![- 2 large zucchinis - 1 ripe avocado - Fresh basil leaves - Extra virgin olive oil - Freshly squeezed lemon juice - Garlic clove - Salt and black pepper - Cherry tomatoes and pine nuts for garnish You need just a few simple ingredients to make delicious zucchini noodles with pesto. Start with two large zucchinis. They are the base of this dish. You want ripe avocados for a creamy texture. Fresh basil leaves add great flavor and aroma. Extra virgin olive oil gives richness to the pesto. For the additional ingredients, add freshly squeezed lemon juice. It brightens the dish. A garlic clove gives it a zesty kick. Don't forget salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts for crunch and color. This combination makes the dish healthy and full of flavor. You can find the complete recipe [Full Recipe]. To start, grab your spiralizer. This tool makes long, thin noodles from zucchinis. First, wash the zucchinis. Cut off the ends, then secure one in the spiralizer. Turn the handle to create the noodles. - Tip: Use firm zucchinis for the best results. They spiralize easily and hold their shape. - Tip: If you want long noodles, press down lightly while turning. This helps shape them perfectly. Next, let’s make the avocado pesto. Take your ripe avocado, and place it in a food processor. Add fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy. - Tip: If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of water. Blend again until you reach your desired texture. This will help the flavors mix well. Now, it's time to bring it all together. Pour the creamy pesto over your spiralized zucchini noodles in a large bowl. Use tongs to gently toss the noodles, coating them evenly with the vibrant pesto. For plating, divide the zesty zucchini noodles among your serving plates. Place halved cherry tomatoes on top, and sprinkle toasted pine nuts for a nice crunch. - Presentation Tip: Serve in shallow bowls. Add a small dollop of pesto on the side for extra flavor. This makes the dish look even more appealing. You can find the Full Recipe for this healthy and flavorful dish at the top! When choosing zucchinis, look for firm and shiny ones. They should feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes. Fresh zucchinis taste better and hold their texture well. Store them in the fridge to keep them crisp. Wrap them in a paper towel to absorb moisture. This helps them last longer. For the best flavor, use ripe avocados. They should feel slightly soft when you squeeze them. This ripeness makes the pesto creamy and rich. You can also vary the ingredients. Try adding different nuts like walnuts or cashews. If you want to skip cheese, nutritional yeast works well. It adds a cheesy taste without dairy. Pair your zucchini noodles with protein for a full meal. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are great choices. You can also add roasted vegetables for more flavor. For a side dish, serve a light salad. A fresh green salad with lemon dressing complements the dish perfectly. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for inspiration. {{image_4}} Zucchini noodles are great for many diets. They are naturally vegan and gluten-free. You can enjoy this dish without any animal products. The main ingredients fit well for anyone looking for healthy options. To make it gluten-free, just ensure your pesto uses gluten-free nuts. For a nut-free version, swap pine nuts with sunflower seeds. This keeps the creamy texture without nuts. If you're looking to lower fat, use less avocado in the pesto. This keeps the taste while cutting calories. You can change the flavor of your pesto easily. Try adding herbs like parsley or cilantro. This gives a fresh twist to the dish. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Experimenting with nuts can change the taste too. Instead of pine nuts, use walnuts or cashews. Each nut brings a unique taste to the pesto. You can even add lemon zest for a bright flavor. Feel free to get creative with your zucchini noodles. The [Full Recipe] guides you step-by-step to make delicious meals. To keep your leftover zucchini noodles fresh, refrigerate them. Place the noodles in an airtight container. This helps them stay crisp and not soggy. Use them within two days for the best taste and texture. For the pesto, store it in a separate container. To prevent browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. This adds flavor and keeps the bright green color. How long does the dish last in the fridge? Zucchini noodles with pesto stay good in the fridge for up to two days. After that, the noodles may become watery and lose flavor. If you want to save them for later, freezing is an option. You can freeze the zucchini noodles for up to three months. To do this, blanch them in hot water for one minute, then cool them in ice water. Drain and pack them in freezer bags. For the pesto, you can freeze it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can use just what you need later. This method keeps the flavors fresh and ready to use. You can use a few kitchen tools if you don’t have a spiralizer. A box grater works well. Just grate the zucchini into thin strips. You can also use a vegetable peeler. Simply peel the zucchini into long ribbons. Both methods give you great results! Yes, making zucchini noodles ahead of time is easy. Spiralize or slice the zucchini, then place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. To keep them fresh, you can sprinkle a little salt to draw out excess water. Zucchini noodles are low in calories and high in fiber. They help keep you full without the carbs of regular pasta. Avocado in the pesto adds healthy fats and vitamins. Together, they create a dish that is tasty and good for your body! This blog post covered how to create a delicious zucchini noodle dish with avocado pesto. You learned about the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make it. I shared tips for selecting the best zucchinis and perfecting your pesto. Plus, I provided storage tips to keep your dish fresh. Remember, cooking should be fun and flexible. Feel free to experiment with flavors and adaptations. Enjoy the healthy meals while impressing your friends and family!](https://yumymoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/eeb3a9bf-d13a-4ad7-80d0-aee269f82a46-250x250.webp)
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Discover the freshness of zesty zucchini noodles with avocado pesto in this quick and healthy recipe! This dish features spiralized zucchini tossed in a creamy avocado basil sauce, making it a perfect light meal or side. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s packed with flavor and topped with cherry tomatoes and crunchy pine nuts. Click through to explore this refreshing recipe and impress your taste buds with a vibrant, guilt-free dish!