Heart Healthy Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Avocado Pesto Recipe
Swap out traditional pasta for delicate zucchini noodles tossed in a lemony avocado sauce with garlic and pine nuts. This light, low-carb dish is loaded with enticing Mediterranean flavors that is guaranteed to wow. Sprinkle the noodles with Parmesan and black pepper before serving.
Ingredients
Recipe yields 6 servings
6 large zucchini or 6 cups store-bought zucchini noodles
2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
1 cup fresh basil leaves
3 garlic cloves
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Black pepper to taste
Helpful how to videos
Directions
Step 1
With a spiralizer, spiralize the zucchini and set aside on paper towels so that any excess water is soaked up. Alternatively, drain 6 cups of fresh zucchini noodles and set aside on paper towels to dry.
Step 2
In a food processor, combine the avocados, basil, garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice and salt and pulse until finely chopped. With the motor still running, add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a slow stream until emulsified and creamy.
Step 3
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until tender. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook another minute, or until just heated.
Step 4
In a large bowl, toss the avocado mixture with the zucchini noodles mixture. Sprinkle with the cheese and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Time:
45 minutes
Servings:
6
Calories:
115
Make this for:
Dietary Review:
Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
This recipe has been reviewed
by a dietitian. Click here to learn more.
Nutrition facts
Serving Size:
1 cup
Per serving:
calories:115
total fat:6g
sat fat:0g
cholesterol:0mg
sodium:79mg
total carb:12g
fibers:0g
sugars:12g
proteins:4g
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About This Healthy Recipe
Craving pasta but don’t want all the calories and carbs that go with it? Spiralize a few zucchini and enjoy some low-calorie zucchini noodles instead! This low-carb pasta substitute highlights enticing Mediterranean flavors, like basil, pine nuts, lemon, garlic and avocados, for a heart-healthy entrée or side dish that is loaded with flavor. This gluten-free dish makes for a decadent side dish or a vegetarian entrée that doesn’t skimp on flavor. At only 115 calories per serving, with 0 saturated fat and a mere 79mg of sodium, this zoodle recipe checks all the boxes, whether you are trying to lose weight, be good to your heart or simply eat more vegetables. It’s also a flavorful dish that resembles pasta but won’t spike your blood sugar if you’re following a diabetes-friendly diet. And since there is no actual pasta in this recipe, you’ll find that zucchini noodles are a great gluten-free substitute for pasta. No need to feel guilty about indulging in this enticing dish – it’s so healthy you can have seconds!
Thank you!