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Fresh Zucchini Noodle Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta and Pine Nuts

fresh zucchini noodle pasta salad - featured image
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A light, vibrant, and addictive summer salad featuring fresh zucchini noodles, tangy feta, toasted pine nuts, and a bright lemon dressing. Perfect for quick, healthy meals or outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchini (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams), spiralized into noodles
  • 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese (choose creamy feta like President or Valbreso)
  • ½ cup (60g) pine nuts, toasted lightly
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash the zucchini and trim the ends. Using your spiralizer, create long, thin noodles.
  2. If you prefer less watery noodles, sprinkle them lightly with salt and place in a colander for 10-15 minutes. Then, gently squeeze out excess moisture with clean kitchen towels.
  3. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. In a large bowl, combine zucchini noodles, halved cherry tomatoes (if using), and chopped basil.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  7. Sprinkle crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts over the salad. Give it one last light toss or serve them on top for a prettier presentation.
  8. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to mingle.

Notes

To prevent a watery salad, salt and drain the zucchini noodles before assembling. Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. Dressing can be prepared ahead and chilled. Toss salad gently with tongs to avoid squishing noodles. Store dressing separately if making ahead to keep noodles crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini noodles, pasta salad, feta cheese, pine nuts, summer salad, healthy salad, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/fresh-zucchini-noodle-pasta-salad-recipe-with-feta-and-pine-nuts-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/