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- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn I love using fresh, crisp ingredients for this salad. The zucchini makes a great base. Spiralizing them gives a fun twist. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst. Red bell pepper brings a nice crunch. Red onion gives it a slight kick. Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. Feta cheese adds a salty touch. Fresh basil ties it all together with a hint of herbal flavor. - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Optional: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes The dressing is simple yet flavorful. Extra virgin olive oil provides richness. Lemon juice adds brightness and tang. Garlic powder deepens the taste. Salt and pepper balance flavors. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes for a kick. This salad is packed with nutrients. It is low in calories and high in fiber. The fats from avocado and feta are healthy. Each serving provides a good amount of vitamin C and antioxidants. This salad supports a healthy diet. Eating fresh vegetables can boost your mood and energy. You can feel good about enjoying this tasty dish. For the full recipe, check out the instructions included. To make zucchini noodles, start with fresh zucchinis. Look for ones that are firm and shiny. Avoid zucchinis that feel soft or have blemishes. Use a spiralizer to turn the zucchinis into long noodles. This makes them fun to eat and great for salads. 1. Wash the zucchinis well. 2. Cut off both ends. 3. Secure the zucchini in the spiralizer. 4. Turn the handle to create long strands. Your zucchini noodles should look like spaghetti. Place them in a large bowl. This is the base for your salad. Now it's time to add more flavor! Gather your chopped vegetables. - Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. - Red bell pepper gives a nice crunch. - Red onion adds a zesty kick. - Avocado brings creaminess. Combine these in the bowl with the zucchini noodles. Mixing them helps create layers of flavor. Each bite should taste different and exciting. Next, let's whip up the dressing. This is where the magic happens! You’ll need: - Extra virgin olive oil for richness. - Fresh lemon juice for brightness. - Garlic powder for depth. In a small bowl, mix these ingredients. Use a whisk to blend them well. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. 1. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. 2. Toss gently to coat all the vegetables. Be careful not to mash the avocado. Your salad is almost ready! For the finishing touch, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and torn basil leaves on top. This gives your dish a beautiful look and adds extra flavor. To see the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful zucchini noodle salad! To get the best texture in zucchini noodles, choose firm zucchinis. Spiralize them just before serving. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. For a perfect spiral, use a good spiralizer. It makes long, thin noodles that mimic pasta. Next, avoid excess moisture in your salad. After spiralizing, sprinkle the noodles with salt. Let them sit in a colander for about 10 minutes. The salt draws out water. Pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing. This keeps your salad crisp and not soggy. For an appealing look, use a large, clear bowl. This showcases the vibrant colors of the salad. Start with a base of zucchini noodles. Layer the cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and avocado on top. Use a light hand to keep everything intact. Garnish ideas include extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of feta. A drizzle of olive oil adds a nice shine. You can also add a few red pepper flakes for a pop of color. This makes your salad look as good as it tastes. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp. These proteins add a nice contrast to the fresh flavors. You can also serve it alongside a crusty bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, add canned beans like chickpeas or black beans. They boost protein and fiber. This makes your salad filling and nutritious. If you want a lighter meal, enjoy it by itself. It’s refreshing and satisfying on its own. For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Zucchini Noodle Salad. {{image_4}} You can swap out some veggies in your salad. Try adding carrots or bell peppers. These add crunch and color. You can also use cucumbers for a refreshing twist. For cheese, try goat cheese or mozzarella. Both bring a creamy taste. Fresh herbs really brighten up the salad. You can use parsley or cilantro instead of basil. Want a creamier salad? Use a yogurt-based dressing. It adds a rich texture. Mix yogurt with lemon juice and herbs for flavor. Balsamic vinegar is another great option. You can try flavored balsamic for a unique taste. Maple balsamic gives a sweet note, while fig balsamic adds depth. Make your salad shine with seasonal produce. In summer, add fresh corn or radishes. In fall, try roasted squash or apples. Both bring fresh flavors to your dish. You can also add different proteins. Grilled chicken works well in warm weather, while chickpeas add heartiness in colder months. This keeps your salad fresh and exciting all year round. For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Zucchini Noodle Salad. Zucchini noodle salad stays fresh for three days in the fridge. To keep the salad crunchy, store it in an airtight container. Avoid mixing in the dressing until you are ready to eat. This way, the noodles won't get soggy. You should not freeze zucchini noodle salad. Freezing changes the texture of the zucchini. Instead, freeze the ingredients separately. You can freeze cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, but not the zucchini noodles. To refresh the salad after storing, add a splash of lemon juice. This brightens up the flavors. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil for extra taste. If the flavor seems dull, a pinch of salt or pepper can help too. Try adding a bit of olive oil to revive the salad. You can store zucchini noodle salad in the fridge for up to three days. To keep it fresh, place it in an airtight container. Keep the dressing separate until you serve. This helps prevent the noodles from getting soggy. If you notice any moisture, drain it before serving. Yes, you can make zucchini noodle salad ahead of time! Prepare the salad, but wait to add the dressing. Mix the salad without the dressing and store it in the fridge. This keeps the noodles crisp and fresh. Add the dressing just before you eat. You can add many proteins to make your salad heartier. Here are some tasty options: - Grilled chicken for a smoky flavor - Cooked shrimp for a seafood twist - Canned beans, like chickpeas or black beans, for a plant-based option These proteins pair well with the fresh veggies and boost the meal's nutrition. Yes, zucchini noodle salad is gluten-free! Zucchini is a great alternative to pasta. It fits well in gluten-free diets. You can enjoy this salad without worrying about gluten. Absolutely! Store-bought dressing can save time and effort. When using pre-made dressings, check the labels for added sugars or preservatives. Choose a dressing that matches your flavor preferences. Just remember to add it sparingly and adjust to taste. For a fresh twist, consider mixing it with a little lemon juice or olive oil. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. This zucchini noodle salad is fresh, tasty, and packed with nutrients. You learned how to prepare crispy veggie noodles and a simple dressing. We discussed swaps and tips to tailor it to your taste. Remember, this salad stays fresh in the fridge for a few days. Make it ahead and enjoy the flavors. Explore new ingredients and dressings to keep things fun. Enjoy making this dish that’s healthy and satisfying!

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Elevate your meals with this Zesty Zucchini Noodle Salad! Packed with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and creamy avocado, this salad bursts with flavor and is perfect for a light lunch or side dish. Toss it together in just 15 minutes and enjoy the zingy dressing that ties it all together. Click through for the full recipe and discover how to create this vibrant dish that’s sure to impress!
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Ingredients
  

3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for a burst of flavor

1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced for sweetness and crunch

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped for a zesty kick

1 ripe avocado, diced for creaminess

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled for a salty finish

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn for a refreshing herbal note

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for richness

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness

1 teaspoon garlic powder for depth of flavor

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Instructions
 

Begin by spiralizing the zucchinis using a spiralizer to achieve long, spaghetti-like strands. Once done, place these zucchini noodles into a large mixing bowl, ready to be tossed with the fresh ingredients.

    Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and diced avocado into the mixing bowl with the zucchini noodles. This combination will create a colorful and flavorful base for your salad.

      In a separate small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk these together until the mixture is well blended. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, feel free to add red pepper flakes to taste at this stage.

        Drizzle the dressing over the vibrant salad ingredients in the large bowl. Carefully toss everything together using tongs or a large spoon, ensuring all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing without mashing the avocado.

          Once mixed, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and the torn basil leaves over the top of the salad. Gently fold these in to incorporate their flavors without breaking the creamy avocado pieces too much.

            Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired. You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh crunch or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully together.

              Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 15 min | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching display, serve the salad in a large, clear glass bowl that showcases the vibrant colors of the ingredients. Garnish with extra basil leaves and a light drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.