Light, fresh, and full of flavor, these Zucchini Noodles with Pesto are also the perfect low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Moreover, this dish is quick to make, healthy, and delicious. Ideal for a light lunch or dinner!
Looking for more healthy recipes? Check out our Quick & Easy Veggie Pasta.
Ingredients for Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
For the Zucchini Noodles:
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Homemade Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for extra freshness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
- First, wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis.
- Use a spiralizer to make noodles out of the zucchini. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or a regular vegetable peeler to create thin strips.
- In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until they are just tender but still slightly crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
- While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Blend again to combine, making sure it’s smooth and ready to coat the Zucchini Noodles with Pesto.
- Combine & Serve:
- Add the zucchini noodles to a large mixing bowl.
- Spoon the homemade pesto over the noodles and toss gently to coat them evenly.
- Serve the Zucchini Noodles with Pesto immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of pine nuts if desired.
Tip: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or cherry tomatoes to your Zucchini Noodles with Pesto.
Nutritional Information (Optional)
Per Serving:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 31g