Turn zucchini into noodles for a fun summer meal! Zucchini noodles, also known as “zoodles,” are a healthy pasta alternative made from fresh zucchini. Paired with homemade basil pesto, this dish is simple, flavorful, and perfect for warm weather. Plus, it only takes 15 minutes to make, and there’s no cooking involved!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cherry tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
- Shaved Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Spiralize the Zucchini Noodles:
- Use a spiral vegetable cutter (such as a Veggetti) to create thin ribbons from the zucchinis. Set aside.
- Make the Basil Pesto:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and extra-virgin olive oil.
- Pulse until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Blister the Cherry Tomatoes (Optional):
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for about 1 minute until they are hot and popping.
- Toss It All Together:
- In a large bowl, mix the zucchini noodles with the fresh basil pesto.
- Add the blistered tomatoes (if using) and toss everything together.
- Season with additional cracked pepper if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- You can enjoy the zucchini noodles with pesto raw, or if you prefer, sauté them in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Top with shaved Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Pro Tip:
- Zucchini noodles are great cold or hot. They’re perfect for packing up for a summer picnic or enjoying straight from the fridge.
This zucchini noodle recipe is a summer winner, especially when zucchinis, tomatoes, and basil are growing like crazy in the garden! If you like this dish, you might also enjoy other zucchini recipes like Mediterranean Zucchini Pasta Salad or Zucchini Noodles with Asparagus, Peas, and Basil Vinaigrette.