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Here’s what you need to make zucchini noodles with pesto. Each ingredient adds a unique taste and texture. - Zucchini: 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized - Pesto Components: 1 ripe avocado, 1 cup fresh basil leaves, 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Nuts: 1/4 cup walnuts or pine nuts - Flavor Enhancers: 1 garlic clove, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, sea salt, black pepper - Finishing Touches: 2 tablespoons olive oil, cherry tomatoes, extra basil leaves These ingredients blend together to create a bold and flavorful dish. The zucchini serves as a great base, while the creamy avocado pesto brings richness. You can customize the nuts and spices to match your taste. For the full recipe, check out the section above. To make zucchini noodles, you need to spiralize the zucchinis. Use a spiralizer or a julienne peeler. Aim for long, thin strands. This method gives your dish a fun, noodle-like shape. Once you spiralize the zucchinis, place them in a colander. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over them. This step draws out moisture. Let the noodles rest for about 10 minutes. After that, gently pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps keep your dish from becoming soggy. For the pesto, gather your ingredients. Place one ripe avocado, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, walnuts, and minced garlic in a food processor. If you want a little heat, add red pepper flakes. Drizzle in the olive oil, too. Blend the mixture until smooth. Stop to scrape down the sides if needed. If your pesto is too thick, add a splash of water. Taste it and season with salt and pepper. You want it to be rich and flavorful. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the prepared zucchini noodles. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. This quick cooking keeps the noodles fresh. Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the creamy avocado pesto over the zucchini noodles. Toss the noodles gently in the pesto. Make sure every strand is coated well. Plate the zucchini noodles right away for the best texture. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and extra basil leaves. This adds color and flavor to your dish. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Substituting Nuts for Different Tastes You can switch nuts in your pesto for a new flavor. If you want a rich taste, use pine nuts instead of walnuts. For a crunchier bite, try almonds. Each nut adds a unique twist, so feel free to explore. Suggested Seasoning Variations Add spices to boost flavor. A pinch of smoked paprika gives a warm touch. For a kick, try more red pepper flakes. Fresh lemon zest brightens the dish and enhances the taste. Don't hesitate to play with herbs too; chives or parsley can add freshness. Meal Prep Strategies for Quick Assembly You can make zucchini noodles in advance. Spiralize the zucchinis and store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. To save time, prepare the avocado pesto too. Store it in a jar with a layer of olive oil on top to keep it fresh. This way, you can whip up dinner quickly. Ways to Enhance the Dish Aesthetically Make your dish look inviting. Serve the zucchini noodles in shallow bowls for a nice touch. Add a drizzle of olive oil around the edges for flair. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes on top for color. Finish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of green. Beautiful food is more fun to eat! For the full recipe, check out Zesty Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto. {{image_4}} You can make zucchini noodles even better by adding protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs well with the creamy avocado pesto. - Grilled Chicken: Season chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill until cooked through. Slice it and toss it over your noodles. - Shrimp: Season shrimp with your favorite spices. Sauté in a pan for just a few minutes. Toss them on top of the zucchini noodles for a tasty twist. If you need a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast in place of cheese in your pesto. This keeps the flavor rich and savory. - Nutritional Yeast: It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Just blend it into the pesto. You can also add extra nuts for creaminess. - Tofu or Tempeh: Cube and sauté tofu or tempeh for added protein. This keeps your meal fully vegan while still being satisfying. Using seasonal veggies can enhance your dish. Try adding bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. Here’s how to incorporate them: - Bell Peppers: Chop and sauté them along with the zucchini noodles for added crunch and color. - Carrots: Spiralize or julienne them for a sweet, crunchy addition. - Spinach: Toss fresh spinach in right before serving. It wilts quickly and adds nutrients. These variations make your zucchini noodles with pesto fun and exciting! Check out the Full Recipe to see how to create this bold dish at home. To keep your leftover zucchini noodles fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel inside to absorb extra moisture. This method helps keep them crisp. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any signs of spoilage, it’s best to toss them out. Yes, you can freeze zucchini noodles and pesto! For freezing, blanch the noodles first. Boil them for just one minute, then cool them in ice water. Drain and dry them well. Place the noodles in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Pesto can also freeze well. Use ice cube trays to store small portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a bag. Both can last in the freezer for up to three months. You can get creative with leftover pesto! It makes a great spread on sandwiches or wraps. Mix it into salads for extra flavor. You can also use it as a dip for veggies or crackers. If you have leftover zucchini noodles, try adding them to soups. They can also be sautéed with other veggies for a quick side dish. You can easily make zucchini noodles without a spiralizer using a vegetable peeler. Just peel the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips. You can also use a box grater. Simply grate the zucchini on the large holes, creating noodle-like strands. Both methods work well, but the peeler gives you wider noodles. If you're looking for a substitute for avocado, try using cooked and cooled white beans. They provide creaminess and a good texture. You can also use sunflower seeds or tahini to create a nut-free version. These options keep the pesto rich and flavorful. Zucchini noodles will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Check for any signs of spoilage, like a slimy texture or a bad smell. If they look or smell off, it's best to toss them. Serve zucchini noodles in shallow bowls for a nice touch. Top them with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil for color and flavor. A drizzle of olive oil adds a lovely shine. You can also sprinkle some cheese or nuts for extra texture and taste. Yes, you can make pesto ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To keep it fresh, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top. This helps prevent browning. Pesto can last about a week in the fridge. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just pour it into ice cube trays, freeze, and transfer the cubes to a bag. This way, you’ll have ready-to-use pesto for your next meal. We explored making delicious zucchini noodles topped with creamy avocado pesto. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for the best results. The flexibility of this dish shines through with options for added protein or seasonal vegetables. You can easily store leftovers or repurpose them creatively. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe. Healthy eating can be simple and tasty with just a few tweaks! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Discover the delightful flavors of Zesty Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto, a fresh and healthy twist on your favorite pasta dish! Made with fresh zucchini and a creamy avocado pesto, this recipe is quick and easy, perfect for any meal. With vibrant garnishes and simple steps, you'll impress your family and friends. Click to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your dinner game today!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized

1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled

1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup walnuts (or substitute with pine nuts)

1 garlic clove, finely minced

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

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

A handful of cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Extra fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Begin by spiralizing the zucchinis using a spiralizer or a julienne peeler to create long noodle-like strands. Once spiralized, place the noodles in a colander and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. This will help draw out excess moisture. Allow them to rest for about 10 minutes, then pat them dry gently with a paper towel to prevent sogginess.

    Make the Avocado Pesto: In a food processor, combine the peeled avocado, packed basil leaves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, walnuts (or pine nuts), finely minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. Process the mixture until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. If the pesto is too thick for your liking, add a splash of water to achieve the desired consistency. Taste and season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

      Sauté the Noodles: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the prepared zucchini noodles and sauté for about 2-3 minutes. The goal is to cook them just until they are slightly tender while still retaining a bit of crispness.

        Combine and Toss: Remove the skillet from heat and spoon the creamy avocado pesto over the zucchini noodles. Gently toss the noodles in the pesto until they are evenly coated, ensuring every strand is enveloped in the rich flavor.

          Serve and Garnish: Plate the zucchini noodles immediately for the best texture. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of extra fresh basil leaves to add a vibrant touch and enhance the flavor profile.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: For an elegant display, serve the plated zucchini noodles in shallow bowls or deep plates, and drizzle a little extra olive oil around the edges to elevate the presentation.