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+ servings
A fresh salad made with zucchini noodles, oranges, and a sesame dressing.
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5 from 1 vote

Asian Orange Sesame Zoodle Salad

This Asian Orange Sesame Zoodle Salad is bursting with fresh flavors, crunch, and color. It’s so fun to eat, and is more like eating an Asian noodle dish than a salad. If you’re bored with lettuce, up your salad game with spiralized veggies.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Servings: 4 serving
Calories: 254kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 large zucchini (or 2 smaller ones)
  • 1 large carrot
  • 2 bell peppers (I used 1 yellow, 1 red)
  • 3 cups baby swiss chard (sub arugula or spinach)
  • 2 large oranges, peeled and sectioned*
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup almonds, toasted and chopped
  • 3 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup +1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon date syrup
  • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (or a bit less, depending on taste)

Instructions

  • Spiralize zuccchini. I recommend using 1 large zucchini to get the best "noodles."
  • Peel carrot, and use a veggie peeler to create long strands.
  • Slice bell peppers in thin strips.
  • Cut the peel off the orange, and then use a knife to remove sections, leaving the pith behind.
  • In a large salad bowl, add zucchini noodles, carrot strands, peppers, and orange segments. Add baby swiss chard (or arugula or spinach), and chopped cilantro.
  • In a small jar, add all dressing ingredients, and shake well. Taste, and adjust salt to your tastes. I recommend starting with about 1/8, and adding more to taste. The sweet/salty/tangy flavor profiles are what make this dressing so addictive, so I don't recommend leaving it out entirely!
  • When ready to serve, add dressing to salad ingredients, and toss. Top with almonds and sesame seeds.
  • This salad is great right after it's dressed. Baby swiss chard stays crunchy for hours after it's dressed, so it's fine to eat leftovers the next day. If you think there will be leftovers, do not add spinach or arugula to the mix (you can just add to your plate to serve), because those both get very soggy after being dressed.
  • Serve for a light lunch or summer dinner on it's own, or add chicken or salmon for a delicious summery meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 309mg | Potassium: 659mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 6440IU | Vitamin C: 131.2mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 2.6mg