This Italian Zoodle Salad with Slices of Chicken is a light and refreshing dish that combines the crispness of zucchini noodles (zoodles) with vibrant vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and flavorful grilled chicken. Tossed in Italian dressing, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal perfect for warm weather, or a light dinner option any time of the year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Low Carb & Gluten-Free: Zucchini noodles replace traditional pasta, making this salad both low carb and gluten-free.
Packed with Fresh Flavors: The combination of fresh veggies, feta cheese, and basil gives the salad a burst of flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep: It’s a great option for lunch or dinner throughout the week, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to your preference.
Customizable: Add more veggies or swap the chicken for other protein options like turkey, shrimp, or tofu.

Ingredients

2 zucchinis, spiralized (zoodles)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup Italian dressing
2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced

Directions

Prepare the Zoodles: Spiralize the zucchinis into zoodles (zucchini noodles) using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler. Set aside in a large bowl.
Prepare the Vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion, and cut the black olives. Add these to the bowl with the zoodles.
Add Feta and Basil: Crumble the feta cheese over the salad and add the chopped fresh basil leaves.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the ingredients in the bowl and toss to combine.
Top with Chicken: Arrange the sliced cooked chicken breasts on top of the salad.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours if you prefer it chilled.

Tips for the Best Italian Zoodle Salad

For Added Protein: If you’d like extra protein, add a boiled egg or chickpeas for additional crunch and texture.
Veggie Variations: Add other fresh veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and crunch.
Dressing Variations: You can make your own dressing by mixing olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning.
To Make Ahead: Prepare all the ingredients and store them separately. Toss everything together just before serving to keep the zoodles from getting soggy.
If You Don’t Have a Spiralizer: Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to create thin strips of zucchini, or simply slice them into thin ribbons.

Serving Suggestions

This Italian Zoodle Salad with Slices of Chicken is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of garlic bread, a light soup, or a small bowl of olives for an even more filling meal.

Nutritional Benefits

Zoodles are a great low-carb alternative to pasta, providing fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Chicken adds lean protein to keep you satisfied.
Feta Cheese gives a creamy, tangy flavor, while providing calcium and protein.
Fresh Vegetables like tomatoes, olives, and basil are full of vitamins and healthy fats.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.

Conclusion

This Italian Zoodle Salad with Slices of Chicken is a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying dish that comes together quickly. Perfect for meal prepping or a light lunch/dinner, it’s a great way to enjoy fresh veggies and lean protein without compromising on flavor. Enjoy the zesty, fresh flavors with every bite!