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- 3 medium zucchinis - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/2 cup pine nuts (toasted if desired) - 2 cloves garlic - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan) - 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Zucchini noodles shine as a fresh base for this dish. You’ll need three medium zucchinis for a good serving. Fresh basil leaves bring a burst of flavor. One cup is perfect. Pine nuts add crunch; half a cup works well. Two cloves of garlic give the pesto depth. For a cheesy taste, use half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If you want a vegan option, nutritional yeast is a great substitute. Don't forget about the extra virgin olive oil. This adds smoothness and richness. You can adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. Halve one cup and toss them in. For those who like a kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This dish is all about fresh ingredients and simple flavors. You can find the full recipe for more details. To start, use a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles. This tool helps create long, thin strands. If you don’t have a spiralizer, a simple peeler works too. Just peel the zucchini into flat ribbons. Both methods work well and taste great. Next, it's time to make the pesto. Gather your ingredients: basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Place these in a food processor. Blend them until finely chopped. This step brings out the flavors. To get the right texture, slowly drizzle in olive oil while the processor runs. Keep blending until it’s smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Now, combine the cooked zucchini noodles with the pesto. Toss them in a large bowl until well-coated. The noodles should shine with the green sauce. Add halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Toss again and mix well. The dish is now ready to serve. Enjoy your fresh, flavorful meal! To get the best zucchini noodles, start with fresh zucchinis. Look for firm ones with smooth skin. Cut off the ends before spiralizing. When using a spiralizer, press gently to avoid mushy noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler can work as well. Just make thin, long ribbons. Aim for noodles that feel firm and have slight bite. This will keep them enjoyable in your dish. For tools, a spiralizer is ideal. It creates perfect noodles quickly. A good peeler works too, but you may need more time. Always remember to keep your kitchen tools clean and sharp. This will help you achieve the best results. To make your pesto shine, fresh herbs are key. Use basil, but try adding parsley or spinach too. These can add depth to the flavor. If you like a nutty taste, consider adding walnuts or sunflower seeds. This gives a nice twist to your pesto. You can also try adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Adjust the seasoning as you blend. Taste your pesto, and if it needs more salt, add a pinch. If it’s too strong, add more olive oil to balance it. Finding the right flavor is all about personal taste. When plating, make your dish look great! Twirl the zucchini noodles into a nest shape. This makes it fun to eat. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some whole basil leaves. This adds color and freshness. For a complete meal, pair your zucchini noodles with grilled chicken or shrimp. This adds protein and makes your meal more filling. You can also serve it with a side salad. Fresh greens work well to balance the flavors. Enjoy your fresh, tasty dish! {{image_2}} For a vegan twist, you can skip the cheese. Instead of Parmesan, use nutritional yeast. This gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also add a little avocado for creaminess. If you want to switch up the nuts, try cashews or walnuts. Both can blend smoothly into the pesto. Zucchini noodles work well with many veggies. Try adding bell peppers or spinach for more color and flavor. You can also mix in some carrots for a bit of sweetness. Seasoning can change your dish too. A sprinkle of lemon zest or a squeeze of lime adds a bright note. To keep this meal low-carb, focus on the veggies. Zucchini is great for this! If you want more sauce options, consider using avocado sauce or a creamy tahini mix. These alternatives add great taste without the carbs. They keep your dish light and fresh. To keep your zucchini noodles with pesto fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work best, but plastic ones are fine too. This helps keep moisture out. Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the noodles may become too soggy. When reheating, avoid the microwave if possible. It can make the noodles mushy. Instead, warm them in a skillet over low heat. Stir gently to keep the noodles intact. For serving, add a sprinkle of fresh basil or extra cheese. This enhances the flavor and looks great! Yes, you can freeze zucchini noodles and pesto! To freeze, place the noodles and pesto in separate bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. Store the bags flat in the freezer for easier stacking. They will keep well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above for a tasty meal. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To cook zucchini noodles, keep it simple. You want them tender but not mushy. Aim for 3 to 5 minutes of cooking in a pan. Stir them gently to avoid breaking. If you see water pooling in the pan, that means they are overcooked. You want a slight crunch. This keeps the flavor fresh and bright. Yes, you can make pesto ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to a week. To keep the color bright, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top. This helps prevent browning. You can also freeze pesto. Just place it in ice cube trays. This way, you can use it later in small portions. Avoid overcooking the zucchini noodles. They should be crisp. Don't skip salting the zucchini before cooking. This helps draw out moisture. Also, watch the seasoning. Taste your pesto as you go. Adding too much garlic can overpower the dish. Lastly, serve it right after mixing. This keeps everything fresh and vibrant. Zucchini noodles with pesto are simple and tasty. We covered main ingredients, like zucchini and basil, and how to make perfect noodles. You can enhance your dish with great tips and add flavors with variations. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Cooking should be fun and a chance to be creative. I hope you try this dish and make it your own! Enjoy your delicious meal made with fresh, bright flavors.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Discover the vibrant world of Zesty Zucchini Noodles! This delightful recipe transforms fresh zucchinis into a healthy, flavorful meal in just 15 minutes. Packed with fresh basil, garlic, and topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, it's a perfect summer dish. Learn how to create your own zucchini noodles and make this refreshing pesto for a dinner that's both colorful and nutritious. Click to explore the full recipe and enjoy a taste of paradise!
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Ingredients
  

3 medium zucchinis

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup pine nuts (toasted if desired)

2 cloves garlic

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

Using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles from the zucchinis. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a peeler to create thin ribbons.

    Place the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Blend until all ingredients are finely chopped.

      With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed.

        In a large mixing bowl, combine the zucchini noodles with the prepared pesto. Toss gently until the noodles are well-coated.

          Add the cherry tomato halves and toss again to incorporate. If using, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for added heat.

            Serve immediately or let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together better.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2-3

                - Presentation Tips: Plate the zucchini noodles with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few whole basil leaves for a fresh, colorful look.