Description
This vibrant zucchini noodles recipe, Basil Pesto Ribbons With Cherry Tomato, is a quick and healthy weeknight dinner bursting with fresh flavors. It transforms simple, garden-fresh ingredients into a satisfying, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini (900 g)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (300 g), halved
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves (12 g), firmly packed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup pine nuts (30 g) (or walnuts)
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 g) (or nutritional yeast)
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil (60 ml)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (15 ml)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, minced garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and trim both ends of the zucchini. Using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles. Alternatively, use a vegetable peeler to make wide ribbons. (Optional: run spiralized zucchini through a salad spinner for extra dry).
- Combine and Serve: In a large bowl, gently toss the prepared zucchini noodles with the freshly made pesto until every ribbon is lightly coated. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and toss again, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Serve immediately.
Notes
To elevate, consider organic zucchini, heirloom cherry tomatoes, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or homemade pesto. Walnuts are a budget-friendly substitute for pine nuts. For best flavor, use seasonal zucchini and cherry tomatoes (summer/early fall). For a softer texture, gently warm zucchini noodles in a skillet for 1-2 minutes or blanch for 30 seconds. To prevent watery zucchini, pat dry after spiralizing; a light sprinkle of salt can help draw out moisture. If pesto is too thick, add more olive oil or lemon juice; if too thin, add more pine nuts or Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 14 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: healthy dinner, zucchini noodles, pesto, cherry tomato, weeknight, vegetarian, easy, fresh, summer