Vegetarian Fig & Zucchini Noodle Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Fresh figs and zucchini noodles might sound like an unlikely pairing, but one bite of this vibrant salad will make total sense of it. The spiralized zucchini gets salted and gently squeezed so it softens just enough to act like real noodles without turning watery, which means the golden apple cider vinaigrette actually clings to every strand. That dressing is quietly brilliant — honey, turmeric, ginger, and a little raw garlic come together into something warm and bright at the same time. Peppery arugula and torn basil add layers of freshness, while the quartered figs bring a jammy, honeyed sweetness that makes the whole bowl feel a little luxurious. Optional mint scattered over the top right before serving takes it from great to genuinely stunning. Everything here is whole, plant-based, and naturally free of meat or fish, so there's no need to swap or substitute a single thing. It's the kind of salad that works as a light lunch, a dinner starter, or the dish you bring to a gathering and quietly watch disappear first.
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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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