Rice Free Fig & Zucchini Noodle Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Fresh figs and zucchini noodles make for a stunning combination — sweet, jammy fruit nestled against tender spiralized ribbons with a peppery bite from baby arugula and fragrant torn basil. The apple cider vinaigrette pulls everything together beautifully, with warm notes of turmeric and ginger balanced by honey and a bright hit of garlic. Salting the zucchini first and squeezing out the excess moisture is the key move here — it keeps the noodles from going watery and ensures every strand actually holds onto that glossy dressing. This is the kind of dish that looks like it came from a restaurant but comes together with nothing more than a spiralizer, a whisk, and a handful of fresh produce. Because every ingredient is whole and naturally grain-free, there's no need to audit labels or swap anything out — it just works as written. Serve it immediately so the noodles stay lively and the figs hold their shape, and don't skip the mint if you have it on hand — it adds a cool, aromatic finish that really elevates the whole bowl.
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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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