Transform this Asian zucchini noodle salad recipe into a nutrient-dense culinary experience that bursts with flavor in every bite. To achieve this, you’ll need to spiralize and dice some vegetables while combining the tangy elements of an Asian-inspired dressing. The result will be an unparalleled Asian zucchini noodle salad that will leave you craving more.
This Asian zoodles salad is a harmonious blend of zoodle, or spiralized zucchini noodles, accompanied by other vegetables and a dressing infused with Asian flavors. Enjoy it as a satisfying lunch or pair it with your preferred protein as a side dish.
If you appreciate the bright, refreshing taste of this salad, you’ll also enjoy our sesame avocado chicken salad or light shrimp spring rolls. For a unique twist, be sure to try these spicy baked salmon sushi muffins.
Why You’ll Love This
Before we even take a bite, our eyes are already indulging in the feast. The vibrant colours of this salad scream ‘dig in!’ and it’s hard to resist the temptation. But it’s not just about aesthetics – each ingredient is packed with its own set of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious choice. Plus, the dressing is low-fat and sugar-free, and the dish as a whole is surprisingly low-carb. What really sets this salad apart, though, is its uniqueness. In an era where we often find ourselves stuck in salad ruts, this Chinese-inspired zoodles salad brings a much-needed injection of excitement to our mealtime routine.
How to Make It
To prepare your salad, start by making the dressing. Combine all the necessary ingredients in a mason jar or similar container, then shake well until they’re fully incorporated. Next, spiralize the raw zucchini, squash, and carrots using a spiralizer. Sprinkle the resulting noodles with salt to bring out their natural flavor. After a few minutes, drain off any excess liquid that’s been pulled out by the salt, and then combine the vegetables with the green onions, red onion, and dressing.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices! Consider adding thinly sliced red or green bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, red cabbage, or even crushed pineapple chunks (just be sure to drain excess moisture first).
When it comes to dressing, you can also swap out the provided option for Thai peanut dressing or add other flavors like seasoned rice vinegar (a great substitute for mirin), apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, extra sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, or chili garlic sauce.
If you’d like to modify the soy sauce component, try substituting coconut aminos instead. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding honey, agave syrup, sugar, or an artificial sweetener to your dressing.
How to Store Zucchini Noodle Salad
When preparing the Asian zucchini noodles salad, consider storing the noodle mixture and dressing separately in the refrigerator for at least a day before combining them. This allows the flavors to meld together harmoniously. As for freezing, unfortunately, this salad doesn’t hold up well due to the texture becoming mushy when thawed. For optimal results, it’s best to serve it immediately after preparation.
Asian Zucchini Noodles Salad FAQs
When it comes to spiralizing zucchini, having the right tool makes all the difference. If you plan on making zucchini noodles frequently, investing in a high-quality spiralizer can save you time and effort in the long run. For those who prefer a more budget-friendly option, a Veggetti-style spiralizer works similarly to a pencil sharpener, providing a quick and easy way to prepare your veggies.Incorporating new ingredients into your cooking routine can be just as exciting as trying out new recipes. One such ingredient is mirin, a type of rice wine commonly used in Chinese cuisine. If you’re unfamiliar with this ingredient, it’s worth learning more about what it brings to the table. Mirin has a distinct flavor that pairs well with ingredients like sesame oil and lime juice, making it an excellent addition to your zucchini noodles salad. However, if you prefer not to use alcohol-based ingredients, feel free to substitute mirin with another vinegar alternative.
Asian Zoodle Salad Recipe
Asian Zoodle Salad
Bella Bucchiotti’s latest culinary creation, the Asian zoodles salad, is a harmonious fusion of spiralized zucchini noodles and other vegetables, elevated by an aromatic Asian-inspired dressing. This quick and easy recipe requires minimal preparation time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
Instructions
To begin, you’ll need to prepare the dressing by combining all its ingredients in a mason jar and shaking well. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it. Once that’s done, move on to preparing the vegetables. Use a spiralizer to create long strands of zucchini, squash, and carrots. Place them in a colander and sprinkle sea salt over them. Let them sit for 15 minutes to allow excess liquid to drain off. After that, rinse the veggies with water, pat them dry with a paper towel, and add them to a large bowl. Next, combine them with red onion, cabbage, and green onion. Finally, drizzle the prepared dressing over everything and toss it all together until the vegetables are evenly coated.