Fresh Margherita Zoodle Salad – A Light & Tasty Delight

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Total time: 10 minutes

Dive into a bowl of freshness with this Margherita Zoodle Salad, offering a healthful take on the classic flavors of a Margherita pizza without the carbs. This vibrant dish combines zucchini noodles with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all tossed in a light homemade dressing.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing your zucchini noodles using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler. If you’re using a vegetable peeler, continue peeling the zucchini into long ribbons to mimic the shape of noodles.
2. Transfer the zoodles to a large bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the zoodle mixture and gently toss to combine, ensuring that the zoodles are well-coated with the dressing.
5. If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes to introduce a spicy kick to the salad.
6. Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, you can also refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes prior to serving, as this will give more time for the zoodles to absorb the dressing.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes:
If you’d like a more substantial meal, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad. This can still be accomplished within the preparation time if you use pre-cooked ingredients. For a vegan version, omit the mozzarella and add your favorite plant-based cheese or some avocado for creaminess.

Savor the simplicity and freshness of this Margherita Zoodle Salad as a stand-alone meal or as a side to your favorite entrées. Healthy eating doesn’t mean compromising on flavor!