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- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized - 1 cup fresh basil leaves (for pesto) - 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly cracked pepper - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Additional fresh basil leaves for garnish I love using fresh ingredients for this dish. Zucchinis are great for making light noodles. They have a mild flavor and a nice crunch. When you spiralize them, they look just like pasta. The fresh basil gives the pesto a bright taste. I always use good-quality olive oil for a rich flavor. Toasting the pine nuts adds a nice nutty touch. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. They pair well with the savory pesto. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. Make sure to season your dish with salt and pepper. This brings out all the flavors. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. I often garnish with extra basil leaves for a fresh look. For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Zucchini Noodle Delight. It’s quick and easy to make! To make zucchini noodles, start by spiralizing the zucchinis. Use a spiralizer to create long, noodle-like strands. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can still make noodles. Just thinly slice the zucchinis into long strips. These strips will work well too. Next, it's time to make the pesto sauce. In a food processor, add the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse these ingredients until they are finely chopped and mixed. Now, while the processor runs, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This helps the pesto become smooth and creamy. If it looks too thick, add a bit more olive oil. Don't forget to taste it! Season it with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Now, let’s cook the zucchini noodles. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir them gently. You want them to soften just a little but still have a nice crunch. Once they are ready, turn off the heat. Add the pesto to the skillet and toss the noodles well. Make sure every noodle gets coated in the sauce. Finally, fold in the halved cherry tomatoes. Their juices will mix with the pesto and enhance the flavor. For the full recipe, refer to the above instructions and enjoy your dish! To keep your zucchini noodles from getting watery, you must dry them. After spiralizing, lay the noodles on paper towels and sprinkle a little salt. The salt draws out excess moisture. Let them sit for about ten minutes. Then, gently pat them dry with another towel. This makes sure your noodles stay firm. For the right crunch, cook the noodles for only 2-3 minutes. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the noodles. Stir gently to avoid overcooking. You want them tender but still crisp. You can easily change up the flavor of your pesto. For a nutty twist, try using walnuts instead of pine nuts. If you want a different taste, substitute spinach or arugula for the basil. This gives your dish a fun new vibe. Adjusting spice levels is simple, too. For a mild flavor, skip the red pepper flakes. If you love heat, add more to taste. Just remember to mix well after adding. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Creating an appealing plate is all about color and arrangement. Serve the zucchini noodles in a bright bowl. You can also layer them for a nice height. Place halved cherry tomatoes on top for a pop of red. Adding garnishes can make your dish shine. Extra basil leaves or a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese add flair. A drizzle of olive oil can make the dish look even more inviting. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! {{image_4}} You can make your zucchini noodles even heartier by adding protein. Shrimp, chicken, or tofu work great. If you choose shrimp, sauté them in olive oil until they turn pink. For chicken, grill or pan-sear until cooked through. Tofu can be cubed and pan-fried until golden. Each protein adds flavor and texture. You don’t have to stick to classic basil pesto. Spinach or arugula can replace basil for a new taste. You can also swap out pine nuts for walnuts or cashews. Each nut gives a unique crunch and creaminess to the pesto. Experiment and find your favorite mix! Zucchini noodles pair well with many side dishes. Try serving them with a fresh salad or grilled veggies. You can also add roasted bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients. These options keep your meal light and colorful. Enjoy these combinations to enhance your dish! To keep zucchini noodles fresh, store them in a sealed container. Place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture. This helps prevent sogginess. Refrigerate them for up to three days. For the pesto, keep it in a separate airtight container. Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to keep it fresh. It can last in the fridge for about one week. When reheating zucchini noodles, use a skillet on low heat. This method keeps them from getting mushy. Stir gently for about two minutes until warm. If you want to add extra ingredients, like shrimp or chicken, cook them first. Then add the noodles and heat together. This way, everything warms evenly without losing texture. You can make zucchini noodles without a spiralizer. Use a sharp knife to slice the zucchini into thin, long strips. You can also use a vegetable peeler to create wider noodles. This method works well and gives you a nice texture. Just make sure to cut the strips evenly. This way, they will cook at the same rate. Yes, you can prepare the pesto ahead of time. Make the pesto and store it in an airtight container. Drizzle a little olive oil on top to prevent browning. It lasts in the fridge for about a week. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the pesto in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a bag. This makes it easy to use later. This recipe is great for meal prep. You can spiralize the zucchinis and store them in the fridge for up to three days. The pesto can be made ahead too. Just mix the zucchini and pesto together when you're ready to eat. You can also add protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp, to make it more filling. This dish stays fresh and tasty all week long. Zucchini noodles are a fun and healthy alternative to pasta. We covered how to make them from scratch and prepared a delicious pesto to go with them. I shared tips to keep your noodles from getting mushy and ideas for tasty add-ins, like shrimp or chicken. Remember, you can adjust flavors based on your taste and mix other green herbs in your pesto. This dish is not just easy but also a great way to enjoy fresh veggies. Happy cooking!

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Craving a fresh and healthy meal? Try this Zesty Zucchini Noodle Delight packed with flavor and vibrant ingredients! Made with spiralized zucchini, fresh basil pesto, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this dish is quick to prepare in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, it's a delicious way to enjoy veggies.
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted for enhanced flavor

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Additional fresh basil leaves for garnishing

Instructions
 

Begin by spiralizing the zucchinis using a spiralizer. If lacking a spiralizer, thinly slice the zucchinis into long strips to mimic noodles.

    In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse the mixture until finely chopped and well incorporated.

      With the food processor running, gradually drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. If the pesto appears too thick, incrementally add more olive oil to achieve your desired texture.

        Taste the pesto and season it with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you prefer a bit of spice). Blend briefly to combine.

          Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the spiralized zucchini noodles. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, gently stirring occasionally, until the noodles soften slightly while still retaining a bit of crunch.

            Once the zucchini noodles are ready, turn off the heat and incorporate the prepared pesto into the skillet. Toss the noodles thoroughly, ensuring they are completely coated in the vibrant green sauce.

              Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, allowing their juices to mingle with the pesto and noodles.

                Serve immediately on warm plates or in a beautiful serving bowl. Garnish with extra basil leaves and a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the zucchini noodles in a large, colorful bowl or on individual plates. To add a splash of color, place a few whole cherry tomatoes on top and drizzle a touch of olive oil before serving. Enjoy your refreshing and vibrant Zesty Zucchini Noodle Delight!