Cucumber-Tomato Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon Herb
A refreshing, skin-clearing salad with vitamin C and hydration-boosting ingredients to combat cycle-related breakouts. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 15 minutes pairs Zucchini, Cherry tomatoes, Cucumber for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 medium Cucumber
- 1/2 medium Lemon
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize 2 medium zucchinis into noodles. Place in a colander and toss with 1/4 tsp sea salt to draw out excess moisture. Let sit for 5 minutes, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Step 2: Chop 1/2 medium cucumber and 1 cup cherry tomatoes into small pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together juice of 1/2 lemon, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tbsp olive oil, and remaining 1/4 tsp sea salt until emulsified.
- Step 3: Toss the dried zucchini noodles, cucumber, and tomatoes with the lemon-dill dressing until evenly coated. Chill for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and enhance skin-clearing properties.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cucumber-Tomato Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon Herb 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 Cucumber-Tomato Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon Herb?
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 Cucumber-Tomato Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon Herb?
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 Cucumber-Tomato Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon Herb 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.
What goes well with Cucumber-Tomato Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon Herb?
Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a compliant starch (roasted sweet potato, cauliflower rice, or plantains), a crisp salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, and sliced fruit. Skip grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar — none of them are Whole30-compliant. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
