Zucchini Noodle Variations (Print out)

Light zucchini noodles with tomato basil or avocado pesto sauces

# What You'll Need:

→ Zucchini Noodles

01 - 2 large zucchini, spiralized
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Classic Tomato Basil Sauce

04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
08 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Creamy Avocado Pesto

09 - 1 ripe avocado
10 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
11 - 2 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts
12 - 1 clove garlic
13 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
14 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
15 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Toppings (Choose as desired)

16 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
17 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
18 - 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
19 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
20 - Red pepper flakes, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Spiralize zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer. Place noodles in a colander, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
04 - Combine avocado, basil, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Toss sautéed zucchini noodles with your choice of sauce (Tomato Basil or Avocado Pesto). Divide between plates. Top with preferred toppings: Parmesan, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You can enjoy that comfort pasta feeling without the heavy carbohydrate crash that leaves you reaching for seconds
  • Both sauces come together in minutes while the zoodles cook, making this perfect for busy weeknights
02 -
  • Zucchini release a surprising amount of water, and skipping the salt draw step will result in soggy noodles no matter how quickly you cook them
  • The pesto sauce thickens up if it sits too long, so make it right before tossing with the warm noodles
03 -
  • If you do not have a spiralizer, a julienne peeler works surprisingly well for creating thinner, ribbon style noodles
  • Reserve a handful of whole cherry tomatoes to add at the end for pockets of sweetness in every bite
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