Vegan Zucchini Noodles with Pesto Sauce

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto Sauce

It is fun and satisfying about making zoodles with a spiralizer, especially when you're prepping a light, healthy meal for family or friends. The first time I used a "zoodle maker," I was amazed at how quickly it turned an ordinary zucchini into long, curly noodles. It felt like a playful way to introduce more veggies into our meals. The best part? It's an interactive process that can even get kids excited about helping in the kitchen. I love how versatile zoodles are—they pair well with just about any sauce, and this vibrant pesto is popular with pesto lovers. It's a perfect summer dish that feels indulgent but is packed with nutrients.

Did you know?
Zucchini noodles, or "zoodles," are a low-carb and nutrient-dense alternative to traditional pasta. Packed with vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and potassium, zoodles are a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your meals. Pairing zoodles with a fresh pesto sauce not only enhances the flavors but also adds healthy fats, making this dish a guilt-free pleasure.

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
2 tablespoons olive oil or grapeseed oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup pesto sauce
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Heat Oil:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Personal Tip: Using grapeseed oil gives a neutral flavor, allowing the garlic and pesto to shine.

Cook Zoodles:
Add spiralized zucchini noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender.
Personal Tip: Don't cook the zoodles too long; they should remain firm to give a "pasta-like" texture.

Add Pesto:
Stir in pesto sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Personal Tip: Add a splash of pasta water or veggie broth to thin out the pesto if it's too thick.

Combine Ingredients:
Add cherry tomatoes and toss to combine.
Personal Tip: The tomatoes add a burst of color and acidity, making each bite even more refreshing.

Season and Serve:
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Personal Tip: For a vegan version, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories, 200; Protein, 6g; Carbohydrates, 10g; Sugars, 4g; Total Fat, 16g; Saturated Fat, 3g; Sodium, 300mg; Fiber, 3g

Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money

1. Choose Fresh Zucchinis: When selecting zucchinis, pick firm ones with smooth, shiny skin. They should feel heavy for their size, which indicates freshness.
2. Homemade Pesto: Making pesto at home is cheaper than store-bought versions and allows you to control the quality of ingredients. Blend fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil for a delicious, fresh sauce.
3. Spiralizing Tips: Invest in a good spiralizer to make zoodle-making easier. Some come with multiple blade sizes, so you can experiment with different noodle shapes and thicknesses.
4. Zucchini Alternatives: If zucchinis aren’t available, try spiralizing carrots, cucumbers, or sweet potatoes. They work well with pesto or other sauces and bring their unique textures.
5. Bulk Buy Ingredients: Save money by buying staples like olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts in bulk. These ingredients have long shelf lives and are perfect for many recipes.
6. Leftover Pesto: Pesto freezes well—freeze it in ice cube trays to use later. This way, you'll always have some on hand for quick meals like pasta, sandwiches, or dips.
7. Cookware: Use a large, non-stick skillet to prevent the zoodles from sticking. This also helps you cook the zoodles evenly without needing too much oil.
8. Avoid Overcooking: Zoodles cook fast! Keep an eye on them, and remove from heat once they’re tender but still slightly firm. This keeps them from getting mushy.
9. Enhance with Protein: To make the dish more filling, add your favorite protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. It complements the zoodles well, turning the dish into a hearty meal.
10. Garnishing: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add flavor and visual appeal. Plus, fresh herbs are easy to grow at home for continuous use in your kitchen.

Let’s Learn About Zoodle Makers

A zoodle maker, or spiralizer, is a kitchen tool designed to transform vegetables into long, thin, noodle-like strands. The device has gained popularity in recent years as people look for low-carb, gluten-free alternatives to traditional pasta. Zoodles (zucchini noodles) are the most common creation from a spiralizer, but the tool can also be used on carrots, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, and more. Spiralizers can vary from hand-held, simple models to larger countertop versions with multiple blade options. While hand-held versions are budget-friendly, countertop models provide more versatility, offering options for different thicknesses and styles of veggie noodles. Using a spiralizer is not only fun but also an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals! They are easy to find on places like Amazon.