Tree Nut Free Fig & Zucchini Noodle Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This salad is a stunning combination of sweet, peppery, and bright — the kind of dish that looks like it came from a fancy restaurant but comes together in your own kitchen with minimal effort. Spiralized zucchini noodles get salted and gently squeezed to release excess moisture, which is a small but crucial step that keeps the dressing from turning watery and ensures every bite is properly coated. The apple cider vinaigrette is whisked together with honey, turmeric, ginger, and garlic for a dressing that's tangy, warmly spiced, and just a little golden. Quartered fresh figs bring a jammy sweetness that plays beautifully against the peppery arugula and fragrant torn basil. Every single ingredient here is naturally free from tree nuts, so there's no need to swap anything out or second-guess a label — it's just clean, whole-food cooking from start to finish. Serve it immediately after tossing so the noodles stay lively and the figs hold their shape. It works as a light lunch, a dinner starter, or a showstopper side at your next gathering.
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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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