Gluten-Free Mediterranean Zucchini Pasta Salad
A fresh, vibrant pasta salad featuring spiralized zucchini noodles tossed with Mediterranean staples like kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and chickpeas. The tangy red wine vinegar dressing with oregano and Dijon mustard brings all the flavors together beautifully. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or light weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying yet refreshing. The spiralized zucchini provides a wonderful pasta-like texture while keeping the dish light and veggie-packed.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 2 medium zucchini
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 14-ounce can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
- ½ cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled(optional)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, and mustard in a medium bowl
- 2
Taste dressing and season with salt and pepper
- 3
Slice zucchini halfway through lengthwise without piercing the center
- 4
Spiralize zucchini with Blade C and place in a large bowl
- 5
Add sliced onion, artichoke hearts, olives, chickpeas, feta, spinach, and tomatoes to the bowl
- 6
Pour dressing over salad and toss well to combine
- 7
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve
Tips
Use a spiralizer with Blade C for the best zucchini noodle texture that mimics pasta
Pat zucchini noodles dry with paper towels if they seem watery before adding other ingredients
Make the salad up to 2 hours ahead but add spinach just before serving to prevent wilting
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 2 days. Drain excess liquid before serving.
Can make dressing and prep vegetables 1 day ahead. Assemble within 2 hours of serving.
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Great for potlucks and picnics.
Common Mistakes
Don't over-spiralize zucchini or it becomes mushy
Add spinach last to prevent wilting
Drain chickpeas and artichokes well to avoid watery salad
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this without a spiralizer?
Yes, use a vegetable peeler to make thin zucchini ribbons or julienne with a knife, though the texture will be different from pasta-like noodles.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
The salad keeps well for up to 2 days covered in the fridge. Drain any excess liquid before serving leftovers.
Can I freeze this pasta salad?
No, this salad doesn't freeze well due to the high water content in zucchini and the fresh vegetables which become mushy when thawed.