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KETO LAZY ZOODLE CAPRESE SALAD (HEART HEALTHY)

Name: KETO LAZY ZOODLE CAPRESE SALAD
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: LUNCH
Ingredients: 8 medium zucchini, spiralized*; 1 cup (4 ounces) halved cherry tomatoes or baby cherry tomatoes; 1 cup of bocconcini, cut in half; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup Parmigiano -Reggiano; 1 tablespoon Keto mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon stevia; 1 garlic clove, freshly grated; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; *One zucchini makes about 1 cup zoodles or ½ cup of cooked zoodles

ALL RECIPES, BROWSE BY:, Keto Heart Healthy Dinner Recipes, Keto Heart Healthy Lunch Recipes, KETO HEART HEALTHY RECIPES, Keto Heart Healthy Salad Recipes, Keto Heart Healthy Snack Recipes, KETO LAZY RECIPES, Keto Low-Carb Lunch Recipes, Keto Low-Carb Salad Recipes, Keto Low-Carb Snack Recipes, Keto Meal Prepping Recipes, Keto Pasta Recipes, Keto Zucchini Recipes

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Introducing the Keto Zoodle Caprese Salad, a delightful creation showcasing the versatility of spiralized zucchini noodles. Despite any naysayers, let’s be clear: a dish brimming with spiralized and cooked zucchini is in no way akin to traditional pasta. Yet, the allure of zoodles remains undeniable, particularly when incorporated into refreshing summer salads. Beyond mere salad fare, zoodles offer a fresh take on pasta salads, serving as the star ingredient in what might otherwise be known as a cold pasta salad. Dare we call it a zucchini salad? Moreover, these zesty zucchini strands seamlessly enhance soups and casseroles alike, adding a nutritious twist to every dish.

WHAT IS THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF ZUCCHINI?

Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable that is packed with nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps to protect your cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system. Additionally, zucchini contains vitamin A, which is important for healthy vision and skin. It is also a good source of potassium, which can help to regulate blood pressure and support heart health.

One cup of sliced zucchini contains only 19 calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. It is also high in fiber, which can help to promote feelings of fullness and support healthy digestion. Finally, zucchini is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your body against damage from harmful free radicals. Zucchini is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes.

Zucchini Health Benefits:

Great for the skin:

Packed with vitamins A, E, and C that help lift sagging areas, cut puffiness, builds collagen, and helps fights damage from free radicals.

Good for the bowls and digestion:

Zucchini has both soluble and insoluble fiber and water, which contributes to healthy digestion and bowel movements.

Excellent for the eyes, heart, and skin:

Zucchini is loaded in the carotenoids called lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene, helping to reduce the risk of cancers and contributing to the health of our eyes and heart.

HOW DO YOU USE ZOODLES IN YOUR CULINARY PREPARATIONS?

The preparation of your zoodles for your Keto Zoodle Caprese Salad will determine their resulting texture. Raw zoodles are refreshing and crunchy and ideal for summer salads tossed with a tasty vinaigrette or raw tomato sauce (with raw garlic). Just be sure to add your zoodles at the end of the dish preparation, as they continue to release water after cooking. Pat them dry before adding the dressing or sauce.

Ways to Make Zoodles:

Already Prepared Zoodles:

The easiest method is to buy the zoodles already prepared. Almost every supermarket sells them! Make sure they are fresh.

Counter Top Spiralizer:

If you want to make the zoodles at home, a counter-top spiralizer is ideal, making zoodles of the same length and width. This spiralizer cuts noodles of the same width and consistency.

Spiralizing the Zoodles with a Spiralizer:

Slice the ends off the zucchini to create a flat surface. Center the zucchini between both ends of the spiralizer. Start turning with the handle. It takes a few seconds to spiralize the entire zucchini. What is left is the core of the zucchini (the seeds). It looks like a long tube. Cut it up and use it in salads.

Julienne Peeler:

The handheld julienne peeler is small and inexpensive and easy to store in the drawer of a small kitchen. It also makes the most delicate noodles. However, you need some strength to make these zoodles! This method takes a bit of time.

Spiralizing the Zoodles with a Julienne Peeler:

Grip the zucchini in one hand. Run the peeler down the length of the zucchini. You’ll do this several times until you start to see the seeds in the middle (the core). When you see the core, flip the zucchini a quarter turn and start peeling again. Do this around the entire zucchini. Use the core in a salad.

Preparing the Zoodles:

After making the zoodles, place them in a colander with some salt. The salt will draw out the excess moisture in the noodles that would otherwise make them taste soggy. Let them sit in the colander for a half-hour, and then gently squeeze the moisture out of the zoodles.

HOW DO YOU COOK ZOODLES?

Ways To Cook Zoodles:

Pay-Frying:

Pan-frying is the easiest way to make your zoodles. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on medium heat. Cook them separately from your sauce.

Baking:

Baking is by far the best method. This method requires no salting or squeezing. Baking has the zoodles come out very dry. Arrange the zoodles on a very large baking sheet covered in parchment so you can separate them. Preheat the oven to 350 F and when ready, bake the zoodles for about 15 minutes or until desired doneness.

Here is the recipe for the zoodles and a delicious summer dish using them. This salad can be made with raw or baked zoodles:

WHAT IS THE TASTE PROFILE OF KETO ZOODLE CAPRESE SALAD?

The predominant taste sensations of Keto Zoodle Caprese Salad are fattiness, saltiness, and tanginess from the dressing. The fattiness comes from the oil and mayo in the dressing. Parmesan provides the saltiness and the vinegar provides the refreshing acidity in this salad.

WHAT WINE HARMONIZES WITH KETO ZOODLE CAPRESE SALAD?

Indulge in the luxurious simplicity of Keto Lazy Zoodle Caprese Salad, where the magic lies in its oil-based dressing. This delectable concoction not only infuses the dish with a luscious buttery undertone but also boasts the tantalizing saltiness of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Elevating this culinary delight to a whole new level, a buttery de-alcoholized Chardonnay emerges as the perfect wine companion. Its crisp acidity gracefully balances the saltiness of the cheese while its velvety texture harmonizes with the oil-based dressing, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your palate with every bite.

WINE TIPS:

ALCOHOL AND KETOSIS:

To support your Keto diet or low-carb lifestyle, opt for quality, non-alcoholic wines that are low-carb and low in sugar. Additionally, alcohol does not align with a keto diet or low-carb lifestyle. Moreover, your liver processes alcohol before nutrients, pausing ketone creation and slowing the ketosis process. Furthermore, your body will metabolize alcohol as fuel before utilizing food, which can decelerate fat burning and may lead to the storage of carbs, fat, and protein as excess body fat. Moreover, alcohol consumption stimulates the appetite, potentially causing overeating.

ALCOHOL AND HEALTH:

Did you know that when you consume alcohol, your liver has to work extra hard to break it down? This can result in damage to your liver. Furthermore, it can elevate your risk of health issues such as inflammation and cancer, particularly with heavy consumption. Additionally, alcohol can disrupt your blood sugar levels, leaving you feeling dehydrated and disrupting your body’s normal functions.

NON-ALCOHOLIC WINE AND HEALTH BENEFITS:

Non-alcoholic wines with minimal carbs and sugar are advantageous for your health. They not only aid in weight management, blood sugar control, and hydration but also contain essential nutrients and antioxidants from grapes that can decrease your risk of health conditions like heart disease. Consequently, since they lack alcohol, they’re ideal for socializing without any adverse effects, promoting feelings of happiness and reduced stress.