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To make zucchini noodles with pesto, you need some fresh and simple ingredients. This dish bursts with flavor and is easy to prepare. Here’s what you will need: - 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles - 1 ripe avocado - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts) - 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast - 2 cloves garlic - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1/4 cup olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) - Grated parmesan cheese (optional, for a non-vegan option) Each of these ingredients plays a key role. The zucchinis serve as a great base. They are light and crunchy. The avocado adds creaminess, while the basil brings freshness. Nuts give a nice texture and flavor. Garlic and lemon juice brighten the dish. Olive oil binds everything together, making it smooth. You can adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Cherry tomatoes add color and sweetness. If you want a richer flavor, add parmesan cheese. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to create this dish. First, let's make the avocado pesto. Grab a food processor and add the ripe avocado, fresh basil leaves, and pine nuts. You can use walnuts if you prefer. Next, add the nutritional yeast, garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse this mix until it becomes smooth. It should look creamy and bright green. As the processor runs, slowly pour in the olive oil. This helps blend the flavors well. After that, season with salt and pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your avocado pesto is now ready! Now, let’s cook the zucchini noodles. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet. Stir them gently as they cook. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes. The noodles should be tender but still have a little bite. Be careful not to overcook them, or they will get mushy. Once the zucchini noodles are cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Add the prepared avocado pesto to the noodles. Toss everything together gently. You want to make sure the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Now, plate the zucchini noodles in deep bowls. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. If you like cheese, sprinkle some grated parmesan on top. This dish is fresh, healthy, and bursting with flavor. For the full recipe, check the section above. Enjoy your meal! To make perfect zucchini noodles, start with firm zucchinis. Look for ones that feel heavy for their size. Cut off both ends before spiralizing. This helps the zucchini fit better in the spiralizer. Push down gently as you turn the handle. The noodles should come out evenly and look like spaghetti. If you don’t have a spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler. Just peel long strips for a similar effect. Pesto should be creamy but not too thick. If it feels too thick, add more olive oil. A little water can help too. Blend until you reach your desired smoothness. Taste your pesto before serving. If it’s too strong, add more avocado or lemon juice. This balances the flavors well. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking for a perfect finish. How you serve your dish matters. Use deep bowls to hold the zucchini noodles. They make a lovely display. Top with halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. Add a sprinkle of extra pine nuts for crunch. Fresh basil leaves also add vibrancy. You can finish with grated parmesan cheese for a rich touch. This makes your meal look as good as it tastes. For the complete method, follow the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can boost your zucchini noodles with protein. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work great. For chicken, grill or sauté it first. Slice it thin and mix it in. For shrimp, cook them until pink and add them to the noodles. Tofu is a great option for vegans. Use firm tofu, press it, then cube and fry. This step adds a nice texture. Each protein makes the dish heartier and more filling. Pine nuts are popular in pesto, but you can switch them out. Walnuts add a rich flavor and are easier to find. Almonds give a crunch to your dish. If you want a nut-free option, use sunflower seeds. They blend well and keep the pesto creamy. Each nut changes the taste a little, so feel free to experiment. Basil is classic, but you can use other herbs too. Cilantro adds a fresh twist. Parsley gives a lighter flavor that is nice and bright. For a spicy kick, try arugula. Mixing herbs can create unique tastes. You can even combine two or more herbs for fun flavors. This way, you make your pesto special every time. For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto. To keep leftover zucchini noodles fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel inside to soak up any extra moisture. This keeps the noodles from getting soggy. They will last about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. If you want to freeze them, place the noodles in a freezer bag. Squeeze out all the air before sealing. Frozen noodles can last up to 2 months. Remember, thaw them in the fridge before using. For leftover pesto, transfer it to a clean jar or container. To prevent browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top. Seal the container tightly. This can keep your pesto fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Ice cube trays are great for this. Pour the pesto into the trays, freeze, and then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. You can take out just what you need later. When reheating zucchini noodles, it’s best to do so gently. Place them in a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to help steam them. Stir often, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until warm. Avoid high heat, as it can make the noodles mushy. You can also reheat pesto in a small pot on low heat. Stir until warmed through, but do not boil. This will help keep all the fresh flavors intact. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Yes, this recipe is mostly vegan. To keep it vegan, skip the parmesan cheese. The avocado pesto is rich and creamy without it. You still get all the flavor you want. If you don't have a spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler. Simply peel thin strips from the zucchini. You can also use a box grater. Just grate the zucchini into thin strands. Both methods work well for this dish. If pine nuts are hard to find or too pricey, use walnuts or sunflower seeds. These nuts add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also try cashews for a creamier texture. Each option gives the pesto a unique taste. This blog post covered a simple and tasty dish made with zucchini noodles and avocado pesto. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. We discussed variations for more flavors and protein, as well as storage tips for leftovers. Cooking should be fun and easy. You can enjoy healthy meals without much fuss. Try this recipe for a fresh twist on pasta. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

58. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Discover the vibrant flavors of Zesty Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto! This quick and healthy recipe combines spiralized zucchini with a creamy avocado pesto that's packed with fresh basil and garlic. Perfect for a light meal, it's ready in just 20 minutes and offers a delicious way to enjoy a vegetable-forward dish.
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

1 ripe avocado

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

2 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Grated parmesan cheese (optional, for a non-vegan option)

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing the `avocado pesto`. In a food processor, combine the ripe avocado, fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse until the mixture is smooth.

    While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until fully incorporated. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.

      In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until just tender but still al dente. Take care not to overcook them.

        Once the zucchini noodles are cooked, remove the skillet from heat and add the avocado pesto. Toss gently until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.

          Plate the zucchini noodles in bowls and garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the zoodles in deep bowls for a beautiful display. Add a sprinkle of extra pine nuts on top for crunch and vibrant green basil leaves for garnish.