If you’re craving something fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor, you’re in for a treat! This Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing is everything you need on a warm day or whenever you’re craving a lighter meal that still delivers on taste. It’s vibrant, it’s delicious, and it’s downright satisfying. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. Think zoodles (that’s zucchini noodles, by the way) paired with a creamy peanut dressing that just hugs every strand. It’s like the ultimate balance of crunch, creaminess, and freshness all in one bowl. Let’s dive right in and see why this recipe is a game-changer.
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Why You’ll Love Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this salad—it’s made with just a few fresh, simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Zucchini: Fresh, crisp, and slightly sweet. It’s the perfect base for our noodle salad. You’ll spiralize it to make it fun and easy to eat.
Carrots: A little bit of crunch and natural sweetness. These add a nice contrast to the zucchini noodles.
Cucumber: For that extra crunch and refreshing bite. It pairs perfectly with the other veggies.
Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and slightly tangy, this adds vibrant color and a hint of smokiness.
Peanut Butter: The key to that creamy, luscious dressing. It brings richness and depth of flavor.
Soy Sauce: A savory, salty element that balances out the peanut butter’s creaminess.
Rice Vinegar: A splash of acidity that brightens everything up and cuts through the richness.
Honey: To balance out the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Garlic: Adds that fragrant, savory bite that rounds out the dressing.
Sesame Seeds: A garnish that adds texture and a bit of nuttiness.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Spiralize the Veggies: Start by spiralizing the zucchini and carrots. If you don’t have a spiralizer, no worries! You can use a vegetable peeler to make thin ribbons or just julienne the veggies. The goal is a fun, noodle-like texture.
Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and a pinch of sesame seeds. Add a splash of warm water if the dressing is too thick—it should coat the noodles nicely.
Toss the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the zucchini noodles, carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper. Drizzle the peanut dressing over the top and toss gently to coat. You want every bite to be drenched in that creamy goodness!
Add Final Touches: Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds, and if you’re feeling fancy, a few crushed peanuts or a squeeze of lime juice to finish it off.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, or chill for 20 minutes to let the flavors marinate together. This dish is perfect served as a light meal or alongside grilled chicken or shrimp.
How to Serve Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
- Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip to complement the dish’s flavor profile.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
- As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Presentation matters too! Serving the dish in a beautifully arranged platter can elevate the dining experience. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for that extra pop.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
- Dietary Adjustments: If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular flour for gluten-free alternatives or dairy products for plant-based options.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to [time duration]. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
- Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute peanut butter with almond butter?
A1: Absolutely! Almond butter will give the dressing a slightly different flavor, but it’s still creamy and delicious.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it’s a great make-ahead recipe. Prepare the salad and dressing separately, then toss them together just before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The veggies may release some water, but the flavor will still be amazing.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish, as the zucchini noodles may become soggy once thawed. Best to enjoy fresh!
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: This dish is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat!
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! Feel free to double the ingredients to make a larger batch for a party or meal prep.
Q7: Is this dish vegetarian?
A7: Yes, it’s entirely vegetarian! You can also make it vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey.
Q8: Can I add protein to this dish?
A8: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would all be great additions.
Q9: How do I make this spicier?
A9: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing for a kick of heat!
Q10: Can I make this without the dressing?
A10: While the peanut dressing really makes this dish, you can substitute with a light vinaigrette if you prefer.
Conclusion
Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing is your new go-to recipe for a refreshing, flavorful meal that comes together in minutes. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with fresh ingredients, and totally customizable. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this salad is sure to impress. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This zucchini noodle mason jar salad is a fresh, healthy, and satisfying lunch packed with farro, mozzarella, and grape tomatoes. With a light balsamic vinaigrette, it’s a perfect meal-prep option for busy days. Just shake, pour, and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon golden balsamic vinegar (or regular balsamic vinegar)
- 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 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
- 5–6 fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In the bottom of a mason jar, add balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Shake or stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Layer the ingredients in the mason jar in the following order:
- Spiralized zucchini
- Cooked farro
- Mozzarella pearls
- Grape tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Layer the ingredients in the mason jar in the following order:
- Serve & Enjoy:
- When ready to eat, tear basil leaves to desired size.
- Pour the salad into a bowl or plate, mix well to coat ingredients with dressing, and enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t own a spiralizer, you can thinly slice the zucchini with a knife or use a mandoline to create noodle-like strips.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg