especially during the warmer months.
The star of the dish, zucchinis, are spiralized to mimic noodles, offering a light texture and a neutral base to soak up flavors. Cherry tomatoes add a splash of color and a sweet, juicy contrast. Feta cheese brings a salty, creamy element that pairs beautifully with the fresh produce. For the dressing, extra virgin olive oil provides a rich, fruity foundation, while lemon juice and lemon zest add brightness. A hint of garlic infuses warmth, and finishing with fresh basil introduces a fragrant, herbal note.
This salad shines as a side dish but can easily be turned into a main course. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. It’s also fantastic alongside a simple grilled steak or as part of a larger spread of Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Start by spiralizing your zucchinis — if you don’t have a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler works too, though you'll get more ribbon-like noodles. Place them into a large bowl, creating a nest for the other ingredients.
Next, halve your cherry tomatoes and crumble the feta cheese, adding both to the bowl with the zucchini. This combination is not only visually appealing but also ensures every bite has a bit of everything.
For the vinaigrette, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This dressing is light yet flavorful, perfectly complementing the salad’s freshness.
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss to ensure even coating. You want just enough dressing to enhance the flavors without overpowering them.
Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top just before serving. It adds that final touch of green and a lovely aroma.
Share