Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Summer evenings are perfect for light, tasty meals. Imagine turning zucchini into a vibrant, delicious dish. These zucchini noodles with pesto are your new favorite healthy summer dish.

Looking for a meal that’s both filling and healthy? Zucchini noodles are the answer. In just 30 minutes, you can make a dish that’s a veggie-packed alternative to pasta. The magic is in spiralizing fresh zucchini and mixing it with homemade pesto.

This recipe is not just about taste. It’s about changing how you cook in summer. With just 10 ingredients and little prep time, you can make a nutritious meal that looks and tastes great. Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to the kitchen, these zucchini noodles with pesto are your quick, tasty go-to.

What Are Zucchini Noodles and Their Benefits

Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a great low-carb pasta choice. They make your meals healthier and tastier. They help you reach your health goals.

Exploring Zucchini Noodle Benefits

Choosing zucchini noodles over regular pasta is a smart move. These veggie noodles are full of health benefits:

• They have very few calories (about 20 per cup)
• They have only 3.5 grams of carbs per cup
• They are rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C
• They are mostly water, helping you stay hydrated

Nutritional Powerhouse of Zucchini Noodles

Let’s look at what zucchini noodles offer nutritionally:

Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Advantages

Zucchini noodles are great for certain diets. Compared to regular pasta, they have much less carbs. They are also gluten-free, good for those with gluten issues or on a low-carb diet.

Using zucchini noodles means you get a tasty, healthy, and low-carb option. It doesn’t lose out on flavor or satisfaction.

Essential Tools for Making Perfect Zucchini Noodles

To make tasty zucchini noodles, you need the right tools. Your kitchen journey begins with picking the best spiralizer or vegetable peeler. Choose one that fits your cooking style and skill.

Both pros and home cooks have many ways to make zoodles:

• Spiralizer: The top pick for making uniform noodles
• Vegetable peeler: Great for wide, ribbon-like noodles
• Julienne peeler: Best for thin, delicate strands

Think about these important points when picking your tool:

1. How easy it is to use
2. How simple it is to clean
3. Where you’ll store it
4. What your budget is

The Spiralizer is the favorite for zoodle lovers. It has many blades and stable suction cups. Its design includes a base, pushing mechanism, and three blades for different noodle sizes.

Pro tip: Invest in a tool that makes zucchini noodle preparation enjoyable and effortless!

For those on a budget, the Veggetti Spiral Vegetable Cutter is a good start. It’s a low-cost way to try zucchini noodles without spending a lot.

How to Select and Prepare Fresh Zucchini

Starting with the right zucchini is key to making tasty zucchini noodles. You need fresh, quality veggies to turn into yummy zoodles.

Choosing the Best Zucchini for Noodles

Look for these traits when picking zucchini:

• Firm texture with smooth, vibrant green skin
• Medium to large size (8-10 inches long)
• No soft spots or blemishes
• Weight feels substantial for its size

Bigger zucchinis make wider noodles, like pasta. Choose zucchinis that are straight and uniform for easier spiralizing.

Proper Storage and Handling Tips

Pre-Cooking Preparation Methods

Before making zucchini noodles, do these steps:

1. Wash zucchini under cool running water
2. Pat dry with a clean towel
3. Trim both ends of the zucchini
4. Optional: Remove seeds if they appear large
5. Use a spiralizer or mandoline to create noodles

Pro tip: Sprinkle salt on zucchini noodles to reduce moisture. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This keeps your zoodles crisp and tasty.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto Recipe

Get ready to transform your dinner with this quick and delicious zucchini noodle recipe! Pesto zoodles offer a fresh, light alternative to traditional pasta. They will tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body.

Your ingredients for this mouthwatering zucchini noodle recipe include:

• 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
• 3 packed cups fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup walnut halves, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Cherry tomatoes for garnish

Preparing your pesto zoodles is incredibly simple. Start by toasting the walnuts for 4-5 minutes until fragrant. Blend the basil, toasted walnuts, Parmesan, and olive oil to create a vibrant pesto sauce.

When cooking your zucchini noodles, remember less is more! Sauté them for just 7-8 minutes to prevent them from becoming watery. Toss the warm zoodles with your freshly made pesto, and top with halved cherry tomatoes.

Pro tip: Pat your zucchini noodles dry before cooking to reduce excess moisture and achieve the perfect texture.

Nutrition highlights for this zucchini noodle recipe include:

• Total calories: 490 kcal per serving
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 16g

For a vegan version, simply substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast. This versatile zucchini noodle recipe ensures everyone can enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal!

Making Fresh Basil Pesto from Scratch

Making homemade pesto is simple. Your kitchen will smell amazing with fresh herbs and rich flavors. This classic basil pesto recipe is a must-try.

To make perfect homemade pesto, you need a few ingredients and easy steps. You’ll be surprised at how fast you can make a vibrant, tasty sauce. It makes any dish better.

Essential Pesto Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup toasted pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Pesto Preparation

1. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant
2. Combine basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and salt in a food processor
3. Slowly drizzle olive oil while processing to create smooth consistency
4. Fold in grated Parmesan cheese
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed

Your homemade pesto makes about 1 cup and takes 5 minutes. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Try adding arugula or kale for a twist.

Fresh, vibrant pesto transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences!

Use your basil pesto in many ways. Try it on pasta, salads, grain bowls, or scrambled eggs. The options are endless.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Zucchini Noodles

Learning to cook zucchini noodles is all about being gentle. You want them to be tender but not mushy. The trick is to cook them fast and right to keep their texture and taste.

There are a few ways to cook zucchini noodles:

• Sautéing: Quick 2-3 minute method in a hot pan
• Raw preparation: Perfect for cold dishes
• Gentle steaming: Soft texture without excess moisture
• Blanching: Ultra-fast cooking technique

Managing moisture is key to great zucchini noodles. Zucchini lets out water when cooked, making things soggy. Pro tip: Pat your zoodles dry with paper towels before cooking to reduce excess liquid.

For the best results, use medium-high heat and a little oil. A quick sauté in avocado oil or ghee adds flavor without losing texture. Remember, less is more when it comes to zoodle techniques!

Best Toppings and Add-ins for Zucchini Noodles

Make your zucchini noodles special with tasty toppings. These toppings can turn a simple dish into a feast for your taste buds. They add vibrant flavors and exciting textures to your meal.

Vegetarian Topping Options

Explore plant-based toppings that are both healthy and tasty. Here are some protein-rich and flavorful options:

• Roasted chickpeas for a crunchy protein boost
• Crumbled feta cheese for tangy richness
• Toasted pine nuts for nutty complexity
• Nutritional yeast (2 tablespoons) for a cheesy flavor
• White beans for additional protein

Fresh Herbs and Seasonings

Enhance your zucchini noodles with fresh herbs and seasonings. These add-ins bring depth and brightness to your dish. Sprinkle them to make your meal feel like a restaurant treat:

• Fresh basil leaves (1 cup, torn)
• Chopped parsley for freshness
• Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon)
• Minced garlic (1 tablespoon)
• Shredded Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup)

With these toppings, you’ll make a dish that’s more than just food. It’s a feast that pleases your taste and eyes.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Learning how to store zucchini noodles can change your meal prep game. Zoodles are great for quick, healthy meals all week.

For meal prep zoodles, storing them right is crucial. Here are some tips to keep them fresh and tasty:

• Store spiralized zucchini noodles in an airtight container
• Line the container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture
• Keep sauce separate until ready to eat
• Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture

Refrigeration is best for zucchini noodles. To keep them fresh, follow these steps:

Pro tip: Always drain excess moisture before storing to prevent soggy noodles!

“Meal prepping zucchini noodles is a game-changer for busy home cooks looking to eat healthy without spending hours in the kitchen.”

Quick reheating can keep your zoodles’ texture. Warm them gently on the stove for 1-2 minutes over medium heat. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Zoodles

Learning how to make zucchini noodles can change your cooking game. One big mistake is overcooking. This makes your zucchini noodles mushy instead of crisp.

Zucchini is mostly water, so cooking it right is key. This stops it from becoming too wet.

How you cook your zucchini noodles is also important. When you sauté them, they release a lot of liquid. To avoid them getting soggy, cook them for just 3-5 minutes. Serve them right away.

Using cheese or breadcrumbs can help soak up extra moisture. This makes your noodles stay nice and dry.

Don’t forget to remove excess moisture from your zucchini noodles before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels or use a salt trick to pull out water. If you’re making a lot of noodles, the liquid can add up fast.

Using a cornstarch slurry can help thicken sauces. This keeps your dish from getting too wet.

Being precise is crucial when making zucchini noodles. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can make a dish that’s both tasty and healthy.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

A light, healthy, and vibrant summer dish made with spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in fresh homemade basil pesto. Perfect for a quick, low-carb meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian, keto, Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• – Spiralizer or vegetable peeler
• – Food processor or blender
• – Large skillet
• – Mixing bowl
• – Paper towels (for drying zucchini noodles)
• – Measuring cups and spoons
• – Knife and cutting board (for trimming zucchini and halving cherry tomatoes)

Ingredients

  

• – 4 medium zucchinis spiralized into noodles
• – 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• – ½ cup toasted pine nuts
• – 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• – 1 small garlic clove
• – ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• – ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• – ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional for vegan version: nutritional yeast
• – 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, for garnish
• – Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• **Prepare Zucchini Noodles:**
• – Wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis.
• – Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create zucchini noodles.
• – Pat the noodles dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• **Make Pesto:**
• – In a food processor or blender, combine basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, and sea salt.
• – Pulse until finely chopped.
• – Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth.
• – Stir in Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast (if using).
• **Cook Zucchini Noodles:**
• – Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
• – Sauté zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes until just tender (avoid overcooking).
• – Remove from heat and toss with pesto sauce.
• **Serve:**
• – Divide zucchini noodles into serving bowls.
• – Top with halved cherry tomatoes and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
• – Season with salt and pepper to taste.