Zucchini with Pesto Sauce

Transform ordinary zucchini into a vibrant and flavorful masterpiece with this Zucchini with Pesto Sauce recipe! Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner side, this dish combines tender, sautéed zucchini noodles (or zoodles) with a velvety homemade pesto sauce, bursting with the fresh flavors of basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The toasted nuttiness of pine nuts and the zing of lemon juice bring a delightful balance to every bite, while the drizzle of extra virgin olive oil creates a creamy, restaurant-quality finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy zucchini recipe is naturally low-carb, vegetarian, and packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome and delicious addition to your weekly menu. Serve it warm or chilled, topped with extra Parmesan and basil for an elegant, crowd-pleasing presentation!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 medium Zucchini
• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 2 large Garlic cloves
• 0.25 cup Pine nuts
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.33 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1-2 tablespoons Water (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the zucchinis thoroughly. Using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles (zoodles). Alternatively, you can cut the zucchini into thin strips or rounds if preferred.

Step 2

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3

To make the pesto sauce, place the fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper into a food processor or blender.

Step 4

Pulse the mixture a few times to combine, then slowly drizzle the olive oil into the food processor while blending. Blend until the pesto is smooth and creamy. If the consistency is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin it out.

Step 5

Add the lemon juice and blend briefly to incorporate.

Step 6

Combine the cooked zucchini noodles with the pesto sauce. Toss gently to ensure the zucchini is evenly coated.

Step 7

Serve immediately as a warm dish or allow it to cool slightly for a chilled version. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, or basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1014.5 grams (1014.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1331

Total Fat 111.50g	143%
Saturated Fat 20.80g	104%
Polyunsaturated Fat 12.10g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 9319mg	405%
Total Carbohydrate 69.40g	25%
Dietary Fiber 9.40g	34%
Total Sugars 56.00g
Protein 30.70g	61%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 638mg	49%
Iron 6mg	33%
Potassium 2101mg	45%

*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: 71.5%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 19.8%