Are you looking for a refreshing and healthy twist on traditional pasta salad? Look no further! We have the perfect recipe to tantalize your taste buds while keeping your health in check. Say hello to Sunnyside Su's Mediterranean Zoodle Pasta Salad - a delightful combination of vibrant flavours and wholesome ingredients that will leave you craving more. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious individual, or simply someone who appreciates good food, this dish is sure to win your heart.
Sunnyside Su's Mediterranean Zoodle Pasta Salad
Ingredients You'll Need
Mediterranean Salad
1 red pepper
1 orange pepper
1 yellow pepper
1 green pepper
olive oil for drizzling before roasting peppers
3-4 zucchinis, spiralized to become zoodles [or buy pre-spiralized zucchini]
1 container grape or cherry tomatoes
3 green onions
1 cup Kalamata olives [pitted]
6 sun dried tomato halves packed in oil
[1/2 cup crumbled feta....if you are okay with dairy]
Mediterranean Salad Dressing
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
How To Make It:
Prepare the Peppers
Cut the coloured peppers into chunks and place on cookie sheet
Drizzle with olive oil and place in a 375F oven for 15 minutes. These colourful veggies will not only add a pop of flavour but also make your dish visually appealing.
Create the Zoodles
While coloured peppers are roasting, use a spiralizer to turn your zucchinis into zoodles, creating a noodle-like structure that will mimic the texture of traditional pasta.
Prep Other Veggies
Halve the cherry tomatoes or leave whole if you prefer
Thinly slice green onions on the diagonal
Ensure olives are pitted and cut into smaller pieces if desired
Drain the sun dried tomatoes and finely chop
Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic cloves, dried oregano and dried basil. The dressing's tangy and herbaceous notes will elevate the overall flavour profile of the salad.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the zoodles, roasted peppers, other pepared veggies, [and crumbled feta cheese, if desired]. This medley of ingredients will create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Toss and Chill
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to ensure that each ingredient is coated evenly. Once mixed, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours meld together.
Serve and Enjoy!
Why You'll Love It:
Healthier Alternative :By swapping traditional pasta with zoodles, you're cutting down on carbs and calories while upping your veggie intake. It's a guilt-free way to indulge in a pasta salad! Feel free to add in any other veggies that you have hanging around! [You can also add pieces of roasted zucchini]
Mediterranean Flair :The combination of olives, oregano, [feta,] and olive oil brings the iconic Mediterranean flavours to your plate. You'll be transported to the sunny shores with every forkful.
Quick and Easy :This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a hassle-free dish that doesn't compromise on taste.
So, whether you're hosting a summer gathering, planning a picnic, or simply craving a wholesome meal, Sunnyside Su's Mediterranean Zoodle Pasta Salad is the answer. Embrace the medley of flavours, textures, and colours that this dish offers, and let every bite be a celebration of good food and good health.
What are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, grab those zucchinis, and embark on a culinary journey that is as delicious as it is nutritious. Your taste buds will thank you, and your body will rejoice in this Mediterranean masterpiece. Bon appétit!
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