If you haven't yet discovered the joy of zucchini noodles, prepare for a revelation. These spiralized strands of fresh zucchini, tossed with vibrant homemade pesto and burst cherry tomatoes, deliver pasta satisfaction with a fraction of the carbs.
This isn't about deprivation โ it's about discovering that vegetables, when treated with respect and paired with bold flavors, can be just as satisfying as traditional pasta. The fresh pesto alone is worth making this recipe.
Making Perfect Zoodles
A spiralizer gives the best results โ long, pasta-like spirals. A julienne peeler works too for wider noodles. Don't have either? A regular vegetable peeler creates beautiful pappardelle-style ribbons. Medium zucchini work best; large ones have watery centers.
Homemade Pesto in 5 Minutes
Blend fresh basil (2 cups), pine nuts (โ cup), garlic (2 cloves), Parmesan (ยฝ cup), lemon juice, salt, and olive oil until smooth but still slightly textured. Homemade pesto is worlds better than jarred โ brighter, fresher, more aromatic.
The Secret: Avoiding Wateriness
Zucchini is 95% water, so excess moisture is the enemy. Salt spiralized zoodles, let them sit 10 minutes, then squeeze dry in a clean kitchen towel. This step is essential! Cook them briefly โ just 2 minutes in a hot pan โ to warm without releasing more water.
๐ฝ๏ธ Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchini
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- โ cup pine nuts
- ยฝ cup Parmesan, grated
- 2 cloves garlic
- ยฝ cup olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes optional
Instructions:
- Spiralize zucchini. Salt lightly and let sit 10 min on paper towels.
- Make pesto: blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil until smooth.
- Squeeze excess moisture from zucchini noodles in a clean towel.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add zoodles, toss for 2 minutes until just warmed through.
- Remove from heat. Toss with pesto until evenly coated.
- Top with cherry tomatoes, extra Parmesan, pine nuts. Serve immediately.
Last updated: August 27, 2025
