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Fresh Grain-Free Summer Salad with Veggie Noodles

grain-free summer salad - featured image
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A refreshing, light, and colorful grain-free summer salad featuring spiralized veggie noodles and a zesty dressing, perfect for hot days and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and spiralized
  • 1 large cucumber, sliced into thin ribbons or spiralized
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Using your spiralizer, turn the zucchinis and carrots into noodles (about 10 minutes). If using a julienne peeler, peel long strips and cut into shorter lengths. Avoid over-spiralizing zucchini to prevent mushiness.
  2. Thinly slice the cucumber and red bell pepper. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the avocado. Toss diced avocado in 1 tsp lemon juice immediately to prevent browning.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until emulsified and smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the veggie noodles, cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, and herbs. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  5. Gently fold in the diced avocado to keep chunks intact. Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top for extra crunch and nuttiness.
  6. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to meld flavors. If chilling, add avocado and seeds just before serving to maintain texture.
  7. If the salad looks watery, drain excess liquid before tossing. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed before serving.

Notes

Spiralize veggies just before assembling to keep noodles crisp. Whisk dressing briskly to emulsify. Start with light salt and adjust after tossing. Drain excess liquid if salad becomes watery. Add avocado and seeds fresh if chilling salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: grain-free salad, summer salad, veggie noodles, spiralized vegetables, healthy salad, low-carb, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/fresh-grain-free-summer-salad-with-veggie-noodles-easy-healthy-recipe/