Honey Free Zucchini Noodles with Herb & Garlic Olive Oil
Zucchini noodles are one of those dishes that look impressive but come together in minutes, and this version is genuinely craveable thanks to a fragrant base of golden garlic, turmeric, and ginger bloomed right in the olive oil. The technique of salting the spiralized zucchini first is a small but smart move — it draws out excess moisture so the noodles stay bright and slightly toothsome instead of turning soggy in the pan. Fresh basil, parsley, lemon juice, and zest go in off the heat, which keeps the herbs vivid and the citrus sharp rather than cooked out. The whole thing is built entirely from produce, olive oil, and spices, so there's no need to scan labels or swap anything out — it's naturally free of any sweeteners without any modification at all. It works beautifully as a light main or a side alongside grilled fish or roasted chicken, and the leftovers (if you have any) are great cold straight from the fridge.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 medium zucchini (about 2 lb total)
- ¾ tsp fine sea salt, divided
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Spiralize the zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer, or cut into thin ribbons with a julienne peeler. Place the noodles in a colander set over the sink, toss with 1/2 tsp of the salt, and let stand for 5 minutes until slightly softened and moisture begins to release. Pat dry with paper towels.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-low heat until shimmering. Add the garlic slices and cook, stirring frequently, until pale golden at the edges and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes — watch closely, as the slices can brown quickly.
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