Avocado-Lime Zucchini Noodle Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing, skin-clearing salad with zucchini noodles, creamy avocado, and a bright lime-tahini dressing, perfect for addressing breakout concerns during reintroduction. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe (whole30), ready in about 12 minutes, pairs zucchini, avocado, fresh cilantro into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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.

Prep: 12 min Serves 1 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place spiralized zucchini noodles in a colander and sprinkle with 1/8 tsp sea salt; toss gently and let drain for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lime juice, olive oil, remaining 1/8 tsp sea salt, and black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Rinse drained zucchini noodles under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels. Toss with 1/2 of the tahini dressing until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold in diced avocado and chopped cilantro, then drizzle with remaining dressing just before serving to prevent browning.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Avocado-Lime Zucchini Noodle Salad take to make?

Total time is about 12 minutes (12 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-Lime Zucchini Noodle Salad?

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 zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado-Lime Zucchini Noodle Salad?

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-Lime Zucchini Noodle Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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.

Is Avocado-Lime Zucchini Noodle Salad whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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