Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette: A Refreshing and Healthy Delight

This Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette is a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for warm weather or any time you’re craving something light and refreshing. It’s a delightful alternative to traditional pasta salads, offering a satisfying crunch and a burst of fresh flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The star of the show, zucchini noodles (or “zoodles”), are tossed in a zesty lemon garlic vinaigrette, complemented by a medley of colorful vegetables and herbs. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a light dinner, this salad is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Noodle Salad

* **Healthy and Low-Carb:** Zucchini noodles are naturally low in calories and carbohydrates, making this a guilt-free and nutritious option.
* **Quick and Easy:** This salad comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to customize the vegetables and herbs to your liking. Add your favorite protein for a more substantial meal.
* **Deliciously Refreshing:** The lemon garlic vinaigrette is bright, tangy, and perfectly complements the mild flavor of the zucchini noodles.
* **Gluten-Free and Vegan-Friendly:** This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by ensuring the parmesan cheese (if used) is a plant-based alternative or omitted altogether.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Zucchinis:** The foundation of our salad! Choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis for the best texture and flavor. You’ll need about 2-3 medium zucchinis, yielding around 4 cups of zoodles.
* **Lemon Juice:** Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for the bright and tangy vinaigrette. It also helps to soften the zucchini noodles slightly.
* **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent and flavorful kick to the vinaigrette.
* **Olive Oil:** Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits. It adds richness and body to the vinaigrette.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle hint of heat, balancing the acidity of the lemon.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** Add a pop of color and sweetness. Halved or quartered, they are easy to eat and distribute evenly throughout the salad.
* **Cucumber:** Adds a refreshing crunch. Use English cucumber or remove the seeds from other varieties to avoid a watery salad.
* **Red Onion:** Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp and slightly sweet flavor. If you find the raw onion too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Fresh basil and parsley (or mint, dill) bring a burst of freshness and aroma to the salad. Chop them finely for optimal flavor dispersion.
* **Parmesan Cheese (Optional):** Adds a salty and savory element. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast or a plant-based Parmesan alternative.
* **Pine Nuts or Toasted Almonds (Optional):** Add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Spiralizer or Vegetable Peeler:** To create the zucchini noodles. A spiralizer is the most efficient way to make uniform noodles, but a vegetable peeler can also be used to create ribbons.
* **Large Bowl:** For tossing the salad.
* **Small Bowl or Jar:** For whisking or shaking the vinaigrette.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For preparing the vegetables and herbs.
* **Grater (Optional):** For grating the Parmesan cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:**

* Wash and dry the zucchinis. Trim off the ends.
* Using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles. If using a vegetable peeler, create long, thin ribbons.
* Place the zucchini noodles in a colander and lightly salt them. This will help draw out excess moisture and prevent the salad from becoming watery. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes.
* After 15-20 minutes, gently squeeze the zucchini noodles to remove any excess water. You can use a clean kitchen towel to help with this.

**2. Make the Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette:**

* In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
* Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice for extra tanginess or more olive oil for a richer flavor.

**3. Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs:**

* Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs.
* Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes.
* Thinly slice the cucumber. If using a regular cucumber, remove the seeds.
* Thinly slice the red onion. If desired, soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce its sharpness.
* Chop the fresh herbs finely.

**4. Assemble the Salad:**

* In a large bowl, combine the zucchini noodles, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
* Pour the lemon garlic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
* Add the chopped fresh herbs and toss again.

**5. Garnish and Serve:**

* If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and pine nuts or toasted almonds over the salad.
* Serve immediately or chill for later. The salad is best enjoyed within a few hours of making it, as the zucchini noodles may become softer over time.

Tips and Variations

* **Don’t Overcook the Zoodles:** If you’re not serving the salad immediately, avoid adding the vinaigrette until just before serving. The acid in the lemon juice can break down the zoodles and make them mushy over time.
* **Add Protein:** For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas.
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Get creative and add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or shredded cabbage.
* **Experiment with Herbs:** Try different herbs like mint, dill, or cilantro for a unique flavor profile.
* **Add Cheese:** Feta, goat cheese, or mozzarella would all be delicious additions.
* **Make it Spicy:** Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier salad.
* **Toast the Nuts:** Toasting the pine nuts or almonds enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the zucchini noodles, vegetables, and vinaigrette separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

* **As a Side Dish:** Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
* **As a Light Lunch:** Enjoy it on its own or with a side of crusty bread.
* **As a Potluck Dish:** It’s a crowd-pleasing and healthy option for potlucks and barbecues.
* **As a Topping for Grain Bowls:** Add it to your favorite grain bowl for extra flavor and nutrients.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 150-250 (depending on added ingredients)
* Fat: 10-20g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Protein: 5-10g (depending on added protein)

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Zucchini Noodle Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the zucchini noodles may become softer over time. It’s best to enjoy the salad as fresh as possible.

Recipe Card

**Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette**

A refreshing and healthy salad featuring zucchini noodles tossed in a zesty lemon garlic vinaigrette.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 0 minutes
**Total Time:** 15 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 2-3 medium zucchinis
* 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
* 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
* 2 tablespoons pine nuts or toasted almonds (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Spiralize or peel the zucchinis into noodles. Salt lightly and let sit for 15-20 minutes, then squeeze out excess water.
2. Make the Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette: Whisk together lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber and red onion, and chop the fresh herbs.
4. Assemble the Salad: Combine the zucchini noodles, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion in a large bowl.
5. Dress and Garnish: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently. Add the herbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), and pine nuts or almonds (if using).
6. Serve: Serve immediately or chill for later.

**Enjoy this healthy and delicious Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette!**