Caprese Zucchini Noodle Salad

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Immerse yourself in the essence of summer with our Caprese Zucchini Noodle Salad an artful celebration of vibrant colors and fresh flavors that embodies the spirit of the Mediterranean. This delightful dish transforms ordinary zucchinis into whimsical noodles, creating a light and refreshing base. The marriage of cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves brings forth a harmonious medley of textures and tastes.

Elevating the ensemble are toasted pine nuts, adding a delightful crunch and nutty undertones. The pièce de résistance is our homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette a symphony of balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and garlic that enlivens every strand of zucchini. As you take your first forkful, each element dances on your palate, capturing the essence of a classic Caprese salad in a contemporary, noodle-inspired form.

Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, our Caprese Zucchini Noodle Salad beckons you to savor the simplicity and elegance of summer on a plate a culinary journey where freshness and flavor intertwine in a delightful dance of taste and texture.

“Give careful consideration to your pasta selection. Opt for shapes like elbows, shells, or orecchiette, as they seamlessly blend with other ingredients. Ruffled options such as campanelle, cascatelli, and the delightful radiatorre provide texture, trapping sauces and dressings for an enjoyable dining experience. Remember to generously salt the pasta water for enhanced flavor, particularly crucial for cold dishes. When cooking the pasta, go slightly beyond al dente, ensuring it retains a firm texture once cooled. Overcooked pasta can turn tough in the fridge, so strike the right balance for a perfect pasta salad every time. the joy of savoring delicious moments. Let’s embark on a pasta salad adventure together!”

“Dress while the pasta is warm. Avoid the temptation to cool your freshly cooked pasta with cold water. Instead, give it a brief rinse and promptly dress it after draining while it retains warmth. This enables the pasta to absorb the sauce, achieving a luscious silkiness enhanced by the oil. Take a cue from Ina Garten, who employs a similar technique for grain salads.” But the dressing isn’t over! Save some dressing for serving, ensuring a final toss for the pasta salad when it emerges from the fridge. This extra step guarantees a burst of fresh flavor in every bite.”

“Prioritize oil over vinegar. While a sharply acidic vinaigrette suits leafy greens, exercise restraint with acidic components, particularly vinegar, in pasta salads. Over time, the vinegar can develop an undesirable metallic aftertaste. Elevate the dish by increasing the amount of high-quality oil and incorporating flavor enhancers like whole grain mustard, anchovies, or pesto for a tasteful and balanced result.”

Ingredients

3 large zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

. Prepare Zucchini Noodles: Spiralize zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer. Set aside.
Toast Pine Nuts: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast pine nuts until golden brown. Set aside.
Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine zucchini noodles, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, torn basil leaves, and toasted pine nuts.
Prepare Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Dress the Salad: Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the zucchini noodle salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Garnish and Enjoy: Before serving, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. Delight in the Caprese Zucchini Noodle Salad—a refreshing and vibrant celebration of summer flavors.