Oats Free Fig & Zucchini Noodle Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This vibrant noodle salad is a stunning combination of sweet, peppery, and herbaceous flavors that feels both light and deeply satisfying. Spiralized zucchini stands in for traditional pasta or grain-based noodles, making this a naturally wholesome dish that sidesteps any concerns about hidden oat-derived ingredients that can sneak into packaged salad kits or store-bought dressings. The salting-and-draining technique is the secret weapon here — it draws out excess moisture so the noodles stay silky rather than watery, letting that golden apple cider vinaigrette actually cling to every strand. Honey, turmeric, ginger, and garlic give the dressing a warm, slightly exotic depth that pairs beautifully with the jammy sweetness of fresh figs. Baby arugula adds a peppery bite, while torn basil and optional mint keep things fresh and fragrant all the way to the last forkful. It comes together quickly with just a spiralizer and a whisk, making it an effortless choice for a weeknight dinner or an impressive addition to any warm-weather spread.
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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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