🥒If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed dish that doesn’t skimp on taste, Zucchini Noodles with Pesto (a.k.a. zoodles) is the way to go. This dish is a perfect alternative to pasta – light, low-carb, gluten-free, and ready in minutes. The combination of crisp zucchini noodles with rich, garlicky basil pesto creates a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without the guilt.
Whether you’re following a keto or gluten-free lifestyle, or just trying to eat more veggies, this recipe is a winner for busy weeknights or a light lunch.
🛒 Ingredients – Your Shopping List
Here’s what you’ll need (serves 2):
- 4 medium zucchini – fresh, firm, and bright green (Best Fresh Zucchini on Amazon)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves – tightly packed (Fresh Basil)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (High-Quality Olive Oil)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Authentic Parmesan)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for budget-friendly option) (Pine Nuts)
- 2 garlic cloves – peeled (Fresh Garlic)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper (Sea Salt & Pepper Grinder)
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes for garnish (Cherry Tomatoes)
🔧 Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
Before we start, let’s gather everything:
- Spiralizer (Best Vegetable Spiralizer) – to make perfect zucchini noodles
- Cutting board (Durable Cutting Board)
- Sharp chef’s knife (Professional Chef Knife)
- Food processor or blender (Top-Rated Blender) – for the pesto
- Large skillet or sauté pan (Nonstick Skillet)
- Tongs (Stainless Steel Tongs)
🥗 Preparation Steps – Barney Style
- Wash & Trim: Rinse zucchini under cold water. Trim the ends.
- Spiralize: Use the spiralizer to create noodle-like strands. Place in a large bowl.
- Make the Pesto:
- In your food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan.
- Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional Step: Halve cherry tomatoes for garnish and set aside.
🔥 Cooking Instructions – Quick & Easy
- Heat the Pan: Place your skillet over medium heat.
- Cook Zoodles: Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2–3 minutes. The goal is to slightly soften them while keeping them crisp.
- Add Pesto: Remove from heat, toss noodles with pesto until evenly coated.
- Taste & Adjust: Season with extra salt, pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil if needed.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the zucchini – they release water and turn soggy if cooked too long. Quick sauté is key!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your zoodles warm in a wide bowl, topped with:
- Extra Parmesan shavings
- Toasted pine nuts
- Cherry tomatoes for color
- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Pair it with a grilled chicken breast or garlic shrimp for added protein (Best Cast Iron Grill Pan).
💡 Additional Tips & Tweaks
- Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Nut-Free Version: Swap pine nuts with sunflower seeds.
- Extra Creamy: Add 1 tbsp of Greek yogurt or cream cheese to the pesto.
- Meal Prep Tip: Spiralize zucchini ahead of time and store in an airtight container lined with paper towels.
🧾 Nutrition Details (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~260 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
(Values are approximate and depend on ingredients used)
❓ FAQ Section
Q1: Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold.
Q2: Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely. It saves time – just look for one with minimal additives.
Q3: Can I freeze zucchini noodles?
Freezing isn’t recommended as they get mushy after thawing. Spiralize fresh for best results.
Q4: How can I make this more filling?
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal.
🎉 Wrap-Up
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto is a dish that proves healthy doesn’t have to be boring. It’s fresh, colorful, and super quick to make – perfect for busy weeknights or light weekend meals.
Fun fact: Zucchini is about 95% water, which makes this dish not just low-carb but also super hydrating! So, next time you’re craving pasta but want to keep things light, give these zoodles a try. Your taste buds (and waistline) will thank you.
