Zucchini Pasta Salad

Enjoy a refreshing twist on a classic dish with our Zucchini Pasta Salad, perfect for those managing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). This delightful recipe features tender zucchini ribbons, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a light, flavorful dressing. Rich in nutrients and low in sodium, this salad is designed to support your kidney health while satisfying your taste buds. Simple to prepare and packed with kidney-friendly ingredients, it's a perfect addition to your healthy eating routine.

Close Up Of Zucchini Pasta Salad

Someone with CKD would enjoy this Zucchini Pasta Salad because it combines fresh zucchini and a variety of spices for a vibrant, refreshing taste that's both satisfying and delicious. Designed with CKD patients in mind, the recipe is low in sodium and potassium, ensuring it supports kidney health. Easy to prepare and rich in vitamins and antioxidants, this salad is a light, nutritious, and convenient option for a healthy meal.

If you love salad, then you are really going to enjoy this Cold Noodle Salad or this Caesar Pasta Salad. Salads are great for those with CKD, you just have to figure out which ones you enjoy the most and make them often.

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Ingredients

Indulge in our Zucchini Pasta Salad, a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for those managing CKD. With fresh zucchini pieces, a variety of spices, and a light dressing, this kidney-friendly salad is both nutritious and delicious.

Zucchini Pasta Salad Ingredients
  • Diced red onion - Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped - Provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
  • Zucchini, cut into 1-inch cubes - A low-potassium vegetable that serves as a nutritious base.
  • Olive oil - A heart-healthy fat that enhances the flavors.
  • Bowtie pasta, dried - Adds a satisfying texture and serves as a hearty element.
  • Chopped walnuts - Contributes a rich, nutty crunch.
  • Garlic - Enhances the overall flavor with a mild pungency.
  • Parmesan - Adds a savory, umami touch.

Dressing:

  • Olive oil - Acts as a smooth, healthy base for the dressing.
  • Red wine vinegar - Provides a tangy, balanced acidity.
  • Lime juice - Adds a refreshing citrus note.
  • Red pepper flakes - Gives a subtle, spicy kick.
  • Black pepper - Complements the dressing with gentle spiciness.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

This Zucchini Pasta Salad combines fresh ingredients with a flavorful dressing, creating a vibrant and nutritious dish. Perfect as a side or light main course, it’s a delicious and refreshing option for any meal.

Step 1 of Zucchini Pasta Salad

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add pasta and cook to al dente (12-13 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water, set aside.

Step 2 Zucchini Pasta Salad

2. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and toast until fragrant and golden, 2-3 minutes. Remove nuts from pan and set aside.

Step 3 Zucchini Pasta Salad

3. Add 2 teaspoon oil to the skillet. Add zucchini to skillet, and cook 6-8 minutes until it begins to soften. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 5 Zucchini Pasta Salad

5. Add onion, parsley, zucchini, pasta, walnuts, garlic and parmesan to dressing and toss to combine. Allow to sit for 15-20 minutes stirring occasionally to combine flavors.

Step 4 Zucchini Pasta Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine dressing ingredients: olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, red pepper flakes, and black pepper and whisk to combine.

Hint: For an extra burst of flavor, try lightly grilling the zucchini before adding it to the salad. This will enhance its natural sweetness and add a subtle smoky touch.

Perfectly Done Zucchini Pasta Salad

Substitutions

You can customize this Zucchini Pasta Salad with a few easy substitutions to suit your taste or dietary needs:

  • Whole Wheat Pasta - Instead of bowtie pasta, use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
  • Sunflower Seeds - If you're looking for a nut-free option, swap the walnuts with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
  • Nutritional Yeast - For a dairy-free version, replace the parmesan with nutritional yeast to maintain that savory, umami flavor.

These substitutions will keep the salad delicious while catering to various preferences.

Variations

For those with CKD, here are three variation ideas to enjoy this Zucchini Pasta Salad:

  • Herb-Infused Variation - Add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to enhance the flavor without adding extra salt or potassium.
  • Protein-Boosted Variation - Include a kidney-friendly protein source like grilled chicken or tofu to make the salad more filling and balanced.

These variations will help you enjoy the salad while keeping it suitable for a CKD diet.

Storage

For storing your Zucchini Pasta Salad:

  • Fridge Storage: Place the salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This will help maintain its freshness and flavor.
  • Freezer Storage: While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month. However, note that the texture of the vegetables may change upon thawing.

These storage options allow you to enjoy the salad over several days or prepare it in advance.

Bowl of Zucchini Pasta Salad

FAQs for Pasta Zucchini Salad

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute bowtie pasta with any other pasta shape, such as penne, fusilli, or whole wheat pasta.

How do I keep the zucchini from becoming soggy?

To prevent soggy zucchini, you can lightly salt the zucchini cubes and let them sit for a few minutes before patting them dry. This will draw out excess moisture.

Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Yes, feel free to add other kidney-friendly vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or radishes to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the salad.

More Kidney Friendly Salads

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Kidney Friendly Side Dishes

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Pasta Salad with Zucchini:

If you tried this Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!

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Zucchini Pasta Salad

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A refreshing Zucchini Pasta Salad, perfect for CKD diets—light, flavorful, and packed with kidney-friendly nutrients. Enjoy a guilt-free, delicious meal!

  • Author: Mathea Ford, MBA, RDN, LD
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Non Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 8 oz zucchini, cut into 1 in cubes - a little less than 1 medium zucchini
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 oz bowtie pasta, dried (about 2 cups)
  • 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
  • 1 tsp garlic
  • 2 tbsp parmesan

Dressing

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add pasta and cook to al dente (12-13 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water, set aside.
  2. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and toast until fragrant and golden, 2-3 minutes. Remove nuts from pan and set aside.
  3. Add 2 teaspoon oil to the skillet. Add zucchini to skillet, and cook 6-8 minutes until it begins to soften. Remove from pan and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, combine dressing ingredients: olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, red pepper flakes, and black pepper and whisk to combine.
  5. Add onion, parsley, zucchini, pasta, walnuts, garlic and parmesan to dressing and toss to combine. Allow to sit for 15-20 minutes stirring occasionally to combine flavors.

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