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Fresh Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Avocado Pesto

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A quick, easy, and healthy recipe featuring crisp zucchini noodles tossed in a creamy avocado pesto, perfect for a light and refreshing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchini (about 1 pound / 450g total)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ripe avocado (medium size, soft but not mushy)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves (loosely packed, about 30g)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional; omit for vegan version or substitute nutritional yeast)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin pesto as needed)

Instructions

  1. Trim the ends off the zucchini and spiralize them into noodles using your spiralizer or create long, thin ribbons with a vegetable peeler.
  2. Place the noodles in a colander, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, and toss gently to coat.
  3. Let the salted noodles sit in the colander for about 10-15 minutes to drain excess moisture.
  4. Gently squeeze out any remaining water from the noodles using your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
  5. In a food processor or blender, combine the ripe avocado, fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth.
  6. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. If the pesto is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water and blend again until creamy and smooth.
  7. Transfer the drained zucchini noodles into a large mixing bowl. Pour the avocado pesto over the noodles and toss gently until every strand is coated.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Do not skip the salting and draining step to prevent soggy noodles. Use ripe avocados for best creaminess. Pulse pesto in bursts to avoid overheating and oxidation. Serve immediately for best texture. Pesto can be made a few hours ahead if covered tightly with plastic wrap pressed on the surface to prevent browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini noodles, avocado pesto, healthy recipe, low carb, gluten free, vegan option, quick meal, summer lunch

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/fresh-zucchini-noodles-with-creamy-avocado-pesto-easy-healthy-recipe/