This tomato zucchini salad is light, nutritious and refreshing! Bursting with incredible flavor – this salad is perfect with any meal and can be made in less than 10 minutes!
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Fresh Tomato Zucchini Salad
With zucchini season approaching, I am excited to share this fresh zucchini and tomato salad! It is a delicious way to enjoy zucchini (also known as courgette) and perfect option on hot summer days.
Bursting with lovely, fresh flavors, this summer salad embodies the essence of the Mediterranean diet.
I love that this salad is made with wholesome ingredients including fresh tomatoes, zucchini, lemon juice and fresh herbs including basil and coriander (cilantro). You definitely want to try this summertime salad!
To all my salad fans out there – what draws you to fresh salads?...
Is it the texture? The crunchiness?
Or the dressing? And the flavor?
Or the bright vibrant colours? And enjoyable taste?
Or maybe it is all of the above!... You know a good salad when you taste one, it has to have all those elements!
Why You'll Love this Salad
1) Delicious Dressing
This easy zucchini salad has an incredible, zesty and flavorsome dressing that will make you want to grab your spoon and keep eating more!
One of my favorite things about salads is the variety of salad dressings used to bring flavor to the rest of the salad.
My love of salads developed after I tried a salad bowl from the Olive Garden – all I remember is how incredible that dressing was! This salad has the same effect (in its own distinctive way) ... a perfect blend of herbs, citrus, tanginess and a hint of spice!
2) Perfect texture
This is a very unique salad – there is no lettuce!
It has its own flair with the crunch of the zucchini and softness (and hint of sweetness) of the juicy tomatoes coupled with this dressing… a reason it is one of my go-to salads!
3) Quick, easy and versatile
This simple salad is easy to make. All you have to do is prepare the zucchini, chop the tomato and make the dressing – then mix them up and enjoy!
A great option as a light main dish or as a perfect side dish to add wholesome ingredients to your meal!
SAVE this recipe! 📩
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Notes on Ingredients
To make this scrumptious salad you will need:
- Zucchini (courgette): look for a fresh medium zucchini/courgette which is slightly firm to touch. I recommend using a spiralizer to prepare spirals of zucchini. You can also call this a zucchini noodle salad (as we are using spiralized zucchini). If you do not have this a spiralizer you can grate/shred the zucchini instead.
- Tomato: use fresh ripe tomatoes (for their freshness, juiciness and slightly sweet taste). You can also substitute with a handful of ripe juicy cherry tomatoes (or Roma tomatoes).
- Olive oil: I prefer using extra virgin olive oil as it is rich in nutrients including vitamins E and K.
- Lemon juice: you can use either freshly squeezed lemon juice or bottled lemon juice for this salad recipe.
- Balsamic vinegar: a small amount is added to this dressing for a slightly sweet and tangy taste.
- Salt: this enhances the flavor of the other ingredients (you can use a pinch of salt or adjust to taste).
- Garlic clove: garlic is minced to release its flavor in the lemon dressing.
- Coriander (or cilantro): this adds a refreshing taste to the salad (and dressing).
- Red jalapeño chilli pepper: a tiny amount is added to give this salad a hint of spice.
- Spring onion (or green onions/scallions): these are added for their subtle and refreshing taste which enhances the overall depth of flavor of the dressing.
- Basil: basil is another herb added to this dressing for a unique flavor in combination with the coriander/cilantro.
How to Make this Superb Raw Zucchini Salad
- Add the spiralised zucchini/courgette to bowl. Using a spiraliser, twist the courgette/zucchini to form spirals and add to a medium bowl.
- Make the dressing. In a separate bowl, using a spoon mix together the vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, minced garlic, chopped coriander, basil, jalapeño pepper and spring onion.
- Pour dressing over the zucchini/courgette. Evenly pour the dressing over the zucchini/courgette.
- Add the tomatoes and mix together. Add the chopped tomatoes and mix in with the salad. Serve and enjoy!
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: for best results, use fresh, high quality ingredients when preparing this tomato salad recipe.
Look for fresh produce at the grocery store or supermarket.- Tomatoes: Look for ripe tomatoes which are fully red in colour (with no spots) and slightly tender (but not soft).
- Zucchini/courgette: fresh zucchini/courgettes should feel smooth with no wrinkles or discolouration.
- Fresh Herbs: look for fresh coriander and basil – both vibrant in color (where you can smell their aroma).
- Finely chop dressing ingredients: finely chop the coriander, basil, chilli pepper and spring onions to release their flavor in the dressing.
- Mince the garlic into paste: I also recommend mincing garlic using a mincer (rather than chopping the garlic clove) as this helps give you a smooth garlic paste which blends in perfectly with the dressing.
Variations
Mix it up as desired.
- Carrots: you can replace the zucchini/courgette with spiralised (or grated) carrot
- Seasoning: ¼ teaspoon finely ground black pepper for extra heat or ¼ teaspoon of fresh lemon zest.
- Add-ins: You can also add half a red bell pepper (finely chopped) for subtle sweetness and crunch. Feta cheese is another great way to mix it up.
- Red onion: You could also substitute the spring onions with red onion if you prefer.
Storage Tips
Fridge: This zucchini tomato basil salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Transfer into an airtight container and give the salad a final stir before serving.
Note: The flavors of the dressing in the salad intensify slightly more after storing.
For a crunchier salad with milder flavor - the best way to prepare this salad is by making the dressing in advance. Store in an airtight container. When you wish to prepare and serve the salad, combine the dressing with the zucchini and tomatoes!
How to Serve this Salad
You can serve this salad at room temperature or chilled based on your preferences.
This delicious salad can be served as a healthy and refreshing side salad with any pasta or baked dish – including ratatouille (made with fresh vegetables), spaghetti, air fryer naan pizza or air fryer eggplant pizza (and fresh homemade coleslaw).
This great recipe also goes well with garlic breaded mushrooms, air fryer purple sweet potato fries and jalapeño poppers – for a fun party feast at the dinner table!
Hungry for more?
Check out more delicious and fresh recipes!
Tomato Zucchini Salad (Easy and Delicious Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini spiralised (or shredded/grated)
- 1 ripe tomato chopped
Dressing
- ¼ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin (depending on preference)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- Pinch salt (⅛ teaspoon or to taste)
- 1 small/medium garlic clove minced
- 1 tablespoon coriander/cilantro finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red jalepeno chilli pepper (or ½ chilli - optional) chopped
- ½ teaspoon spring onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves chopped
Instructions
- Using a spiraliser, twist the courgette/zucchini to form spirals and add to a medium bowl.
- In a separate large bowl, using a spoon mix together the vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, minced garlic, chopped coriander, basil, jalapeño pepper and spring onions/green onions.
- Evenly pour the dressing over the zucchini/courgette and add the chopped tomatoes and toss ingredients together. Serve and enjoy or store in the fridge for later!
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: for best results, use fresh, high quality ingredients when preparing this salad.
- Dressing: Finely chop the coriander, basil, chilli pepper and spring onions to release their flavour in the dressing. Use a mincer to mince the garlic (rather than chopping the garlic clove) as this helps give you a smooth garlic paste which blends in perfectly with the dressing.
- Storage tips: You can serve this salad at room temperature or chilled based on your preferences. This salad can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, before serving give the salad a final stir.
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