Citrus Free Fig & Zucchini Noodle Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This salad is a stunning combination of sweet, peppery, and herbaceous flavors that feels like something you'd order at a farm-to-table restaurant. Spiralized zucchini forms the base, salted and gently squeezed so it softens just enough to catch every drop of the dressing without turning watery. The vinaigrette is built around apple cider vinegar rather than lemon or orange juice, which makes it a genuinely bright and tangy option without any citrus in sight — a detail that matters more than you'd think when so many vinaigrettes default to a squeeze of lemon. Honey, turmeric, ginger, and garlic round out the dressing with warmth and depth that pairs beautifully with the jammy sweetness of fresh figs. Baby arugula and torn basil add a peppery, fragrant lift, and a scatter of fresh mint at the end ties everything together. It comes together quickly and requires no cooking, making it an easy choice for a light lunch or an elegant starter. The whole thing is as beautiful on the plate as it is satisfying to eat.
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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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