Lactose Free Fig & Zucchini Noodle Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Fresh figs and zucchini noodles might sound like an unexpected pairing, but one bite of this vibrant salad and it all makes perfect sense. The spiralized zucchini gets salted and gently squeezed so it softens just enough to mimic the feel of real noodles without turning watery, and that little technique makes a big difference in the final dish. Juicy quartered figs bring a honeyed sweetness that plays beautifully against the peppery arugula and fragrant torn basil. The apple cider vinaigrette ties everything together with a warm, golden depth — turmeric and ginger give it a subtle earthiness that feels anything but ordinary. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of dairy, so there's no swapping or substituting required; this is just a genuinely delicious salad that happens to work perfectly for anyone avoiding lactose. Finish it with a scatter of fresh mint if you have it on hand, and serve immediately while the colors are still vivid and the noodles hold their texture.
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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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