Are you tired of boring, heavy pasta salads that leave you feeling sluggish? Get ready to revolutionize your dining experience with this mouthwatering Low Carb Italian Zucchini Pasta Salad that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure! Imagine twirling your fork into a vibrant, refreshing dish that's packed with flavor, nutrition, and zero guilt. This recipe is about to become your new summer obsession, offering a perfect blend of fresh ingredients and zesty Italian dressing that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Wash the zucchinis thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Using a spiralizer, spiralize the zucchinis into noodle-like shapes. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or a vegetable peeler to create thin strips. Once spiralized, place the zucchini noodles in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, take the cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl with the zucchini noodles.
- Slice the black olives and add them to the mixing bowl. If you prefer, you can use whole olives and slice them just before adding them to the salad.
- Dice the red onion into small pieces. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad. This will help reduce the sharpness. Add the diced red onion to the bowl.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the zucchini noodle mixture. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and coated with the dressing.
- Once mixed, let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the taste of the salad.
- After the resting period, give the salad another gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add salt, pepper, or more dressing according to your preference.
- Serve the Low Carb Italian Zucchini Pasta Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Enjoy it fresh as a side dish or a light main course.
Tips
- Spiralizer Secrets: For the best texture, choose firm zucchinis and pat them completely dry after spiralizing to prevent a watery salad.
- Flavor Enhancement: Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to fully infuse the vegetables with delicious Italian flavors.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or mozzarella cheese to make this a more substantial meal.
- Dressing Tip: For a lighter version, try making your own Italian dressing with olive oil, herbs, and a splash of vinegar.
- Storage Hack: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Just drain any excess liquid before serving.
- Prep Ahead: You can spiralize the zucchini and chop vegetables in advance to make quick assembly easier during busy weekdays.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 118kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
