Go Back
- 3 medium zucchinis - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/2 cup pine nuts (toasted for enhanced flavor, if desired) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick) Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference. For zucchinis, look for firm ones with smooth skin. Pick basil leaves that are bright green and fragrant. When using pine nuts, choose fresh ones as they can quickly go stale. You can also try walnuts or almonds if you want some variety. Seasonal cooking is key. In summer, zucchinis are at their best. You can also swap cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes in the fall. This dish shines with fresh ingredients. Using what is in season often leads to the best flavors. For the full recipe, check out the details in the main article. To start, you need to spiralize the zucchinis. I love using a spiralizer because it makes perfect noodle shapes. Simply secure the zucchini and twist it through the device. If you don't have a spiralizer, no problem! You can use a vegetable peeler instead. Just slice the zucchini lengthwise to create long, flat ribbons. Next, let's make the pesto. Grab your food processor and add the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss in a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Pulse the mixture until it's finely chopped. This step is crucial for blending the flavors well. Now, while the processor runs on low, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. This helps the pesto become creamy. Keep blending until you reach your desired consistency. Taste it! Adjust the salt or pepper if needed. Now it's time to combine everything. In a large mixing bowl, add the spiralized zucchini noodles. Pour your freshly made pesto over the noodles. Gently toss them together until every noodle is well coated. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. To add some freshness, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Mix them in gently again. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Serve the dish right away for the best taste and texture. Enjoy the vibrant flavors from this meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions provided earlier. To enhance your pesto, consider adding a splash of lemon juice. It brightens the flavor. If you want a nut-free option, try sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts. For a vegan twist, swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. This keeps the taste rich and savory without dairy. Zucchini can hold a lot of water. To avoid sogginess, sprinkle salt on the spiralized noodles. Let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat them dry. This step makes a big difference. For added protein, serve the noodles with grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also mix in other veggies like bell peppers or spinach. This adds color and nutrition to your dish. Enjoy your zucchini noodles with pesto as a light meal or a side dish. For a complete experience, check the Full Recipe for more details! {{image_4}} You can tweak the classic pesto recipe to match your taste. Try using different nuts. Walnuts, almonds, or cashews create unique flavors. Each nut brings its own twist, so experiment with what you like best. For cheese, you can switch Parmesan for pecorino or even a dairy-free option like nutritional yeast. Adding fresh herbs can also elevate your pesto. Mix in cilantro, parsley, or even mint for a fresh twist. These herbs can brighten your dish and add layers of flavor. Experiment with what’s available in your kitchen or garden. Zucchini noodles are just the start. You can use other vegetables to mix things up. Carrots, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash all spiralize well. Each choice adds a different texture and taste. If you want something heartier, consider whole grain or gluten-free pasta. Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Gluten-free options like rice or chickpea pasta work too. They pair nicely with pesto and keep the dish light yet filling. For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Zucchini Noodle Paradise section. To store leftover zucchini noodles and pesto, use airtight containers. This keeps moisture out and helps maintain freshness. Place the noodles in one container and the pesto in another to avoid sogginess. Zucchini noodles last about 3 days in the fridge. Pesto can stay fresh for up to one week. To keep pesto vibrant, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing the container. This helps prevent browning. Freezing zucchini noodles and pesto is a great way to extend their shelf life. To freeze the noodles, spread them on a baking sheet. Place them in the freezer for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This method keeps them from clumping together. For pesto, pour it into ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer bag. This allows you to use only what you need later. When you're ready to use them, thaw the zucchini noodles in the fridge overnight. For pesto, simply heat it gently on the stove. This helps maintain the flavor and texture of both ingredients. Yes, you can use regular pasta. Traditional pasta adds a chewy texture and familiar taste. It serves well in many dishes. However, it contains more carbs and calories. Zucchini noodles are low in carbs and great for light meals. They also add more veggies to your diet. You might miss the texture of pasta with zucchini noodles. It's best to try both and see which you prefer. Homemade pesto lasts about one week in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can cover the top with olive oil to prevent browning. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in small portions. Pesto freezes well and can last for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before use. If you don’t have a spiralizer, don’t worry. You can use a vegetable peeler. Slice the zucchini into thin, flat ribbons. You can also use a box grater for longer strips. Another option is to cut zucchini into small cubes. They won't look like noodles, but they will taste great. Each method gives a different shape, so try what you have! In this article, we covered how to make a delicious zucchini noodle dish with pesto. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting your meal. Remember to select fresh ingredients and experiment with variations. Proper storage is important for keeping leftovers fresh. Enjoy creating variations of your dish to suit your taste. With these tips, you can impress anyone with your healthy, flavorful meal. Making zucchini noodles and pesto is easy and fun. Get cooking and enjoy every bite!

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Discover the ultimate Zesty Zucchini Noodle Paradise, a delightful dish that’s both fresh and flavorful! This easy recipe combines spiralized zucchini with a homemade basil pesto and vibrant cherry tomatoes, perfect for a healthy meal in just 15 minutes. With simple ingredients and mouthwatering flavors, it's time to impress your taste buds. Click through to explore the recipe and elevate your dinner game today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

3 medium zucchinis

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup pine nuts (toasted for enhanced flavor, if desired)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions
 

Spiralize the Zucchini: Using a spiralizer, transform the zucchinis into long, noodle-like strands. If a spiralizer isn't available, a vegetable peeler can be used to create thin, flat ribbons instead.

    Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until all ingredients are finely chopped and well mixed.

      Add Olive Oil: With the food processor running on a low speed, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Continue blending until the pesto reaches your preferred creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

        Toss the Zucchini Noodles: In a large mixing bowl, add the spiralized zucchini noodles. Pour the freshly made pesto over the top and gently toss until the noodles are thoroughly coated in the pesto.

          Incorporate Cherry Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl and toss gently again, ensuring even distribution. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to introduce a delightful heat.

            Serve: Enjoy the dish immediately for the best texture, or allow it to rest for a few minutes to let the flavors marry and develop.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2-3

                - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching presentation, plate the zucchini noodles with a light sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with a few whole basil leaves. Serve in colorful bowls to enhance the vibrant hues of this refreshing dish!