This refreshing and lightened up Mediterranean Zucchini Pasta Salad is prepared with zucchini noodles in lieu of traditional pasta, and tossed with briny feta, chickpeas, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, spinach, and olives. This salad is best after sitting for a bit (it can be prepared several hours in advance or overnight) when the zucchini has softened a bit and had a chance to absorb the flavors of the dressing. Serve as a meal or alongside a more traditional protein (grilled shrimp, chicken, or flank steak would be great!).
½cupcrumbled feta cheeseoptional; omit to make dairy free
2cupsbaby spinach
1cupcherry tomatoeshalved
Instructions
Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, parsley (if using), garlic powder, and mustard. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Make the Salad: Slice the zucchini halfway through lengthwise, being careful not to pierce through the center (*Laura's note: you want to create a part slice in order to create spiral cuts, otherwise the spiralizer will not work properly). Spiralize the zucchini with Blade C (*these instructions are designed for The Inspiralizer, but feel free to improvise and use whatever type that you own) and put them in a large bowl. Slice the onion halfway through lengthwise, being careful not to pierce through the center. Spiralize the onion with Blade A and add half the onion noodles to the bowl. (Save the rest for another use.) Add the artichokes, olives, chickpeas, feta (if using), spinach, and tomatoes to the bowl.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine. Serve or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips for Success:
Per Ali's instructions, this salad is best after sitting for a bit (for several hours or overnight) when the zucchini has softened and absorbed all the flavors of the dressing.
While this salad can serve as a meal unto itself, it would also be delicious served alongside a more traditional protein (grilled shrimp, chicken, or flank steak would be great!).
Printed with permission from Inspiralized and Beyondby Ali Maffuci (Clarkson Potter, Spring 2018).