![To make zucchini noodles, you need just a few simple items: - 2 medium zucchinis - Salt (to reduce water) Spiralizing the zucchinis makes them fun to eat. If you don’t have a spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler for ribbons. The creamy pesto is the star of this dish. Gather these items: - 1 large ripe avocado - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1/4 cup walnuts (or pine nuts) - Salt and pepper to taste This mix gives the pesto a fresh flavor. The avocado makes it rich and smooth, perfect for the zoodles. Add color and taste with these optional items: - Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) - Crumbled feta cheese (optional, for garnish) These add a nice touch and elevate your dish. You can also play with other toppings if you like. For the complete cooking process, check out the Full Recipe. To start, I spiralize the zucchinis into noodle shapes. A spiralizer works best for this, but a vegetable peeler can also do the job. If you want to reduce the water in the noodles, sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for ten minutes. This step helps keep the dish from being too watery. After that, rinse and pat them dry with a paper towel. Next, I grab my food processor. I add the ripe avocado, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic. I toss in the walnuts, salt, and pepper too. I blend everything until it's smooth and creamy. If the mix is too thick, I add a little water. This helps to get the perfect pesto consistency. Now it’s time to bring it all together. In a large bowl, I add the zucchini noodles and spoon in the avocado pesto. I gently toss everything together until the noodles are well coated. I like to serve the zoodles right away. For a nice touch, I garnish each plate with halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese if I want. You can find the full recipe to explore this dish even more. To make perfect zucchini noodles, use a spiralizer. It creates fun, curly shapes. If you don't have one, a vegetable peeler works too. You can make long, flat ribbons. Choose firm zucchinis for the best texture. Look for ones that feel heavy for their size. Wash them well before spiralizing. For creamy pesto, use a ripe avocado. Blend it with basil, garlic, and nuts. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water. Start with one tablespoon, then blend. Taste it as you go; adjust the salt and pepper. You want a smooth, spreadable mix. Serve your zucchini noodles right after mixing in the pesto. This keeps them fresh and crisp. Add halved cherry tomatoes for color and flavor. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a salty kick. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp for more protein. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ingredients in this dish. If you're vegan, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. For gluten-free eaters, you can keep the dish as is. If you need a nut-free version, skip the walnuts and use sunflower seeds. These swaps keep the dish tasty and friendly for different diets. Want to add some protein? Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well. Just cook your protein separately and mix it in with the zucchini noodles and pesto. For a quick boost, try canned chickpeas. They add texture and protein without much fuss. You can change the pesto flavor easily. Instead of basil, try spinach, arugula, or even cilantro. For a spicy kick, add a jalapeño or some red pepper flakes. If you love cheese, try parmesan or pecorino instead of feta. Each twist gives the dish a new life. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep leftover zucchini noodles fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. If you notice excess moisture, use a paper towel to absorb it. This helps keep the noodles crisp and tasty. Avoid freezing raw zucchini noodles, as they can turn mushy when thawed. For pesto, transfer any leftover sauce to a clean jar. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to limit air exposure. This method helps prevent browning. Seal the jar with a lid and store it in the fridge for up to a week. If you see discoloration, just scrape off the top layer for fresh pesto underneath. You can freeze zucchini noodles and pesto separately. For zucchini noodles, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. This method prevents clumping. For pesto, pour it into ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop out the cubes and store them in a freezer bag. This way, you can use just the right amount later. Enjoy your zesty zucchini noodles with avocado pesto whenever you like! For the full recipe, check out the original instructions. You can still make zucchini noodles without a spiralizer. Use a vegetable peeler to create long, thin strips. This method gives you ribbon-like noodles. You can also use a box grater for a different texture. Just slice the zucchini into long pieces. This way, you get to enjoy your dish even without special tools. Yes, store-bought pesto works great for this recipe. It saves you time and effort. Just choose a brand you like. Look for one with fresh ingredients for the best taste. You can even mix it with a little olive oil for a smoother sauce. This option is perfect for quick meals. Zucchini noodles are low in calories and high in nutrients. They are rich in vitamins A and C. These vitamins boost your immune system and help your skin. Zoodles are also high in fiber, aiding digestion. Plus, they are gluten-free, making them a great pasta substitute. Eating zucchini noodles can help you feel full without the extra carbs. Zucchini noodles and avocado pesto create a fresh, healthy dish. We explored key ingredients, from zucchini to optional garnishes. I shared steps on making noodles and blending the perfect pesto. Don't forget the tips for spiralizing and serving. Variations let you fit your diet and taste. Finally, I covered storage to keep your meal fresh. Embrace this simple recipe for a quick, tasty choice! Enjoy trying new flavors and personal twists!](https://homecookingstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/6cc7b970-48ee-4715-9781-0d3402c39259-250x250.webp)
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Savor a fresh twist on pasta with these zesty zucchini noodles featuring creamy avocado pesto! This quick recipe uses simple ingredients like ripe avocado, fresh basil, and crunchy walnuts to create a delightful dish in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, this vibrant meal is sure to impress. Click through to discover how to make this delicious zucchini noodle recipe and elevate your dining experience!