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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Transform zucchini into delicate spirals using a spiralizer, ensuring thin, elegant noodle-like strands that will absorb the dressing beautifully.
- Cook farro according to package instructions, allowing the grains to become tender yet maintain a slight bite, then cool to room temperature.
- Halve grape tomatoes to release their sweet juices and create more surface area for flavor absorption.
- Gently fold mozzarella pearls into the mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the salad for creamy pockets of flavor.
- Tear fresh basil leaves into rustic pieces, releasing their aromatic oils and adding a vibrant herbaceous note to the dish.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the zucchini noodle mixture, tossing gently to ensure each ingredient is lightly coated and seasoned.
- Transfer the salad to a serving plate or bowl, allowing the colors and textures to create an appetizing visual presentation.
- 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