Zucchini Noodle Salad with Pesto Dressing

This zucchini noodle salad is a refreshing and healthy summer dish that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The zucchini noodles are spiralized, then tossed with halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil. A simple dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper brings the salad together.

Zucchini noodle salads have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthy and refreshing alternative to traditional pasta salads. They're made with zucchini noodles, which are created by spiralizing zucchini into long, thin strands. Zucchini noodles are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and they're also low in calories and carbohydrates.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Zucchini noodles
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onion
• Pine nuts
• Fresh basil
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Trim the ends off the zucchini and use a spiralizer to create noodles.
2. Place the zucchini noodles in a large bowl.
3. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion.
4. Add the tomatoes, red onion, pine nuts, and basil to the bowl with the zucchini noodles.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
8. Serve immediately.

Why It Works

• The combination of zucchini, tomatoes, red onion, and basil creates a flavorful and refreshing salad.
• The pine nuts add a nutty flavor and texture to the salad.
• The lemon juice in the dressing brightens the flavors of the salad.
• The salad is easy to make and can be prepared in advance.