This light and refreshing Italian Zoodle Salad with sliced chicken is a perfect summer meal or a healthy lunch option. Packed with fresh vegetables, zoodles, and topped with seasoned chicken, it’s a low-carb, flavorful dish that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Low-Carb: Zucchini noodles (zoodles) are a great low-carb substitute for pasta, making this salad light but still satisfying.
- Packed with Freshness: The combination of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, red onion, and basil makes for a vibrant and nutritious salad.
- Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
- Customizable: You can add extra toppings like avocado, roasted red peppers, or olives to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 zucchinis, spiralized (for zoodles)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
Directions
1. Prepare the Zoodles
Spiralize the zucchinis into zoodles (zucchini noodles) using a spiralizer. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or purchase pre-made zucchini noodles from the store.
2. Combine Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, combine the zoodles, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil.
3. Dress the Salad
Pour the Italian dressing over the ingredients in the bowl and toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.
4. Add the Chicken
Top the salad with the cooked and sliced chicken breasts.
5. Serve
Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to marinate.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Chicken: For quicker prep, use grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add cucumber, bell pepper, or other fresh veggies to enhance the salad.
- Make It Vegan: Omit the chicken and feta cheese, or use plant-based feta for a vegan version.
- Zoodle Texture: If you prefer your zoodles softer, you can sauté them in a pan for 1-2 minutes before adding them to the salad.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Italian dressing for an extra kick.
How to Serve
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread for a more filling meal.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a light side salad to balance the flavors.
- With a Lemon Vinaigrette: If you prefer a lighter dressing, use a lemon vinaigrette instead of Italian dressing.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. The zoodles may release some moisture, so it’s best to serve this salad fresh for the best texture.
- Meal Prep: To make it ahead, prepare the zoodles and vegetables, but wait to add the dressing and chicken until just before serving to keep everything fresh.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients (zoodles, veggies, and chicken) in advance, but it’s best to toss with dressing and add the chicken just before serving.
2. Can I substitute the chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or a plant-based protein of your choice.
3. Can I use a different dressing?
Feel free to use balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or a lemon-based dressing to suit your taste.
4. How do I prevent the zoodles from becoming soggy?
If you’re not serving immediately, pat the zoodles dry with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture before mixing with the dressing.
5. Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the dressing is gluten-free.
6. What other toppings can I add?
You can add nuts, seeds, or additional cheese like parmesan for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Italian Zoodle Salad with slices of chicken is a light, healthy, and customizable dish perfect for any meal. With its fresh ingredients, flavorful chicken, and tangy dressing, it’s a delightful salad that will satisfy your taste buds without weighing you down. Enjoy this nutritious and delicious meal any time of year!
Print
Italian Zoodle Salad with Slices of Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant and healthy Italian Zoodle Salad is perfect for a light, refreshing meal. Spiralized zucchini (zoodles) takes the place of traditional pasta, making this salad a low-carb option that’s full of flavor. Topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, black olives, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing, it’s further elevated by tender slices of grilled chicken. Quick to prepare and bursting with fresh ingredients, this salad makes an excellent lunch or dinner option.
Ingredients
- 2 zucchinis, spiralized (zoodles)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the spiralized zucchini (zoodles), halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped basil.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine everything evenly.
- Arrange the sliced chicken breasts on top of the salad.
- Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing cold dish. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can grill the chicken with Italian herbs before slicing.
- Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- To make it dairy-free, omit the feta cheese or use a non-dairy alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes