Almond Free Fig & Zucchini Noodle Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Fresh figs and spiralized zucchini might sound like an unexpected pairing, but this salad is genuinely stunning — both to look at and to eat. The zucchini noodles get salted and drained first, which draws out excess moisture so the dressing clings properly instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl. That golden apple cider vinaigrette, warmed up with turmeric and ginger, brings a bright, slightly spicy tang that plays beautifully against the jammy sweetness of the quartered figs. Peppery arugula and torn basil round everything out with herby freshness, and an optional scatter of mint takes it somewhere almost restaurant-worthy. Many salads in this style lean on toasted nuts for texture and richness, but this one doesn't need them — the figs do all the heavy lifting in the flavor department. It comes together quickly with no cooking required beyond a little patient squeezing of the zucchini, making it a brilliant option for warm evenings when you want something light but genuinely satisfying.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 3 medium zucchini (about 1 ½ lb total), ends trimmed
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 8 fresh figs, quartered
- 2 cups baby arugula
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
For the vinaigrette
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 small clove garlic, finely grated
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, torn (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Spiralize the zucchini into long noodles using a spiralizer, or draw a vegetable peeler lengthwise along each zucchini to create wide ribbons. Place the noodles in a colander set over the sink, toss with 1/2 tsp salt, and let stand for 10 minutes until the noodles have released some moisture and softened slightly.
- 2
While the zucchini drains, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl until the honey is fully dissolved and the dressing is uniform in color.
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