Looking for a fresh, light, and healthy meal that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than these Pesto Zucchini Noodles! This dish is a perfect way to enjoy a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, without compromising on taste. Packed with nutrients from fresh zucchini and a vibrant pesto sauce, this meal is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Whether you’re following a keto, paleo, or gluten-free diet or simply looking for a delicious and healthy meal, pesto zucchini noodles will be your new go-to. Let’s dive into how to make this easy and nutritious dish.

What Are Zucchini Noodles?

Zucchini noodles, also known as “zoodles,” are simply zucchinis that have been spiralized or julienned into long, noodle-like strands. They are an excellent substitute for traditional pasta, offering a light and refreshing base for all sorts of sauces and toppings.

Zucchini is a fantastic vegetable because it’s low in calories, high in water content, and loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. This makes it the perfect choice for anyone looking to reduce their carb intake or add more vegetables to their diet.

Why Pesto?

Pesto is an incredibly versatile sauce that combines fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice. This rich and aromatic sauce is the perfect complement to the delicate taste of zucchini noodles. Pesto adds a nutty, herby flavor that elevates the dish, making it feel indulgent and satisfying, even though it’s light and healthy.

Making pesto at home is easy and ensures you get all the fresh, natural flavors without any preservatives or added sugar. Plus, you can adjust the ingredients to your personal preference—add more garlic, swap the pine nuts for walnuts, or use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.

Light & Healthy Pesto Zucchini Noodles: A Perfect Low-Carb, Flavorful Meal

Kev

This light and healthy dish features spiralized zucchini noodles topped with a fresh, vibrant pesto made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. It’s a refreshing, low-carb alternative to pasta, with a burst of herbaceous flavor.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 3

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis – You’ll need about 4 zucchinis to create enough noodles for 2-3 servings.
1 cup fresh basil – Basil is the star of the pesto giving it that delicious herbal flavor.
1/4 cup pine nuts – Pine nuts are traditional in pesto but you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic – Fresh garlic adds a bold kick to the pesto sauce.
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese – For a savory salty flavor. You can omit or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
1/4 cup olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil is best for a smooth rich pesto.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – A splash of lemon brightens up the pesto and enhances the flavors.
Salt and pepper – To taste.
Optional toppings – A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice or more Parmesan for extra richness.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Noodles

The first step in making this dish is to turn your zucchinis into noodles. You can do this using a spiralizer, which quickly turns the zucchinis into long, thin strands, or a julienne peeler if you don’t have a spiralizer.
If you don’t have either tool, you can also use a regular vegetable peeler to create long ribbons of zucchini. Once your zucchini noodles are ready, it’s important to remove excess moisture to avoid soggy noodles. To do this, place the zoodles in a colander, sprinkle them lightly with salt, and let them sit for about 10 minutes. After that, gently pat them dry with a paper towel or kitchen cloth.

Step 2: Make the Pesto Sauce

While your zucchini noodles are drying, it’s time to make the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and the mixture becomes a smooth, paste-like consistency. You can adjust the texture by adding more olive oil if needed.
Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, depending on your preferences.

Step 3: Sauté the Zucchini Noodles

To prevent your zucchini noodles from being too watery, it’s best to sauté them lightly. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the zucchini noodles and cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until they are tender but still firm. You want to preserve the crispness of the noodles.
If you prefer your zucchini noodles to be softer, cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, or they may become mushy.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Once your zucchini noodles are ready, remove them from the skillet and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the pesto sauce to the noodles and toss gently to coat them evenly. You can add more pesto if you prefer a more flavorful dish.
Transfer the pesto zucchini noodles to serving plates, and top with optional toppings such as extra Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some added heat.

Notes

Don’t overcook the zucchini noodles – Zucchini releases a lot of water when cooked, so be sure not to overdo it in the skillet. Just a quick sauté is all they need to stay tender yet firm.

Make ahead pesto – Pesto can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage.

Add protein – To make this dish more filling, add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for extra protein.

Customize the pesto – Experiment with different nuts (like cashews or almonds) or cheese (like goat cheese or vegan Parmesan) to create a pesto that suits your tastes.

Health Benefits of Pesto Zucchini Noodles

This dish is packed with health benefits, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to eat clean while enjoying a flavorful meal. Here are just a few reasons why zucchini noodles with pesto should be on your menu:

Low in carbs – Zucchini noodles are a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, making them perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet.
Packed with vegetables – Zucchini is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, helping to support digestion and promote overall health.
Healthy fats – The pesto is made with heart-healthy olive oil and pine nuts, both of which provide essential fatty acids for your body.
Gluten-free and dairy-free options – This recipe can easily be made gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.

Conclusion

Light & Healthy Pesto Zucchini Noodles offer the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. This dish is quick to make, customizable, and full of vibrant flavors that will satisfy your cravings without weighing you down. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a filling, low-carb option, pesto zucchini noodles are sure to become a staple in your healthy eating routine.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of a healthy, homemade meal that’s good for you and bursting with flavor!