Go Back
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles - 1 ripe avocado - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 tablespoons pine nuts (lightly toasted) - 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional for cheesy flavor) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) - Extra pine nuts for garnish When I make Zucchini Noodles with Pesto, I love to keep it fresh and simple. The main ingredients are key for a great dish. I use three medium zucchinis, which I spiralize into fun noodle shapes. This step adds a playful touch to the meal. Next, I grab a ripe avocado. It brings creaminess to the pesto, making it rich and smooth. I also add a cup of fresh basil leaves. The basil gives a bright flavor that complements the dish perfectly. For the additional ingredients, I squeeze in two tablespoons of lemon juice. This adds a zesty kick that balances the dish. I also use two tablespoons of lightly toasted pine nuts. They add a nice crunch and depth to the pesto. If you want a cheesy flavor, try adding two tablespoons of nutritional yeast. When it comes to seasoning and garnishing, I use two cloves of minced garlic. Garlic gives the pesto a bold taste. I mix in three tablespoons of olive oil for smoothness. I always season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, for garnish, I like to add halved cherry tomatoes and extra pine nuts. They bring color and freshness to the plate. For the full recipe, check out the link above. Start by spiralizing the zucchinis to create noodle-like strands. I use a spiralizer, which makes this easy and fun. Once you have your zoodles, set them aside on paper towels. This helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the noodles from getting soggy. Next, we’ll make the creamy avocado pesto. In a food processor, combine the ripe avocado, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, toasted pine nuts, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, and olive oil. Blend these ingredients until they turn smooth and creamy. The vibrant green color will catch your eye! Now it’s time to bring it all together. Season the avocado pesto with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a bit more zing, feel free to adjust the lemon juice. In a large mixing bowl, toss the zucchini noodles with the avocado pesto. Make sure all the noodles are well coated in that delicious sauce. Let the zoodles sit for about five minutes. This allows them to soften slightly and soak up all those amazing flavors. For the full cooking experience, check out the Full Recipe. Adjusting your lemon juice is key. A little more will add a nice zing. If you want more crunch, add extra pine nuts. They bring a lovely texture to the dish. To store leftover zucchini noodles, place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. To keep pesto fresh, store it in a jar with a layer of olive oil on top. This helps seal in the flavor and color. For a tasty twist, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. These proteins pair well with the creamy pesto. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the zoodles in a nest shape on the plate. Drizzle leftover pesto around the edges for a colorful touch. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or halved cherry tomatoes for added flair. {{image_2}} For a fully plant-based dish, keep the recipe vegan by using the ingredients listed. The avocado and basil create a rich, creamy sauce. You can skip the nutritional yeast if you want. It adds a cheesy flavor but is not needed. Use fresh, organic ingredients for the best taste. This will ensure your dish is healthy and vibrant. Want to make your zucchini noodles heartier? Add protein! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great choices. Grill the chicken or shrimp until cooked through. For tofu, press it to remove excess liquid, then sauté until golden. Mix your protein into the noodles and pesto for a filling meal. Looking to spice things up? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can also enhance the flavor. A squeeze of lime juice adds brightness, too. Experiment with these options to find your perfect blend. Each will give your dish a unique twist. To store leftover zucchini noodles and pesto, keep them in separate airtight containers. This helps maintain their textures and flavors. Zucchini noodles can last in the fridge for about 2 days. The pesto stays fresh for up to a week. If you notice any browning on the pesto, simply stir it before using. You can freeze zucchini noodles and pesto separately for long-term storage. For zucchini noodles, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible, then seal. They can last for about 2 months in the freezer. For pesto, store it in ice cube trays for easy use later. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a bag. This method keeps the pesto good for 3-6 months. Understanding the shelf life of each component is key. Zucchini noodles are best when fresh but can last up to 2 days in the fridge. Pesto can last about a week in the fridge. When frozen, zucchini noodles last about 2 months, while pesto can be stored for 3-6 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before using. To keep zucchini noodles firm, start by spiralizing them. After spiralizing, place the zoodles on paper towels. This step helps absorb extra moisture. Let them rest for about 20 minutes. You can also sprinkle salt on them. Salt draws out water, making the noodles less soggy. Finally, avoid cooking them for too long. Quick sautéing or serving them raw works best. Yes, you can make avocado pesto ahead of time. Just blend all the ingredients and store it in a jar. To keep it fresh, press plastic wrap against the surface. This step prevents oxidation, which causes browning. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Stir it well before using to restore its creamy texture. If you don’t have pine nuts, try using walnuts or almonds. Both nuts add a nice crunch and flavor. Sunflower seeds are another great option for a nut-free pesto. They blend smoothly and keep the recipe creamy. If you want a different taste, try using cashews. They offer a rich, buttery flavor that works well in pesto. Serve zucchini noodles in a bowl or on a plate. Place the zoodles in a nest shape for a fun look. Drizzle any leftover pesto around the edge for color. Top with halved cherry tomatoes for freshness. You can also sprinkle extra pine nuts on top for crunch. Fresh basil leaves make a great garnish too. Zucchini noodles are low in calories and carbs, making them a healthy choice. They provide vitamins A and C, which support your immune system. Zucchini is high in fiber, aiding digestion. This veggie is also hydrating, as it contains a lot of water. In contrast to traditional pasta, zucchini noodles offer more nutrients and fewer empty calories. This blog post shared how to make delicious zucchini noodles with avocado pesto. You learned about the key ingredients, steps to prepare them, and helpful tips for storage and variations. Whether you want a vegan meal or to add protein, this dish offers options. Enjoy crafting this fresh and healthy meal! It’s simple and tasty for any day. Try it out, and you might find a new favorite!

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Elevate your dinner game with these zesty zucchini noodles with avocado pesto! This delicious recipe combines fresh ingredients for a healthy and flavorful meal in just 15 minutes. Learn how to spiralize zucchinis and whip up a creamy avocado pesto that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and make this vibrant dish today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

1 ripe avocado

1 cup fresh basil leaves

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons pine nuts (lightly toasted)

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional for a cheesy flavor)

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Extra pine nuts for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by spiralizing the zucchinis to create noodle-like strands. Set aside on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

    In a food processor, combine the avocado, basil leaves, lemon juice, toasted pine nuts, nutritional yeast, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.

      Season the avocado pesto with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust lemon juice for more acidity if desired.

        In a large mixing bowl, toss the zucchini noodles with the avocado pesto, ensuring all noodles are well coated.

          Let the noodles sit for about 5 minutes to soften slightly and absorb the flavors of the pesto.

            Serve the zoodles in bowls, topped with halved cherry tomatoes and extra pine nuts for crunch.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 2 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Place the zoodles in a nest shape on the plate, drizzling any leftover pesto around the edges for a vibrant look. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added pop of color.