Mediterranean Zucchini Noodles Salad

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my favorite summer dishes—Mediterranean Zucchini Noodles Salad! It’s light, so fresh, and feels like a hug from the Mediterranean. When you take that first bite, the crunch of the veggies and the zing of the dressing, it’s like, wow, pure sunshine on a plate! I mean, seriously, who wouldn’t want to dive into a bowl of vibrant colors and flavors? And, it’s super quick to whip up, making it a lifesaver on those busy weeknights or just when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s totally customizable—so you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand.
• The zucchini noodles are a fun, low-carb twist that makes you feel light and happy.
• Fresh herbs and feta cheese take it to a whole new level… seriously, don’t skip those!
• You can make it ahead—perfect for meal prep or serving at summer gatherings.
• Did I mention it’s refreshing? It’s like a cooling breeze on a hot day.

My family fights over the last bowl of this salad every time I make it!

What You’ll Need

• Zucchini: 4 medium-sized, the star of the show—make those noodles long and twisty!
• Ripe tomatoes: 2, chopped, for that juicy burst of flavor.
• Red bell pepper: 1, diced, giving a splash of color and crunch.
• Cucumber: 1, diced, because who doesn’t love that refreshing crunch?
• Red onion: 1 small, finely chopped; just enough bite to add depth.
• Kalamata olives: 1/3 cup, pitted and sliced for a salty, briny kick.
• Feta cheese: 1 cup, crumbled, because it’s not Mediterranean without feta!
• Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped, for that fresh herbaceous touch!
• Extra virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup, the liquid gold of Mediterranean cooking.
• Red wine vinegar: 2 tablespoons, for that zesty tang.
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon, a staple in Mediterranean flavors.
• Salt and pepper: to taste, because seasoning is everything!

Easy How-To

Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, first off, grab that spiralizer—or a vegetable peeler if you don’t have one—and turn those zucchini into noodles! Make them nice and long… it’s kind of therapeutic, honestly. Just aim for those strands, you know? Next, put your noodles in a colander, sprinkle them with salt, and let them hang out for about 10-15 minutes. This helps get rid of some of that excess water so we don’t end up with a soggy salad… and nobody wants that! While that’s happening, chop all those beautiful veggies I listed earlier—tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumbers, and onions. Set them aside, and let’s mix up the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper… adjust to your taste, because we all like things a little different, right? Once the zucchini noodles are ready, pat them dry, toss them in a bowl with those chopped veggies and that zesty dressing. Give it all a good mix, and finally, sprinkle that feta and parsley right on top. Serve immediately, or let it chill a bit for those flavors to get to know each other better. Enjoy!

Good to Know

• Choosing firm zucchinis is key—soft ones just won’t cut it!
• If you want to change it up, try adding some grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein.

Serving Ideas

• This salad is fabulous on its own, but try it as a side for grilled fish or chicken!

Top Tricks

• For a kick, add a squeeze of lemon or a dash of red pepper flakes—it really wakes everything up!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Carrots or even cucumber work really well too. Just keep that noodle shape in mind, and you’ll be golden!

How do I prevent zucchini noodles from being watery?

Salting and letting them sit in a colander really does the trick. Makes all the difference to keep that salad fresh!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare it shortly before you eat—zucchini can get a bit mushy if it sits too long, you know?

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, for sure! It’s totally gluten-free since we’re skipping pasta and keeping it veggie-filled.

What other toppings can I add to this salad?

Consider adding avocado, sun-dried tomatoes… or even a sprinkle of nuts for some crunch! Go wild!

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This Mediterranean Zucchini Noodles Salad is all about freshness, flavor, and fun. It’s such a great way to enjoy the flavors of summer anytime! So gather those veggies, standard spiralizer, and let’s get to creating something delicious. I promise, this salad will quickly become a household favorite. Give it a spin and let your taste buds be the judge!