![- 2 medium zucchinis - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper - 1 tablespoon basil pesto (optional) When making Zucchini Noodle Caprese Salad, you want the freshest ingredients. Start with the zucchinis. I like using medium-sized ones, as they spiralize well. Spiralizing turns them into fun noodles. Next, grab a cup of cherry tomatoes. Halve them to release their juicy flavor. Fresh mozzarella balls add creamy texture. Halve these too for easy bites. You can't forget the fresh basil! I suggest tearing the leaves for a fragrant touch. Now, for the dressing, grab balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. These will bring brightness to your salad. Don't skip on sea salt and cracked black pepper. They enhance the flavors. If you're feeling adventurous, add basil pesto for an extra kick. For the full recipe, check out the details in the complete guide. Enjoy the fresh taste and vibrant colors of this simple dish! To start, you need to spiralize the zucchinis. Use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler. Aim for long, noodle-like strands. This will give your salad a fun texture. After spiralizing, transfer the noodles to a large mixing bowl. Make sure they are separate from the other ingredients. Next, it's time to add the other ingredients. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls. Be careful not to crush the mozzarella. It adds creaminess to the salad. Now, take the fresh basil leaves. Tear them by hand and scatter them over the salad. This adds a bright aroma. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Add a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. This vinaigrette will bring all the flavors together. Now it’s time to combine everything. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. Use tongs to gently mix the ingredients. Aim to coat every strand of zucchini without breaking them. If you want extra flavor, you can add basil pesto on top before serving. Enjoy your salad right away for the best taste. For a deeper flavor, let it sit for 10-15 minutes. You can find the Full Recipe above for detailed instructions. To make great zucchini noodles, use a good spiralizer. A handheld spiralizer works well, but a countertop version is even better. This tool gives you long, even noodles. After spiralizing, place the noodles in a colander. This helps drain excess water. Zucchini holds a lot of moisture, so this step is key. If your noodles are too wet, they can make your salad soggy. Adjusting seasoning is easy. Start with sea salt and black pepper. Taste the salad as you mix. If you want more flavor, add a bit more salt or pepper. Fresh herbs bring your salad to life. I love using torn basil leaves. They add a lovely aroma and taste. You can also try parsley or mint for a twist. Serve your salad in wide, shallow bowls. This makes it look beautiful and inviting. For a gourmet touch, drizzle balsamic reduction on top. It adds a nice shine and flavor. Finally, garnish with extra torn basil. This not only looks good but adds freshness too. Enjoy your meal that is as pretty as it is tasty. For the full recipe, be sure to follow my detailed steps! {{image_4}} You can easily swap out the zucchini for other vegetables. Carrots, cucumber, or even sweet potatoes can add crunch and color. Each veggie brings its own taste and texture. If you want to change the cheese, try feta or goat cheese. These options add a tangy twist to your salad. You can explore different vinaigrettes to change the flavor. A lemon vinaigrette can give a bright, fresh taste. You can also try a garlic-infused dressing. This adds depth and makes each bite exciting. Don't be afraid to mix and match! Pair this salad with proteins to make it a full meal. Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. You can also enjoy it as a side dish with steak or fish. Add some crusty bread, and you have a lovely dinner. Enjoy it at a picnic or a barbecue for a fun twist! To keep your Zucchini Noodle Caprese Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out. If possible, separate the dressing from the salad. This keeps the zucchini from getting soggy. You can mix it just before serving. For the best taste, use the salad within two days. If you plan to enjoy leftovers, consider adding fresh basil and mozzarella right before eating. This keeps the flavors bright and vibrant. In the fridge, this salad lasts about two days. After that, the zucchini may lose its crunch. Check for any off smells or slimy textures. These are signs that the salad has gone bad. If you notice them, it’s time to toss it out. Enjoy your fresh salad while it’s at its best! For the full recipe, click here: [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can prepare parts of the salad ahead of time. Spiralize the zucchinis and store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. You can also chop the tomatoes and mozzarella and store them separately. Assemble the salad just before serving. This keeps the flavors fresh and bright. Zucchini noodles are very healthy. They are low in calories and high in water content. This makes them great for hydration. Zucchini is full of vitamins A and C, which boost your immune system. They are also a good source of fiber, which promotes good digestion. If you don’t like mozzarella, try using feta cheese or goat cheese. Both options add a nice tangy flavor. You can also use avocado for creaminess if you want a dairy-free choice. Each option adds its own twist to the salad. Yes, you can use many herbs instead of basil. Fresh parsley, cilantro, or mint can add unique flavors. Oregano is another great option. Feel free to mix and match to create your own version. This keeps the salad exciting and fresh. To avoid soggy noodles, salt the zucchini first. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. After that, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps keep your salad crisp and enjoyable. This salad combines fresh zucchini noodles, tomatoes, and mozzarella for a tasty dish. You learned how to prepare the ingredients, mix flavors, and present it beautifully. Customizing the salad with unique flavors or proteins can make it your own. Always store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy meal anytime. Embrace creativity and have fun in the kitchen!](https://dishtreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9c06bc60-1dc6-4324-8b6b-f347b8231277-300x300.webp)
Zucchini Noodle Caprese Salad
Experience a fresh and vibrant twist with this Zucchini Noodle Caprese Salad that's perfect for any occasion! Made with spiralized zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, it’s a light and refreshing dish. Drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette and optional basil pesto for added flavor, this salad is easy to prepare and delightful to taste.