Zesty Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

Crisp summer days call for a light zucchini noodle salad that dances with vibrant peanut dressing flavors.

Spiralized vegetables create a playful base for this refreshing dish.

Crunchy and cool, each bite delivers a punch of nutrients without weighing you down.

Twirling spirals replace traditional pasta, bringing excitement to your plate.

Nutty undertones complement the fresh zucchini, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Packed with clean ingredients, this salad promises a delightful culinary adventure.

You’ll love how quickly this meal comes together for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Zucchini Noodles in Peanut Dressing Mix

• Zucchini, Farro: Fresh base vegetables providing texture and wholesome nutrition. Choose firm zucchini without soft spots and whole grain farro for nutty flavor.
• Mozzarella Pearls, Grape Tomatoes: Creamy cheese and sweet tomatoes adding richness and bright color. Select fresh mozzarella and ripe, firm tomatoes.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb bringing vibrant herb flavor and fresh green accent. Pick bright green leaves with no wilting.

• Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil: Tangy and smooth base creating balanced salad dressing. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning enhancing overall flavor profile. Select kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

• Additional Fresh Herbs: Optional herb additions for extra flavor complexity. Potential choices include parsley or oregano.

Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing Instructions

Step 1: Craft the Zesty Peanut Dressing

Grab a mason jar and toss in creamy peanut butter, tangy rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, fresh ginger, and a splash of sesame oil.

Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the ingredients blend into a smooth, glossy dressing.

Give it a quick taste and adjust flavors as you like.

• Peanut butter
• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Fresh ginger
• Sesame oil

Step 2: Spiralize the Zucchini Magic

Transform your zucchini into beautiful, twirly noodles using a spiralizer.

If you don’t have one, use a vegetable peeler to create long, ribbony strips.

Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the zucchini noodles and let them sit for a few minutes to release excess moisture.

Step 3: Chop and Prep Colorful Companions

Dice up crunchy red bell peppers, slice some green onions, and roughly chop fresh cilantro.

These vibrant ingredients will add amazing texture and flavor to your salad.

• Red bell peppers
• Green onions
• Fresh cilantro

Step 4: Toss and Coat

Place the zucchini noodles in a large mixing bowl.

Pour the peanut dressing over the noodles and gently toss to ensure every strand gets a delicious coating.

Add your chopped vegetables and give everything a quick mix.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and crushed peanuts on top for an extra crunch.

If you’re feeling adventurous, add a few red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, healthy zucchini noodle salad!

Zucchini Salad Tips With Peanut Dressing

• Use a sharp spiralizer to create uniform, thin zucchini noodles for the best texture and even dressing distribution.
• Pat zucchini noodles with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and fresh salad without sogginess.
• Add grilled chicken or tofu to transform this salad into a more substantial meal that keeps you full and satisfied.
• Adjust the vinegar and oil ratio to create a lighter or more robust peanut dressing that matches your taste preferences.
• Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to maintain the zucchini noodles' crispness and prevent wilting.

Fresh Ideas for Reheating Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent zucchini noodles from becoming soggy.
• Drain excess liquid from zucchini noodles to maintain crisp texture and prevent watery salad.
• Gently warm at room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve fresh ingredients' texture and flavor.
• Enjoy within 24 hours for optimal taste and crunchiness of zucchini noodles and other salad components.

Nutty Ideas For Zucchini Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the light, fresh zucchini noodles and tangy peanut dressing with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, cutting through the richness and enhancing the salad's delicate flavors.
• Boost with Protein Side: Add grilled chicken or seared shrimp on the side to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal that balances the zucchini noodle's lightness.
• Match with Crunchy Appetizer: Serve alongside Thai-inspired spring rolls or cucumber rolls to echo the Asian-inspired peanut dressing and provide a textural contrast to the soft zucchini noodles.
• Elevate with Herbal Iced Tea: Prepare a refreshing mint or green tea to cleanse the palate and complement the salad's fresh basil and nutty peanut notes, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Zucchini Noodle Peanut Salad Versions

• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace farro with quinoa or rice for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the salad's hearty texture and nutritional value.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute mozzarella pearls with cubed tofu or roasted chickpeas to add protein and create a plant-based option that's creamy and satisfying.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip grains entirely and add extra spiralized zucchini or mixed vegetables like julienned bell peppers to keep the dish light and nutrient-dense.
• Protein Boost: Incorporate grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or canned tuna to transform the salad into a more substantial meal with added protein content.

FAQs

• What equipment do I need to make this salad?

You’ll need a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles, a mason jar for mixing dressing and layering ingredients, and basic kitchen tools like a knife and cutting board.

• Is farro necessary for this recipe?

Farro adds protein and texture, but you can substitute with quinoa, brown rice, or another whole grain if desired. It helps make the salad more filling and nutritious.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving. The mason jar method helps keep ingredients fresh and prevents soggy zucchini noodles.

• How can I make this salad more protein-rich?

Add grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, canned tuna, or tofu to increase protein content. The peanut dressing will complement these protein sources nicely.

Zucchini Noodle Salad With Peanut Dressing That Pops With Flavor

• Versatile Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich farro, and mozzarella, this dish delivers balanced nutrition while offering flexible ingredient swaps to suit different dietary preferences.
• Mason Jar Magic: Innovative storage and serving technique keeps ingredients fresh, prevents soggy salads, and creates an Instagram-worthy portable lunch that's both practical and visually appealing.
• Crowd-Pleasing Summer Delight: Light, refreshing, and served chilled, this recipe works brilliantly for picnics, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings, satisfying vegetarian guests and health-conscious friends with its vibrant flavors and colorful presentation.

Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Refreshing zucchini noodle salad with peanut dressing brings Mediterranean freshness to summer dining. Crisp spiralized zucchini mingles with nutty peanut sauce, creating a light, vibrant meal packed with clean flavors and wholesome ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 medium zucchini, spiralized
• 1 cup cooked farro
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella pearls (or a larger size cut into small pieces)
• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 56 fresh basil leaves

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon golden balsamic vinegar (or regular balsamic vinegar)
• 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

Seasoning Ingredients:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl until the dressing becomes smooth and integrated, creating a cohesive flavor base.
2. Transform zucchini into delicate spirals using a spiralizer, ensuring thin, elegant noodle-like strands that will absorb the dressing beautifully.
3. Cook farro according to package instructions, allowing the grains to become tender yet maintain a slight bite, then cool to room temperature.
4. Halve grape tomatoes to release their sweet juices and create more surface area for flavor absorption.
5. Gently fold mozzarella pearls into the mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the salad for creamy pockets of flavor.
6. Tear fresh basil leaves into rustic pieces, releasing their aromatic oils and adding a vibrant herbaceous note to the dish.
7. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the zucchini noodle mixture, tossing gently to ensure each ingredient is lightly coated and seasoned.
8. Transfer the salad to a serving plate or bowl, allowing the colors and textures to create an appetizing visual presentation.
9. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp zucchini noodles and fresh ingredients at their peak flavor and texture.

Notes

• Spiralize zucchini with light pressure to create delicate, tender noodles without releasing too much moisture that could make the salad watery.
• Toast farro beforehand to enhance its nutty flavor and provide a deeper, richer taste profile for the entire dish.
• Consider replacing mozzarella with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for dairy-free eaters while maintaining a creamy texture.
• Massage fresh basil leaves gently before adding to release essential oils and intensify their aromatic qualities throughout the salad.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Shaking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 13g
• Cholesterol: 15mg