Zucchini Noodle Salad Recipe

Zucchini: Fresh and spiralized to create the base of the salad.

Cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and color.

Red onion: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor.

Feta cheese: Crumbled for a creamy, salty touch.

Olive oil: Used to make the dressing, adding richness.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a zesty kick.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth.

When spiralizing the zucchini, make sure to use a consistent pressure to create even noodles. This ensures that they cook uniformly and have a pleasing texture. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or a mandoline slicer to achieve similar results. For the dressing, whisk it thoroughly until the olive oil and lemon juice are well emulsified, which will help the flavors meld together beautifully. When adding the feta cheese, crumble it finely so it distributes evenly throughout the salad, giving you a burst of flavor in every bite.

• spiralized zucchini - Substitute with spiralized cucumber: Cucumber has a similar texture and refreshing taste, making it a great low-carb alternative.

• halved cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and juiciness, making them an excellent alternative.

• thinly sliced red onion - Substitute with thinly sliced shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and a similar crunch, perfect for salads.

• crumbled feta cheese - Substitute with crumbled goat cheese: Goat cheese provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a great substitute.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor, suitable for dressings.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a good alternative.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar salty flavor but with a slightly different mineral profile.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile, suitable for salads.

• To store the zucchini noodle salad, first ensure it is placed in an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the salad from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
• For optimal freshness, consume the salad within 2-3 days. The zucchini noodles may release some water over time, so you might need to drain any excess liquid before serving.
• If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, consider storing the dressing separately. This prevents the zucchini noodles from becoming too soggy. Simply add the dressing and toss the salad just before serving.
• When storing in the fridge, place the container in the crisper drawer. This area is designed to keep vegetables fresh for longer periods.
• If you wish to freeze the salad, it's best to freeze the zucchini noodles separately from the other ingredients. Blanch the noodles briefly in boiling water, then plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Pat them dry before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer. The zucchini noodles can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the zucchini noodles in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, drain any excess water and combine with the other fresh ingredients and dressing.
• Avoid freezing the entire salad with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese as these ingredients do not freeze well and can become mushy or lose their texture.
• For a quick refresh, add a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil to the thawed salad before serving. This will help revive the flavors and give it a fresh taste.

• Gently warm the zucchini noodles in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking and toss frequently for about 2-3 minutes. This method helps maintain the texture of the noodles without making them soggy.

• Use a microwave-safe dish to reheat the salad. Place the zucchini noodles and other ingredients in the dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. Be cautious not to overheat, as the feta cheese might melt too much.

• For a slightly different twist, you can reheat the salad by placing it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Spread the salad evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This method can help retain the crunchiness of the cherry tomatoes and red onion.

• If you prefer a cold salad, simply let the zucchini noodle salad sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together without the need for reheating.

• Spiralizer: This tool is essential for turning the zucchini into noodles, giving the salad its unique texture and appearance.

• Large mixing bowl: Use this to combine the spiralized zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.

• Small bowl: Perfect for whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

• Whisk: Helps in thoroughly mixing the dressing ingredients to ensure a smooth and even consistency.

• Tongs: Ideal for tossing the salad ingredients together, ensuring that the dressing coats everything evenly.

• Knife: Necessary for halving the cherry tomatoes and thinly slicing the red onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for cutting the vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Useful for accurately measuring the cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures precise measurement of the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

Pre-spiralize the zucchini: Buy pre-spiralized zucchini from the store to save time on preparation.

Use pre-crumbled feta: Opt for pre-crumbled feta cheese to avoid the extra step of crumbling it yourself.

Pre-slice the vegetables: Purchase pre-sliced red onion and cherry tomatoes to cut down on chopping time.

Make the dressing ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for quick assembly.

Chill the salad: If you prefer a chilled salad, make it ahead and let it sit in the fridge, so it's ready to serve when you are.