why make this recipe
No Pasta Pasta Side Dish Salad is a refreshing and light alternative to traditional pasta salads. It is perfect for anyone who is looking for a healthy, low-carb dish that is still packed with flavor. Using zucchini noodles instead of pasta keeps the dish nutritious and adds a lovely crunch. This salad is not only easy to prepare, but it also makes a vibrant addition to any meal.
how to make No Pasta Pasta Side Dish Salad
Ingredients :
- 2 cups zucchini noodles
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine the zucchini noodles, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
how to serve No Pasta Pasta Side Dish Salad
Serve the No Pasta Pasta Side Dish Salad chilled or at room temperature. It is great on its own or as a side dish with grilled meats or fish. You can also enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal. Make sure to add extra fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor just before serving!
how to store No Pasta Pasta Side Dish Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad can last for 2-3 days. However, the zucchini noodles may release some water as they sit, so you might want to drain any excess liquid before serving again.
tips to make No Pasta Pasta Side Dish Salad
- Use a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles quickly. You can also find pre-made zucchini noodles in many grocery stores.
- Feel free to add some protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp to make it a more filling dish.
- Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes after tossing with the dressing for the flavors to meld together.
variation
You can switch up the ingredients based on your preference. Consider adding bell peppers, spinach, or artichoke hearts for a different flavor profile. You might also try different dressings such as a lemon vinaigrette for a zesty touch.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of vegetables in this salad?
A: Yes! You can replace zucchini noodles with other spiralized vegetables like carrots or butternut squash.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any grains or gluten-containing ingredients.
Q: Can I meal prep this salad?
A: Absolutely! Just store the salad and dressing separately until you are ready to serve. This will keep the zucchini noodles crisp.
No Pasta Pasta Side Dish Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and light alternative to traditional pasta salads, made with zucchini noodles and vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 cups zucchini noodles
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the zucchini noodles, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Can last 2-3 days, but may release water over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: zucchini noodles, salad, low-carb, gluten-free, vegetarian, Mediterranean