Zucchini Pesto Rice Cakes

Crispy, golden, and bursting with vibrant flavors, Zucchini Pesto Rice Cakes are the perfect fusion of wholesome ingredients and gourmet flair. This quick and easy recipe combines grated zucchini, nutty Parmesan, and fragrant basil pesto with fluffy rice to create irresistibly savory cakes with a satisfying crunch. A hint of breadcrumbs binds the mixture, while a light pan-fry in olive oil achieves a deliciously crispy exterior. Ready in just 30 minutes, these versatile rice cakes are ideal as an appetizer, light lunch, or vegetarian side dish. Serve them warm with a drizzle of pesto or a refreshing side salad for a meal that’s as elegant as it is simple. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, these zucchini rice cakes will quickly become a go-to favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 medium zucchini
• 3 tablespoons basil pesto
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Grate the zucchini using a box grater and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent sogginess in the rice cakes.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, grated zucchini, basil pesto, egg, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and form a cohesive mixture.

Step 3

Using your hands, form the mixture into small, round cakes, about 2-3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. You should end up with 8-10 cakes.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Step 5

Once the oil is hot, place the rice cakes in the skillet, leaving a little space between each. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6

Transfer the cooked rice cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 7

Serve warm with additional pesto, a dollop of sour cream, or a side salad for a complete dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	821.2 grams (821.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1518

Total Fat 72.00g	92%
Saturated Fat 19.10g	96%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.80g
Cholesterol 270mg	90%
Sodium 4974mg	216%
Total Carbohydrate 173.20g	63%
Dietary Fiber 5.20g	19%
Total Sugars 20.00g
Protein 48.00g	96%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 728mg	56%
Iron 10mg	54%
Potassium 861mg	18%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.3%

Protein: 12.5%

Carbs: 45.2%