Cinnamon Free Fig & Zucchini Noodle Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This salad is a stunning combination of sweet, peppery, and bright — the kind of dish that looks like it came from a restaurant but comes together in your own kitchen with minimal effort. Spiralized zucchini forms the base, salted and squeezed to just the right tender texture so the dressing clings rather than pools at the bottom. Quartered fresh figs bring jammy sweetness, while baby arugula and torn basil keep every bite lively and fresh. The apple cider vinaigrette pulls it all together with a gentle tang from the vinegar, warmth from turmeric and ginger, and just enough honey to round out the edges. For anyone navigating spice sensitivities, this dressing is a genuine find — it delivers real depth and complexity without relying on cinnamon or any of the warming blends that typically sneak it in. Everything here is straightforward and easy to verify, so you can dress this salad with total confidence. Finish with a scatter of fresh mint if you have it on hand, and serve right away while the noodles are still perfectly coated.
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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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