This Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles recipe is a fresh, creamy, and low-carb pasta alternative made with spiralized zucchini, ripe avocado, fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of olive oil blended into a smooth avocado pesto. It’s a quick, healthy dinner that’s ready in minutes.
The dish features tender zoodles tossed with a vibrant avocado pesto, delivering a satisfying, veggie-forward meal perfect for anyone craving a nutritious, gluten-free, and keto-friendly option.
Fresh Ingredients for a Healthy Dish
Creating a vibrant bowl of creamy avocado pesto zucchini noodles starts with selecting the right ingredients. The star of this dish is undoubtedly the zucchini, which is transformed into noodles, often referred to as zoodles.
Using fresh, ripe avocados is essential for achieving that creamy texture in the avocado pesto. Pairing this with fragrant basil, zesty lemon juice, and a hint of garlic elevates the flavor profile significantly. The addition of olive oil not only enhances the creaminess but also adds a rich depth to the sauce.
For those looking to garnish their dish, halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves provide a pop of color and freshness, making the dish visually appealing and even more delicious.
Preparing the Zucchini Noodles
To start, spiralizing the zucchinis is a fun and easy process. Using a spiralizer, you can create long, thin strands that resemble traditional pasta. This method not only makes the dish visually appealing but also keeps it low in carbs, making it an excellent choice for a keto-friendly meal.
You have the option to serve the zoodles raw for a crisp texture or lightly sauté them for a softer bite. If you choose to sauté, just a few minutes in a pan over medium heat will suffice, ensuring they remain tender yet firm.
Making the Creamy Avocado Pesto
The real magic happens when you blend the ingredients for the avocado pesto. Combining ripe avocado, fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor creates a smooth, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the zucchini noodles.
Seasoning with salt and pepper enhances the flavors, allowing the freshness of the ingredients to shine through. This creamy avocado pesto is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome addition to your meal.
Tossing It All Together
Once the zoodles are prepared and the avocado pesto is ready, it’s time to combine them. Toss the zucchini noodles with the creamy avocado pesto until every strand is evenly coated. This step is crucial for ensuring that each bite is bursting with flavor.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference. If you love a bit more zest, a splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish even further.
Garnishing and Serving
Presentation plays a key role in enjoying your meal. Plate the zoodles in a bowl and garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a refreshing crunch to the dish.
If desired, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast on top for an extra layer of flavor. This dish is best enjoyed immediately, allowing you to savor the freshness of the ingredients.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
This avocado pesto zucchini noodles recipe is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a nutritious option. With only 250 calories per serving, it’s a low-carb meal that fits perfectly into a keto diet.
Rich in healthy fats from the avocado and olive oil, this dish provides a satisfying meal without the heaviness of traditional pasta. The combination of zucchini and avocado also offers a variety of vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome choice for any meal of the day.
Quick and Healthy Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles
This recipe combines spiralized zucchini with a creamy avocado pesto sauce, creating a delicious Avocado Zucchini Pasta. The zoodles can be lightly sautéed or served raw, depending on your preference. Enjoy this flavorful dish as a delightful alternative to traditional pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Spiralize the zucchinis using a spiralizer. If desired, lightly sauté the zoodles in a pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until just tender, or serve them raw.
- Make the Avocado Pesto: In a food processor, combine the ripe avocado, basil leaves, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Toss the zucchini noodles with the avocado pesto until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Plate the zoodles and garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast, if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 12g