Mediterranean Zoodle Salad Recipe

Zucchini: Spiralized into noodles, zucchini serves as a low-carb, gluten-free base for the salad.

Cherry tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes add a burst of color and flavor.

Kalamata olives: Pitted and sliced, these olives provide a rich, briny taste.

Red onion: Thinly sliced, red onion adds a sharp, tangy bite.

Feta cheese: Crumbled feta offers a creamy, tangy contrast to the fresh vegetables.

Olive oil: Used in the dressing, olive oil adds a smooth, fruity richness.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, it brings a bright, zesty acidity to the dressing.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth to the dressing.

Oregano: Dried oregano infuses the salad with a warm, earthy flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

Pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth to the dressing.

When preparing the zucchini noodles, it's important to ensure they are not too wet, as excess moisture can make the salad soggy. After spiralizing, place the zucchini noodles on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently pat them dry to remove any excess water. This step will help maintain the crisp texture of the zoodles in your salad. Additionally, when whisking the dressing, make sure the olive oil and lemon juice are well emulsified to create a smooth and cohesive mixture that evenly coats the salad ingredients.

• zucchini - Substitute with cucumber: Cucumber can be spiralized similarly and offers a refreshing crunch, making it a great alternative for a zoodle salad.

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

• kalamata olives - Substitute with black olives: Black olives provide a milder flavor but still contribute a similar briny taste to the salad.

• red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder onion flavor and can be thinly sliced to match the texture of red onions.

• feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a creamy texture and tangy flavor that can mimic the taste profile of feta.

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

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrusy flavor, which can brighten up the salad.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch to provide a similar flavor, though fresh garlic is more aromatic.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil offers a different but complementary herbaceous note that can enhance the Mediterranean flavors.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute, offering a similar level of seasoning.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a milder heat and can be used if you prefer a less pungent peppery flavor.

• To keep your zoodle salad fresh and vibrant, store it in an airtight container. This will help maintain the crispness of the zucchini noodles and the juiciness of the cherry tomatoes.

• If you're planning to enjoy the salad later, consider storing the dressing separately. This prevents the zoodles from becoming soggy. Simply combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and other dressing ingredients in a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.

• When you're ready to serve, give the dressing a good shake and pour it over the salad, tossing gently to coat every strand of zucchini and every piece of feta cheese.

• For those who love meal prepping, this salad can be a delightful addition to your weekly menu. Prepare the zoodles and other ingredients ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge. Assemble just before serving to ensure maximum freshness.

• If you find yourself with leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, be mindful that the zucchini may release some water, so give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the flavors.

• Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the texture of the zucchini noodles and feta cheese can become compromised. Instead, enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days for the best taste and texture.

• Gently sauté: Warm a skillet over low heat and add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the zoodles and other salad components, stirring gently for about 2-3 minutes. This method helps maintain the zucchini's texture while slightly warming the salad.

• Quick microwave steam: Place the salad in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This method lightly steams the zoodles without making them soggy.

• Warm water bath: Fill a large bowl with warm water (not boiling) and submerge a sealed plastic bag containing the salad. Let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the gentle heat to warm the salad evenly.

• Oven refresh: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Spread the salad on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Warm it in the oven for about 5-7 minutes. This method is ideal for maintaining the integrity of the cherry tomatoes and feta cheese.

• Stir-fry style: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, add a touch of olive oil, and quickly stir-fry the salad for 2-3 minutes. This method adds a slight crispness to the zoodles while warming the entire dish.

• Spiralizer: A tool used to transform zucchini into noodle-like strands, perfect for creating zoodles.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the spiralized zucchini with other salad ingredients.

• Small bowl: Used for whisking together the dressing ingredients before adding them to the salad.

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano into a smooth dressing.

• Knife: Essential for slicing cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and red onion.

• Cutting board: A surface for safely chopping and slicing the salad ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the quantities of cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano for the dressing.

• Garlic press: An optional tool for mincing the garlic clove efficiently.

• Serving spoon: Used to toss the salad and serve it once it's ready.

Pre-spiralize zucchini: Buy pre-spiralized zucchini from the store to skip the spiralizing step.

Batch dressing: Make a large batch of the dressing and store it in the fridge for future salads.

Pre-slice ingredients: Slice cherry tomatoes, olives, and onions ahead of time and store them in airtight containers.

Use a mini chopper: Mince garlic quickly with a mini chopper instead of by hand.

Feta crumbles: Buy pre-crumbled feta cheese to save time on preparation.