Avocado-Cucumber Zoodle Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing, skin-clearing salad that eliminates Whole30 breakout triggers with no nightshades or added sugars. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium zucchini, large avocado, medium cucumber for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spiralize 4 medium zucchinis into noodles and place in a colander. Toss with 1/2 tsp sea salt and let drain for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: Dice 1 large avocado and 1 medium cucumber into 1/4-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl with 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion and 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
  3. Step 3: Squeeze juice from 2 medium limes into a small bowl, then whisk in 2 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp sea salt until emulsified. Pour dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained zucchini noodles to the bowl and toss until evenly distributed. Chill for 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Avocado-Cucumber Zoodle Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (25 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Avocado-Cucumber Zoodle Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado-Cucumber Zoodle Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Avocado-Cucumber Zoodle Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Avocado-Cucumber Zoodle Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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