Legume Free Fig & Zucchini Noodle Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Sweet figs and tender zucchini noodles might sound like an unlikely pairing, but the combination is genuinely stunning — jammy, fresh, and just a little peppery from the arugula and basil. The apple cider vinaigrette ties everything together with a warm, golden depth from turmeric and ginger that makes this feel far more special than a simple salad has any right to. Salting the spiralized zucchini and squeezing out the excess moisture is the key step here — it keeps the noodles from going watery and ensures every strand actually holds onto that bright, honey-kissed dressing. Every single ingredient in this dish is naturally free of legumes, so there's no label-scanning or substitution stress involved — just whole, clean produce and pantry staples. The torn mint scattered over the top at the end adds a cool, aromatic finish that pulls the whole bowl together beautifully. It's the kind of dish that looks impressive enough for a dinner party but comes together with minimal effort and zero cooking required.
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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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