Zucchini Noodles Pesto Tomatoes (Printable Version)

Zucchini noodles, basil pesto, and cherry tomatoes deliver a light, vibrant, and nourishing summer meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
02 - 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pesto

04 - 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
05 - 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
06 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 small clove garlic
08 - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
10 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

→ Garnish

11 - Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
12 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Blend basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. While blending, gradually add olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Integrate lemon juice, salt, and pepper to adjust seasoning.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
03 - Introduce spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften slightly yet retain a firm texture.
04 - Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until warmed through.
05 - Remove the pan from heat. Add the prepared pesto and gently toss to evenly coat the zucchini noodles and tomatoes.
06 - Transfer to serving plates. Finish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It feels like summer in every bite with its bright colors and garden flavors.
  • The dish is surprisingly filling, even though it's light enough for a speedy lunch or dinner.
02 -
  • Overcooking zucchini noodles turns them soggy fast—keep the heat gentle and watch closely.
  • Adding the pesto while the noodles are off the heat preserves the bright green color and prevents the basil from tasting cooked.
03 -
  • For extra crunch, toss the spiralized zucchini with a pinch of salt and let it drain for a few minutes, then pat dry before sautéing.
  • Never blitz the pesto too long or it'll turn into a paste—pulse in bursts for the freshest texture.
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