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- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized - 1 ripe avocado - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 2 tablespoons pine nuts - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) When I make zucchini noodles with pesto, I focus on fresh, simple ingredients. Zucchini noodles serve as a great base. They soak up flavor and bring a nice crunch. Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. Fresh basil gives the dish an aromatic kick. Pine nuts add a bit of crunch. Garlic and lemon juice brighten the flavors. Olive oil ties everything together. You can adjust salt and pepper to fit your taste. - Calories per serving: Approximately 250 - Macronutrient breakdown: - Carbohydrates: 20g - Protein: 5g - Fat: 18g This dish is light but filling. It provides a good mix of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats. It's perfect for a quick meal. The calories are low, making it a great option for many diets. - Spiralizer or vegetable peeler - Food processor - Large pan Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A spiralizer is key for making zucchini noodles. If you don’t have one, a vegetable peeler works too. A food processor blends the pesto quickly. A large pan is needed to sauté the noodles. Each tool helps you create a great meal with ease. For the full recipe, check the details above. To start, spiralizing your zucchinis is fun and easy. You can use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler. Just slice off the ends first. Then, push the zucchini through the spiralizer. If using a peeler, make long strips. Aim for thin, noodle-like strands. Once spiralized, set the zucchini noodles aside on a plate. Next, we make the avocado pesto. Gather your ingredients: avocado, fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. In a food processor, add all these items. Blend until the mix is smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides. Taste your pesto and adjust the flavor. Add more salt or lemon juice if needed. Now, it’s time to cook the zucchini noodles. In a large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for about 2-3 minutes. You want them to soften but not become mushy. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the avocado pesto. Mix until the noodles are well coated. Serve right away, garnishing with cherry tomatoes and Parmesan cheese if you like. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! To avoid overcooked zucchini, sauté the noodles for only 2-3 minutes. You want them soft but still firm. If you cook too long, they become mushy. For seasoning, start with salt and pepper. You can add more lemon juice for brightness. Try a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Creating an appetizing bowl starts with how you arrange the noodles. Use a twirling fork to make a nest shape in the center. Drizzle extra pesto over the top for a glossy finish. Add halved cherry tomatoes around the bowl for color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add a nice touch, too. Using a spiralizer is simple. Hold the zucchini firmly and twist it to make noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler works well too. To get a creamy pesto, blend the ingredients until smooth. If it's too thick, add a little olive oil or water to reach your desired consistency. {{image_2}} You can add protein to make this dish heartier. Chicken or shrimp work well. Just cook the protein first, then mix it in with the zucchini noodles. For a plant-based option, try chickpeas or tofu. You can also change up the nuts in your pesto. Instead of pine nuts, use walnuts or cashews for a different flavor. Each nut adds its own twist to the creamy sauce. If you want to make this dish vegan-friendly, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast is a great choice for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Zucchini noodles are naturally gluten-free. To keep your dish gluten-free, just ensure any added ingredients, like sauces or toppings, are also gluten-free. Spice things up by adding red pepper flakes to your pesto or sautéed noodles. This gives it a nice kick. You can also play with herbs. Try mixing basil with parsley or cilantro for a fresh taste. Each herb brings a new layer of flavor to your dish. If you want to see the full recipe, check out the Zesty Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto. To keep your zucchini noodles and pesto fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store them in the fridge. They stay good for about three days. Make sure to separate the noodles from the pesto to keep both fresh. This prevents sogginess in your noodles. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. This warms the noodles gently. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them mushy. Pesto does not reheat well. The oils may separate, changing its texture and taste. Always reheat just what you plan to eat. You can freeze pesto for later use. Place it in ice cube trays for easy portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a bag. Zucchini noodles do not freeze well. They become watery when thawed. If you must freeze them, freeze raw noodles. Thaw them in the fridge before cooking. You can make zucchini noodles without a spiralizer. Use a vegetable peeler instead. Simply peel long strips off the zucchini. You can also use a box grater to create thin strands. Both methods work well to create noodles. The texture may differ slightly, but they will still taste great. Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. It saves you time and effort. Many brands offer tasty options. However, pre-made pesto may contain preservatives or added oils. Making your own allows for fresher flavors and healthier choices. If you choose store-bought, look for brands with clean ingredients. Zucchini noodles stay fresh for about three days when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will lose some texture over time. For the best taste, enjoy them soon after making. If you notice any sliminess, it’s time to toss them out. This blog post covered many aspects of making a delicious zucchini noodle dish. We explored ingredients, prepared an easy avocado pesto, and offered tips for perfecting your meal. You learned how to combine flavors and find fun variations while keeping it healthy. Remember to store leftovers right and enjoy your creation for days. Cooking can be simple and tasty with these easy steps. Happy cooking!

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Enjoy a fresh and healthy meal with these zesty zucchini noodles topped with creamy avocado pesto. This easy recipe combines spiralized zucchini, ripe avocado, and fragrant basil for a refreshing dish in just 15 minutes! Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, each bite bursts with flavor. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover tips to enhance your presentation for a beautiful plate that impresses!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized

1 ripe avocado

1 cup fresh basil leaves

2 tablespoons pine nuts

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Begin by spiralizing the zucchini using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler to create long noodle-like strands. Set aside.

    In a food processor, combine the avocado, fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Adjust seasoning to taste.

      In a large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, just until they start to soften; do not overcook.

        Remove the pan from heat and stir in the avocado pesto until the noodles are well coated.

          Serve immediately in bowls, garnishing with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings

              - Presentation Tips: Use a twirling fork to create a nest of zucchini noodles in the center of each bowl. Drizzle additional pesto and arrange cherry tomato halves artfully around the plate for a pop of color.