Refreshing Zoodle Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing Recipe

Published:

by Mia Hanry

Leave a Comment

When I think of summer, I picture a colorful Zoodle Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing dancing in the warm breeze, a vibrant medley of fresh veggies and zoodles twirling together in perfect harmony. The zesty aroma of lemon mingles with the nutty scent of tahini, creating a symphony of flavors that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also makes your kitchen feel like a sun-kissed paradise. perfect pasta pairing It’s like a party on a plate that shouts, “Eat me!” from the moment you set eyes on it.

Zoodle Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing Recipe
Jump to:

I remember the first time I made this salad; it was during a backyard barbecue where my friends were skeptical about zucchini noodles. Their faces lit up after one taste, and suddenly, there were no more zoodles left! This dish is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics in the park, or just an easy weeknight dinner when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. zucchini salad cups Get ready for a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This refreshing Zoodle Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days
  • The bright flavors of lemon and tahini create a deliciously unique dressing everyone will love
  • Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, this salad is sure to impress at any gathering
  • Versatile enough to serve as a main or side dish, it’s great for lunch or dinner

I once served this zoodle masterpiece at a family reunion, and let’s just say my aunt who usually critiques my cooking ended up asking for seconds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Zucchini: Choose firm zucchini for maximum crunch and flavor; spiralizing is incredibly satisfying!
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, these add bursts of color and flavor to every bite.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Crisp and crunchy red bell peppers provide sweetness while adding beautiful color.
  • Cucumber: Use English cucumber for its mild flavor and crisp texture; slice thinly for maximum enjoyment.
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley gives freshness and brightness to the salad; don’t skip this!
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice elevates the dressing; bottled juice just won’t do! For more inspiration, check out this no-bake lemon icebox pie recipe.
  • Tahini: Creamy tahini adds richness to the dressing; look for smooth varieties for best results.
  • Garlic Clove: Fresh garlic enhances the dressing with its aromatic punch; adjust based on your preference.
  • Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides smoothness; use good quality for optimum flavor.
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

Let’s Make it together

Start by preparing your zucchini noodles—this is where the magic happens! Grab your spiralizer (or julienne peeler) and turn those zucchinis into beautiful noodle shapes that resemble spaghetti but are much lighter. You want them looking as fun as they taste!

Next up, chop your cherry tomatoes in half and slice your cucumber thinly. The colors will start popping out already! Toss them together with finely chopped red bell pepper in a large bowl.

Now it’s time to whip up that luscious Lemon-Tahini Dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine tahini, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic clove, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until it’s smooth like butter—if you find it too thick, add a splash of water until it reaches your desired consistency. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.

Drizzle that glorious dressing over the zoodles and veggies in your bowl. Toss everything gently together until each strand is coated in that creamy goodness—you can almost hear angels sing as you do this!

Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving—it allows all those amazing flavors to mingle together beautifully. Not only does this step enhance taste but it also gives you time to set the table or pour yourself a refreshing drink!

Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley right before serving—it adds that finishing touch that says “look how fancy I am!”

And there you have it—a delightful Zoodle Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing that’s not only good for you but also feels like summer on a plate! Enjoy every single bite without guilt because healthy never tasted so good! healthy side snack.

You Must Know

  • Zoodle Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures
  • The zoodles offer a satisfying crunch, while the lemon-tahini dressing brings a creamy zing that dances on your taste buds
  • Perfect for light lunches or as a refreshing side!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make your zoodle salad shine, spiralize the zucchini first, then prepare the dressing while the zoodles drain. This keeps everything fresh and avoids sogginess.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or carrots. You can also swap tahini for yogurt for a creamier dressing experience.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid reheating; zoodles are best enjoyed cold.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfect zoodles, choose medium-sized zucchinis for optimal texture and flavor
  • Allow them to drain after spiralizing to prevent your salad from becoming watery
  • If you want extra crunch, toss in some nuts or seeds right before serving!

The first time I served this zoodle salad, my friends couldn’t believe it was made from zucchini—everyone thought it was pasta! Their reactions were priceless and made me realize how fun cooking can be.

FAQ

What is Zoodle Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing?

Zoodle Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing combines spiralized zucchini with a creamy dressing. crunchy zucchini chips.

How do I make zoodles without a spiralizer?

You can use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of zucchini instead.

Can I customize this salad with other vegetables?

Absolutely! Add any crunchy veggies you love to enhance the flavor and texture.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Zoodle Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing Recipe

Zoodle Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Mia Hanry
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Zoodle Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This colorful salad combines spiralized zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, and creamy tahini dressing for a light yet satisfying meal. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or quick weeknight dinners, this dish is not only healthy but also a feast for the eyes and palate!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchini (spiralized into zoodles)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 English cucumber (sliced thin)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 3 tbsp tahini
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Spiralize the zucchini and set aside to drain.
  2. In a large bowl, combine spiralized zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, and parsley.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add water if needed to adjust consistency.
  4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until well combined.
  5. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Garnish with additional chopped parsley.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No cooking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (150g)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Next Recipe

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star