Okay, so picture this: you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and totally guilt-free, but you also want a meal that’s a total flavor bomb. Well, my friend, let me introduce you to my latest obsession: a Chinese Zucchini Noodle Salad that checks all those boxes and then some.
I love creating healthy and vibrant dishes, and my Chinese Zucchini Noodle Salad is packed with fresh vegetables like zucchini, carrot, and red bell pepper. The salad features a flavorful dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, providing a perfect balance of umami and tanginess.
Topped with toasted sesame seeds and roasted peanuts, it’s a deliciously crunchy delight. My favorite part?
It’s nutritious and incredibly refreshing!
Chinese Zucchini Noodle Salad Recipe Ingredients
- Zucchinis: Low in calories, zucchinis are rich in fiber and vitamin C, promoting digestion and boosting immunity.
- Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene, carrots support eye health and provide a subtle sweetness.
- Bell Pepper: A great source of vitamins A and C, adding crunch and vibrant color to the salad.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami flavor and contains a small amount of protein.
- Sesame Oil: Provides healthy fats and a nutty aroma, enhancing the salad’s flavor profile.
- Honey: Natural sweetness balances the savory and tangy elements.
- Garlic: Offers antibacterial properties and a pungent, savory taste.
Chinese Zucchini Noodle Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized or julienned
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How to Make this Chinese Zucchini Noodle Salad Recipe
1. Begin by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
2. Spiralize or julienne the zucchinis and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the julienned carrot and sliced red bell pepper to the bowl with the zucchini noodles.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss them until evenly coated.
5. Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld.
6. While the salad rests, toast the sesame seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
7. Once the salad has rested, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top.
8. Add the chopped green onions and roasted peanuts to the salad, tossing lightly to distribute evenly.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves as desired.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, flavorful Chinese Zucchini Noodle Salad.
Chinese Zucchini Noodle Salad Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Small bowl
2. Whisk
3. Spiralizer or julienne peeler
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Cutting board
6. Knife
7. Small dry skillet
8. Spatula or spoon for tossing
9. Measuring spoons
FAQ
- Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead, but for best texture, add the dressing and peanuts just before serving to keep the zucchini noodles from getting soggy. - Q: What can I use instead of honey?
A: You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness in the dressing. - Q: How do I toast sesame seeds?
A: Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. - Q: Is there a way to make this salad spicier?
A: Yes, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the dressing for extra heat. - Q: Can I add protein to this salad?
A: Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great additions to make it a more filling meal. - Q: How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the texture may change slightly. - Q: Are there alternatives to zucchini noodles?
A: Yes, you can use cucumber noodles or thin rice noodles as an alternative to zucchini noodles.
Chinese Zucchini Noodle Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- For the soy sauce, substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Replace rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar if preferred.
- Use maple syrup in place of honey for a vegan option.
- Swap sesame oil with olive oil for a milder flavor.
- Instead of roasted peanuts, use roasted cashews for a different nutty taste.
Pro Tips
1. Maximize Flavor Absorption: After spiralizing or julienning the zucchini, lightly sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and let them sit in a colander for a few minutes. This will draw out excess moisture, allowing the dressing to adhere better and enhance the flavor.
2. Customize Heat Levels: If you prefer a spicier salad, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of Sriracha to the dressing. Conversely, reduce the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
3. Enhanced Texture: For extra crunch, you can add thinly sliced water chestnuts or edamame to the salad. These ingredients complement the existing textures and maintain the refreshing feel of the dish.
4. Balanced Sweetness: If you find the sweetness of the honey too overpowering, try substituting it with a dash of maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile, or reduce the amount slightly.
5. Optimal Freshness: Prepare this salad shortly before serving, as the zucchini noodles can become soggy if left for too long. Keeping the vegetables fresh and crisp will elevate the overall experience.
Chinese Zucchini Noodle Salad Recipe
My favorite Chinese Zucchini Noodle Salad Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Small bowl
2. Whisk
3. Spiralizer or julienne peeler
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Cutting board
6. Knife
7. Small dry skillet
8. Spatula or spoon for tossing
9. Measuring spoons
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized or julienned
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
2. Spiralize or julienne the zucchinis and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the julienned carrot and sliced red bell pepper to the bowl with the zucchini noodles.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss them until evenly coated.
5. Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld.
6. While the salad rests, toast the sesame seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
7. Once the salad has rested, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top.
8. Add the chopped green onions and roasted peanuts to the salad, tossing lightly to distribute evenly.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves as desired.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, flavorful Chinese Zucchini Noodle Salad.
