Healthy Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

Hi there, food lover! 👋

Ready to twirl your fork into something delightfully fresh, nourishing, and bursting with bright garden flavors? Today’s dish—Healthy Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes—is a celebration of tradition meeting modern, wholesome cooking. 🍃🍅

For generations, Italian kitchens have leaned on simple ingredients like basil, garlic, and fragrant olive oil to create comforting meals that warm the heart. This recipe honors that heritage while lightening things up with vibrant zucchini noodles, lovingly known as zoodles. They offer all the swirl and texture you crave from pasta, but with a refreshing twist and far fewer calories, making this dish perfect for warm evenings, light lunches, or anytime you want something delicious yet guilt-free.

Imagine the aromas of freshly blended pesto filling your kitchen—the earthy basil, nutty Parmesan, and toasty pine nuts—coating tender zucchini spirals that soak up every bit of flavor. Add juicy cherry tomatoes that burst with sweetness, and you have a beautifully balanced plate that feels both rustic and revitalizing.

Whether you’re looking to explore healthier alternatives, trying to eat more veggies, or simply craving a bowl of Italian-inspired comfort, this dish welcomes you warmly. Let’s bring this vibrant tradition to your table! 🌿✨

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Ingredients

For the Zucchini Noodles:

• 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Add-Ins:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Extra Parmesan for topping
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Place your fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and lemon juice into a food processor. Pulse a few times.
2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while processing until smooth and creamy. Season to taste and set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but not mushy.
4. Remove the pan from heat and gently toss the warm zoodles with the prepared pesto until evenly coated.
5. Add cherry tomatoes and fold them in carefully to avoid crushing.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
7. Plate your zoodles and finish with extra Parmesan and torn basil leaves.
8. Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 5 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 20 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: 250
🍽️ Servings: 4

#zoodles #pestorecipes #healthydinner #lowcarbmeals #freshandfast

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️