Zucchini Noodles With Pesto (Printable)

Fresh zucchini spirals tossed in fragrant homemade basil pesto for a quick healthy meal.

# What You Need:

→ Zucchini Noodles

01 - 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Pinch of salt

→ Pesto

04 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
05 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1/4 cup pine nuts
07 - 1 garlic clove
08 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
10 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

11 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
12 - Fresh basil leaves
13 - Crushed red pepper flakes, optional

# Directions:

01 - In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
02 - With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil and lemon juice until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
03 - Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer or julienne peeler.
04 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender but not mushy.
05 - Remove from heat and toss zucchini noodles with desired amount of pesto, starting with half and adding more to taste.
06 - Divide between serving plates. Top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It is incredibly fast, requiring only 15 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cooking time.
  • The recipe is naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-carb, fitting various dietary needs.
  • Homemade pesto provides a fresh, garlicky kick that is far superior to store-bought versions.
  • It is a great way to use fresh garden zucchini for a light, refreshing meal.
02 -
  • Sauté the noodles for no more than 3 minutes to keep them al dente.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture, as zucchini releases water if it sits too long.
  • Add the pesto after removing the skillet from the heat to preserve the bright green color of the basil.
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