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- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized - 2 cups fresh basil leaves - 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 3 cloves garlic - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste - Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) - Fresh mozzarella balls (optional, for garnish) When making zucchini noodles with pesto, fresh ingredients make a big difference. I use medium zucchinis for the perfect noodle texture. Spiralizing them is quick and fun. The pesto is key to flavor. I love using fresh basil leaves paired with toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan. Garlic adds a punch that I can’t resist. Extra virgin olive oil brings it all together, creating a smooth and rich sauce. I always season with salt and black pepper to enhance the taste. For garnish, I like to add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls. They not only look great but also add fresh flavors. If you want the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe link. This dish is simple, fresh, and full of flavor! To make zucchini noodles, begin by spiralizing the zucchinis. A spiralizer is the best tool for this task. You just twist the zucchini, and it turns into long, curly noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler works too. With the peeler, slice the zucchini into thin ribbons. These ribbons will look lovely on your plate. For the pesto, gather your ingredients and place them in a food processor. This includes fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse the mixture until it becomes finely chopped. This step is key. Next, while the processor runs, slowly add the extra virgin olive oil. This helps your pesto reach a smooth consistency. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides if needed. Finally, taste the pesto. Add salt and black pepper to suit your taste. Next, it’s time to sauté the zucchini noodles. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for about 2-3 minutes. You want them tender but still crunchy. This step is important to keep their texture. After that, remove the skillet from heat. Pour the prepared pesto over the noodles. Gently toss the noodles to coat them evenly with the pesto. Serve your dish warm. You can add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your colorful and fresh meal! For complete details, check the Full Recipe. To avoid overcooking zucchini noodles, start with a quick sauté. Cook them for just 2-3 minutes. This keeps them crunchy and vibrant. Don't walk away during cooking! Zucchini noodles can turn mushy fast. Serve the noodles warm, not hot. This preserves their fresh taste. A warm dish enhances the pesto flavor. Add more depth to your dish! Consider mixing in cherry tomatoes, olives, or grilled chicken. They add color and texture to the plate. If you have leftover pesto, use it in many ways. Spread it on sandwiches or drizzle over grilled fish. You can even toss it with roasted veggies for a quick side. For more cooking tips, check out the Full Recipe to elevate your meal! {{image_2}} If you want to avoid gluten, you can use other options instead of traditional pasta. Try using spiralized sweet potatoes or carrots for a fun twist. They both offer a sweet flavor that pairs well with pesto. You can also use gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. This way, you keep the dish light and fresh while enjoying the flavors. To make this dish vegan, you can swap out the Parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast is a great choice. It adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy. If you miss the creaminess, blend in some avocado with the pesto. This will help balance the flavors and give a smooth texture. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty punch. Feel free to get creative with your pesto! Instead of pine nuts, you can use walnuts or cashews. Each nut brings a unique flavor to the dish. If you want to try another vegetable for noodles, consider using butternut squash or even cucumber. Both will add a refreshing taste. Experimenting with these swaps can lead to new favorite dishes. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To keep zucchini noodles fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel inside to absorb extra moisture. This helps prevent sogginess. You can store raw zucchini noodles in the fridge for up to three days. If you have cooked noodles, eat them within two days for the best taste. For longer storage, consider freezing your zucchini noodles. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then put them in freezer bags. This keeps them fresh for about three months. To keep leftover pesto fresh, transfer it to a clean jar. Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to seal in flavor. This method helps prevent browning and keeps it tasty. Store the jar in the fridge, where it can last for up to a week. If you want to save pesto for later, freezing works well. Place pesto in an ice cube tray, freeze, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can use small amounts as needed. Frozen pesto stays fresh for up to six months. Enjoy your homemade pesto whenever you want! Yes, you can make zucchini noodles ahead of time. I recommend spiralizing them no more than one day before. Store them in an airtight container with a paper towel. The towel absorbs moisture and keeps them fresh. I love serving zucchini noodles with pesto as a main dish. You can also pair them with grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. Top with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella for extra flavor. Zucchini noodles are done when they are tender but still have a bite. This takes about 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch for them to turn bright green but not mushy. Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. It saves time and is often tasty. However, homemade pesto has fresher flavors and can be adjusted to your taste. For the complete instructions and ingredient amounts, check out the Full Recipe. Zucchini noodles are a fun, healthy dish you can easily make at home. You learned how to spiralize zucchini, whip up pesto, and sauté everything to perfection. The tips on storage and variations let you tailor the dish to your tastes. Experimenting with flavors keeps meals exciting. Using fresh ingredients creates the best taste. Enjoy your new dish! You now have the tools to make zucchini noodles that impress and satisfy.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Experience a fresh twist on dinner with zucchini noodles and pesto! This vibrant dish is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Learn how to spiralize zucchini, whip up homemade pesto with fresh ingredients, and sauté your noodles to perfection. Get inspired to create a healthier, delicious meal that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a delightful dining experience!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized

2 cups fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup pine nuts (toasted)

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

3 cloves garlic

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and black pepper to taste

Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Fresh mozzarella balls (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

Start by spiralizing the zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer. If you don’t have one, you can use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons instead.

    In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.

      While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth pesto. Scrape down the sides as needed.

        Taste the pesto and season with salt and black pepper to your personal preference. Set aside.

          In a large skillet over medium heat, lightly sauté the zucchini noodles for about 2-3 minutes until they are just tender but still retain some crunch. Avoid overcooking.

            Remove the skillet from heat and add the prepared pesto to the noodles. Gently toss until the zucchini noodles are evenly coated with the pesto.

              Plate the zucchini noodles and top with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls for added flavor and a vibrant touch.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                  15 minutes | 20 minutes | Serves 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the noodles in a large bowl or individual plates, garnished with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for a beautiful and appetizing finish.