Zucchini Noodles With Pesto

Experience a vibrant, low-carb pasta alternative featuring fresh zucchini spirals tossed in a fragrant homemade basil pesto. This Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a quick, healthy meal that takes only 20 minutes from start to finish. It is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a versatile choice for any dinner table.

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With an easy difficulty level, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels. By utilizing a spiralizer, you can transform ordinary medium zucchinis into elegant noodles that perfectly catch and hold the vibrant green pesto, providing a satisfying texture without the heaviness of grain-based noodles.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for variation)
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Extra grated Parmesan for garnish
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pesto

In a food processor, combine fresh basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.

Step 2: Finish the sauce

With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice until the pesto becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Prepare the noodles

Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles using your preferred tool.

Step 4: Sauté

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and a pinch of salt, then sauté for 2–3 minutes until just tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Combine

Remove the skillet from heat and toss the zucchini noodles with your desired amount of pesto, starting with half and adding more to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Divide the dish between two plates. Top with extra grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and optional red pepper flakes.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve the best results, use a spiralizer or julienne peeler for uniform noodles. Use a large skillet and spatula to ensure the noodles cook evenly. Be careful not to exceed the 3-minute sauté time to prevent the zucchini from losing its structure.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan-friendly version, simply substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese. If you want to increase the protein content, consider adding grilled chicken or fresh cherry tomatoes. For those with nut allergies, sunflower seeds are a great substitute for pine nuts or walnuts.

Serviervorschläge

This dish should be served immediately for the best texture, as zucchini naturally releases water if it sits for too long. Garnish each serving generously with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick. This meal is best enjoyed fresh out of the skillet.

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Whether you are looking for a light lunch or a quick Italian-inspired dinner, these zucchini noodles with pesto offer a refreshing burst of flavor. With 320 calories and 8g of protein per serving, it is a nutritious way to enjoy the classic taste of homemade pesto in a modern, low-carb format.

Questions & Answers

→ How do I prevent zucchini noodles from becoming watery?

Sauté the noodles briefly over medium heat for just 2–3 minutes until tender but still firm. Avoid overcooking, and serve immediately after tossing with pesto to maintain the best texture.

→ Can I make the pesto ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the pesto up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to stir in a little extra olive oil before using if it thickens.

→ What nuts work best in this pesto?

Pine nuts offer the most traditional flavor, but walnuts make an excellent budget-friendly alternative. For nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds provide great texture and mild flavor.

→ Is this dish served hot or cold?

This dish is best served warm, right after cooking the zucchini and tossing with pesto. The contrast of slightly warm noodles and cool, fresh pesto creates the most appealing flavor and texture.

→ How can I add more protein to this meal?

Top with grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or white beans. You can also stir in chickpeas or serve alongside a piece of fish for a complete, protein-rich meal.

→ Can I freeze zucchini noodles?

Freezing is not recommended as zucchini noodles become mushy and lose their texture when thawed. They're best enjoyed fresh within 2–3 days of spiralizing.