Cashew Free Fig & Zucchini Noodle Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This salad is a stunning collision of sweet, peppery, and bright — fresh figs draped over spiralized zucchini noodles, baby arugula, and torn basil, all pulled together by a golden apple cider vinaigrette humming with turmeric, ginger, and honey. The dressing comes together in minutes and coats every ribbon and leaf with warm, tangy flavor that feels far more complex than the ingredient list suggests. Salting the zucchini and squeezing out the excess moisture is the quiet trick that keeps everything from turning watery, so the vinaigrette actually clings and the textures stay lively. Every single component here is naturally free from tree nuts, so there's no need to audit labels or swap anything out — it's safe and delicious straight as written. The figs bring a jammy richness that makes this feel like a restaurant-worthy starter rather than a simple weeknight salad. Finish it with torn mint if you have it on hand, and serve immediately while the noodles still have their gentle bite.
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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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