Lemon-Tahini Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes
A light, digestion-friendly salad that minimizes bloating while delivering vibrant flavor and nutrients. This mediterranean-inspired salads (gluten-free, vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs halved cherry tomatoes, tahini, lemon juice 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 180 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 3 medium, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 3 medium spiralized zucchini noodles in a colander and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp sea salt; toss gently and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp sea salt until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Toss drained zucchini noodles with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and the tahini dressing until fully coated, ensuring no dry spots remain.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Tahini 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 Lemon-Tahini 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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Tahini 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 Lemon-Tahini 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 Lemon-Tahini Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
