Macadamia Free Basil-Herb Kelp Noodle Salad
Kelp noodles are one of those ingredients that feel almost too good to be true — low-carb, naturally gluten-free, and they take on whatever flavors you throw at them. A quick soak in apple cider vinegar transforms them from stiff and translucent to tender and pliable, making them the perfect base for this vibrant, herb-forward salad. The pesto here skips the nuts entirely and leans on fresh basil, parsley, garlic, and a bright hit of lemon, with a subtle warmth from turmeric and ginger that makes it genuinely interesting. Shaved zucchini ribbons and cool cucumber half-moons add crunch and freshness, turning this into something that feels light but satisfying. Everything comes together in one bowl with a good toss, so the cleanup is as easy as the prep. It's the kind of dish that looks impressive enough to bring to a gathering but is honestly simple enough for a weeknight when you want something clean and flavorful without a lot of fuss.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 12 oz kelp noodles
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 1 medium zucchini, shaved into thin ribbons with a vegetable peeler
- 1 english cucumber, thinly sliced into half-moons
For the pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp salt
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
- lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the kelp noodles under cold running water in a colander, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp of the salt, and enough cold water to submerge the noodles. Let them soak for 15 minutes, until noticeably softened and pliable.
- 2
While the noodles soak, combine the basil, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, turmeric, ginger, and 1/4 tsp salt in a food processor or blender. Pulse 5–6 times to roughly chop the herbs and garlic, then stream in the olive oil with the motor running and process until the pesto is smooth and bright green, about 30 seconds.
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