Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Name: Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchinis; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 2 cloves garlic; 1/4 cup olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Balanced Eating Ideas

I love making Zucchini Noodles with Pesto for a delicious, healthy meal that feels indulgent yet light. The combination of fresh, spiraled zucchini and vibrant homemade pesto is a foolproof way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer. Not only is this dish easy to prepare, but it's also a fantastic alternative to traditional pasta. Plus, I can whip it up in just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a special lunch. Trust me, you'll want to keep this recipe on repeat!

Created by

Sophia

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:33:28.412Z

When I first experimented with making Zucchini Noodles with Pesto, I was amazed at how delicious they turned out! Using a spiralizer to create those perfect noodle shapes adds a fun element and makes this dish so visually appealing. To enhance the flavors, I always add garlic and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to the pesto, creating a beautifully balanced harmony of tastes.

One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking or add in whatever vegetables you have on hand. If you want a bit of protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas makes an excellent addition. This dish is not only quick to make but is also packed with nutrients, making it perfect for health-conscious eaters.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh and vibrant flavors that brighten your palate
Quick and easy preparation in just 20 minutes
A healthy alternative to traditional pasta dishes

Choosing the Right Zucchini

When selecting zucchinis for your noodles, opt for medium-sized ones as they maintain the best balance between flavor and moisture. Look for firm zucchinis with smooth, unblemished skin; this ensures you're getting the freshest ingredients. Avoid oversized zucchinis, as they tend to be watery and can yield less appealing noodles that may end up mushy once cooked.

If you're in a pinch, yellow squash can also be used as a substitute for zucchini to create a similar noodle texture and taste. Both options provide a light, summery flavor that pairs beautifully with pesto. You can even mix different varieties of squash for an interesting color variation!

The Art of Pesto Making

Homemade pesto is the heart of this dish, and its quality can transform the simple zucchini noodles into something extraordinary. Taking the time to make your pesto from scratch allows you to customize flavors to your liking; you can experiment with adding other herbs, like mint or parsley, for a unique twist. If fresh basil is unavailable, consider using arugula or spinach as a base instead.

A common mistake when preparing pesto is over-blending. For the best texture, blend until the mixture is smooth but still retains some coarseness; you want to feel the pin nuts and cheese bits in each bite. If your pesto ends up too thick, simply add a bit more olive oil, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving Zucchini Noodles with Pesto is where your creativity can shine. Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein; this will also complement the dish well in terms of flavor and texture. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish with a mild heat that contrasts nicely with the coolness of the zucchini.

For those looking to enhance the nutritional value, you might incorporate vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers sautéed lightly in the skillet before adding the noodles. This not only adds color but also an extra layer of flavor. The vibrant presentation will make this dish a feast for the eyes as well as the palate!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Zucchini Noodles with Pesto.

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

With these simple ingredients, you're ready to create a delicious and healthy meal.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your dish.

Prepare the Zucchini Noodles

Using a spiralizer, turn the zucchinis into noodles. Set them aside in a colander to let excess moisture drain.

Make the Pesto

In a food processor, combine basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until coarse. Gradually add olive oil while processing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine and Serve

In a large skillet over medium heat, gently toss the zucchini noodles with the pesto for about 2-3 minutes until just warmed. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Now enjoy your delicious Zucchini Noodles with Pesto!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider roasting the pine nuts before adding them to the pesto. This enhances the nutty flavor and provides a wonderful aroma.

Storing and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them is easy! Place the zucchini noodles in an airtight container and refrigerate. However, I recommend consuming them within a day or two for optimal flavor and texture. The longer they sit, the more moisture they might release, leading to a soggy dish.

When reheating, avoid microwaving the zucchini noodles, as this can make them overly soft. Instead, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a drizzle of pesto to keep them from drying out. Heat just until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe is as simple as adjusting the number of zucchinis you use. For a larger gathering, you can easily double the ingredients, and the dish will still come together swiftly. Just make sure to ensure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the increased volume, or cook in batches if necessary.

If you're preparing this dish for a smaller meal, you can also use one zucchini, and simply halve the other pesto ingredients. This flexibility allows you to customize portion sizes without compromising on flavor!

Ingredient Substitution Ideas

If you're looking for a dairy-free version of this dish, consider substituting the Parmesan with nutritional yeast as it provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Additionally, vegan cheese can also be a solid alternative to maintain the richness of the pesto.

For a nut-free option, sunflowers seeds can replace pine nuts in the pesto. They offer a creamy texture once blended and will still deliver a nice flavor when tossed with the zucchini noodles.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works great for convenience, but homemade pesto offers a fresher taste.

→ What if I don't have a spiralizer?

You can use a vegetable peeler to create long ribbons of zucchini if you don’t have a spiralizer.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

You can replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and omit any animal products for a vegan version.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are great additions for protein.