Zucchini Noodle Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon Dressing Recipe

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Cozy Zucchini Noodle Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon Dressing Recipe, Made Simple

There’s something incredibly refreshing about a salad that feels both light and satisfying, especially on a mellow weekend afternoon. This Zucchini Noodle Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon Dressing Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want crisp, vibrant flavors without any fuss.

I love how the delicate crunch of spiralized zucchini pairs beautifully with the burst of sweet cherry tomatoes and the zingy brightness of lemon dressing. Plus, it’s ready in a flash—ideal when you want a simple, no-cook yet luscious salad that feels like sunshine on a plate.

You’ll find this recipe wonderfully adaptable, too. Whether you’re new to spiralizing or an experienced salad lover, it’s designed to help you enjoy fresh, home-cooked goodness without any stress.

Ingredient Lowdown

• Zucchinis: Medium-sized and firm, perfect for crisp, refreshing noodles. Choose fresh and unblemished for the best texture.
• Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, halving them releases their vibrant color and flavor into the salad.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for a gentle kick without overpowering the mix. You can soak slices in cold water briefly if you want to mellow the bite.
• Fresh basil: Adds fragrant herbaceousness that brightens the salad beautifully.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle adds a savory, nutty depth—skip for a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Lemon juice: Gives the dressing a zesty, tangy pop that balances sweet tomatoes and mild zucchini.
• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for its fruitiness and richness—this coats the salad without weighing it down.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives a gentle aromatic kick to the dressing.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and seasoning to taste.

Set Up for Success

Before diving in, get all your ingredients prepped and ready—this mise en place approach makes assembling the salad quick and calm. Spiralize the zucchini last minute to maintain that lively crunch. There’s no oven involved here, so just make sure your mixing bowls and salad utensils are clean and ready.

Step-by-Step: Zucchini Noodle Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon Dressing Recipe

1. Spiralize the zucchinis: Use a spiralizer to transform your zucchinis into long, delicate noodles. They should be crisp and slightly flexible, with a fresh, green aroma that wakes up your senses.
2. Prep the vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes to release their sweet juices, and thinly slice the red onion for just the right sharp contrast. Chop fresh basil leaves to sprinkle fragrant herbal notes across the salad.
3. Whisk the lemon dressing: Combine fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the mixture feels silky and evenly emulsified, ready to coat the salad with bright, tangy goodness.
4. Toss everything together: In a large bowl, gently fold the zucchini noodles with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and basil. Drizzle your lemon dressing over the top and toss lightly—keep the noodles intact for a beautifully textured salad.
5. Add a final touch (optional): Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, adding a toasty, savory finish that rounds out the fresh flavors perfectly.
6. Serve immediately: This salad is at its best right after tossing—nobody wants soggy zucchini noodles. The crispness and vivid colors really shine when fresh.

Flavor Twists for Zucchini Noodle Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon Dressing Recipe

• Add toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for a toasty crunch and nutty depth.
• Swap basil for fresh mint or parsley to play up herbal brightness with a twist.
• Incorporate diced avocado for creamy contrast that balances the tangy lemon.
• Mix in thinly sliced radishes or cucumber ribbons for extra cool, crisp layers.
• Use a splash of balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice for a richer, tangy aroma.
• Top with crumbled feta cheese for a salty, creamy element that complements the veggies.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Keep dressing separate until ready to serve to avoid soggy noodles.
• Prep and store spiralized zucchini in an airtight container; keep dry with paper towels to absorb moisture.
• This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers up to 24 hours—toss again before serving to refresh the dressing.
• Not ideal for freezing because zucchini loses texture, but you can freeze only the lemon dressing for later use.

Zucchini Noodle Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon Dressing Recipe FAQs

• Can I make this salad vegan? Absolutely! Skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.
• What’s the best way to spiralize zucchini? Use a handheld or countertop spiralizer for consistent, crisp noodles. Peel the zucchini first if the skin is thick or waxed.
• Can I substitute other vegetables for zucchini noodles? Yes! Cucumber or carrot noodles work well with this lemony dressing.
• How can I keep zucchini noodles from getting soggy? Salt your spiralized zucchini lightly and drain any liquid after 10 minutes, then pat dry before assembling.
• Is this salad suitable for meal prep? It’s best fresh, but you can prep ingredients separately and combine just before eating to maintain texture.

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