Bright Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes
A refreshing, no-cook pasta alternative with zucchini noodles tossed in a zesty lemon-dill dressing and loaded with juicy cherry tomatoes. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegan-friendly) ready in about 15 minutes pairs medium zucchini, cherry tomatoes, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp fresh dill
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize 2 medium zucchinis into noodles, then place in a colander and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt; let sit for 10 minutes to release moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: Halve 12 oz cherry tomatoes and finely dice 1/4 cup red onion.
- Step 3: Zest and juice 1 lemon, then combine with 3 tbsp fresh dill, 3 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp salt to make the dressing.
- Step 4: Toss the dried zucchini noodles with the cherry tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl.
- Step 5: Drizzle the lemon-dill dressing over the mixture and gently fold until evenly coated.
- Step 6: Top with 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bright Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Bright Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Bright Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Bright Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes 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.
Is Bright Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes vegan-friendly?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The lemon really cuts through the zucchini, and the tomatoes are sweet.
- ★★★★★
My kids even ate the zoodles! So good and healthy.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a light dinner, and the dill is a great touch.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
