![When I make zucchini noodles with pesto, I start with fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 4 medium zucchini - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted) - 2 cloves garlic - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/3 cup olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: Cherry tomatoes, halved for garnish These ingredients blend perfectly to create a fresh and vibrant dish. The zucchini serves as a healthy base. The basil adds a bright, herbal flavor. Pine nuts give a nice crunch, while the garlic adds a punch. Grated Parmesan cheese brings in a savory touch. Olive oil makes the pesto smooth and rich. Lemon juice brightens everything up. I love to add cherry tomatoes as a garnish. They add color and a burst of flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish both simple and satisfying. You can find the full recipe for this dish [Full Recipe]. To start, grab 4 medium zucchini. You can use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler. If you use a spiralizer, turn the zucchini to create long noodles. If you use a peeler, slice thin strips. Once you have your noodles, set them aside. This step is quick and fun. Zucchini noodles are light and healthy. Next, we will make the pesto. In a food processor, add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves. Then, toss in 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts and 2 cloves of garlic. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse the mixture until it becomes finely chopped. This will smell amazing! Gradually pour in 1/3 cup of olive oil while the processor runs. This helps make it smooth and creamy. Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, take a large bowl and add the zucchini noodles. Pour the pesto over the noodles and toss them together. Make sure the noodles are well-coated with the tasty pesto. This step is key for flavor. For a bright touch, serve your zucchini noodles on plates or bowls. You can top them with halved cherry tomatoes. They add color and a fresh bite. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner. You can find the full recipe [here]. When picking zucchini, look for firm, smooth skin. The color should be bright green. Avoid zucchinis that are too large or have soft spots. Smaller zucchinis are often sweeter and more tender. They provide the best texture for noodles. To make your pesto creamier, add more olive oil slowly. This helps blend the ingredients smoothly. You can also mix in some Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Just a spoonful will do. It gives a nice tangy flavor. For a flavor boost, try toasting your pine nuts. This adds a rich, nutty taste to your pesto. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Fresh lemon zest can brighten the dish too. Lastly, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving. For the complete dish, refer to the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} If you want a vegan pesto, swap the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use cashews or sunflower seeds for added creaminess. Blend these with basil, garlic, and olive oil. This vegan twist keeps all the flavor and is still healthy. To boost your meal, add protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. If you prefer plant-based options, try chickpeas or tofu. Simply sauté the protein in a pan, then mix it with the zucchini noodles and pesto. This adds taste and keeps you full longer. Zucchini noodles are tasty, but you can use other veggies too. Try using carrot or butternut squash noodles for a different flavor. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you want a more traditional dish. Choose what suits your taste best, and enjoy your meal! To keep leftover zucchini noodles fresh, place them in an airtight container. Add a paper towel to absorb moisture. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid freezing them, as they can turn mushy when thawed. To store leftover pesto, transfer it to a small jar. Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to keep it fresh. Seal the jar tightly and keep it in the fridge for about one week. You can also freeze pesto in ice cube trays for longer storage. Reheat zucchini noodles gently to avoid overcooking. You can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to help steam them. Heat just until warm and not mushy. For pesto, warm it slightly in a bowl before mixing it with the noodles again. Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. It saves time and still tastes good. Just look for a brand with fresh ingredients. I often do this when I am short on time. You can use sunflower seeds or walnuts instead of pine nuts. Both give a nice flavor. They also keep the pesto creamy. This is great if you have nut allergies. You can make zucchini noodles with a vegetable peeler. Just peel long strips from the zucchini. Keep peeling until you reach the seeds. You can also use a box grater for this. Yes, zucchini noodles are low in carbs. They have fewer carbs than regular pasta. This makes them a great choice for low-carb diets. They also add more vegetables to your meal. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the zucchini noodles and pesto separately. Store them in the fridge. When you're ready, just combine them and serve. For the best taste, eat within a day or two. For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Zucchini Noodles with Pesto . Zucchini noodles and pesto make a fresh, tasty meal. We discussed ingredients like zucchini, nuts, and cheese. I shared steps to prepare noodles and a simple pesto. I also offered tips on storage and cooking. You can make this dish your own with variations. Try adding proteins or opt for vegan pesto. Keep it simple and enjoy. Cooking can be fun and healthy. Use this guide to create a dish you love.](https://momdishmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/dd46f3df-f800-401f-9e43-54cc63c75734-250x250.webp)
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Dive into a delicious and healthy meal with these zesty zucchini noodles with pesto! This quick and easy recipe features spiralized zucchini tossed in a creamy homemade pesto blending fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a light dinner or lunch, it's ready in just 25 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your table today!