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Zucchini Noodles with Pesto Recipe

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto: A Simple, Healthy, and Delicious Recipe


  • Author: Lauren Bennett
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto, also known as “zoodles,” is a quick and nutritious dish perfect for those looking for a low-carb, gluten-free, or vegan meal. This recipe combines fresh zucchini spiralized into noodles with a vibrant basil pesto made from olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and nutritional yeast. It’s a light, refreshing, and satisfying option for busy weeknights or a healthy lunch.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (substitute with walnuts or almonds if needed)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (or grated Parmesan if not vegan)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: fresh basil, extra pine nuts, nutritional yeast, or Parmesan

Instructions

  • Spiralize the Zucchini
    Wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis. Using a spiralizer, create long, noodle-like strands. Set the zucchini noodles (zoodles) aside. If you don’t have a spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler or julienne slicer to create thin ribbons.

  • Prepare the Pesto
    In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and nutritional yeast (or Parmesan). Pulse until all the ingredients are finely chopped. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Cook the Zucchini Noodles
    Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil, then toss in the zucchini noodles. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the zoodles are slightly softened. Be careful not to overcook them to avoid sogginess.

  • Combine and Serve
    Remove the skillet from the heat and toss the cooked zucchini noodles with the pesto until evenly coated. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, or extra nutritional yeast if desired.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Side Dish
  • Method: Spiralizing, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired, Plant-based

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Zucchini noodles, pesto, zoodles, low-carb pasta, vegan pesto, gluten-free pasta, healthy noodles, spiralized zucchini