Zoodles with Pesto – A Fresh, Flavorful Twist on Pasta 🍃🥒

When you’re craving the comfort of pasta but want something lighter, fresher, and packed with veggies, Zoodles (zucchini noodles) are the way to go. These spiralized strands of zucchini are not only fun to make but also a versatile base for your favorite sauces. And when you pair them with a vibrant, homemade pesto? You’ve got a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Zoodles have taken the healthy-eating world by storm, and for good reason. They’re naturally gluten-free, low in carbs, and a brilliant way to sneak more vegetables into your day. Toss them with bright basil pesto, and you’ve got the perfect meal for summer evenings, meal prep, or a quick lunch that doesn’t weigh you down.

🌿 Zoodles with Pesto Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 2):

1. 2 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
2. 1 cup fresh basil leaves
3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
4. 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
5. 1 garlic clove
6. 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
7. Juice of half a lemon
8. Salt & pepper, to taste
9. Optional toppings: cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, grilled chicken or shrimp

Instructions:

1. Make the pesto: In a food processor, blend basil, Parmesan, nuts, garlic, and lemon juice. Slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Prepare the zoodles: Spiralize zucchini into noodles. You can enjoy them raw for a crunchy texture, or sauté them lightly in olive oil for 2–3 minutes until just tender.

3. Toss & serve: Mix zoodles with pesto until well coated. Top with cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, or your favorite protein if desired.

4. Enjoy fresh: Best served immediately while bright and flavorful!

Why We Love It 💚

This dish is proof that healthy doesn’t mean boring. The zoodles soak up all the garlicky, herby goodness of the pesto, while staying light and fresh. It’s quick (ready in 15 minutes), flexible (vegan or protein-packed), and absolutely Instagram-worthy with its vibrant green color.

So, next time pasta cravings hit, give this veggie-forward twist a try—you’ll love how simple, satisfying, and delicious it is.