Zucchini Noodle Variations (Printable)

Fresh spiralized zucchini with savory tomato basil or creamy avocado pesto sauces.

# What You'll Need:

→ Zucchini Noodles

01 - 2 large zucchini, spiralized into noodles
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Classic Tomato Basil Sauce

04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
08 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Creamy Avocado Pesto

09 - 1 ripe avocado
10 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
11 - 2 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts
12 - 1 clove garlic
13 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
14 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
15 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Toppings

16 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
18 - 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
19 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
20 - Red pepper flakes to taste

# Directions:

01 - Spiralize zucchini into noodles and place in a colander. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
04 - Combine avocado, basil, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor. Blend until completely smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Toss sautéed zucchini noodles with your choice of sauce. Divide between plates and top with preferred toppings: Parmesan, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You get all the satisfaction of twirling noodles without the heavy carbohydrate coma that follows traditional pasta
  • The two sauce options mean you can switch between bright and fresh or rich and creamy depending on your mood
  • Everything comes together in twenty minutes flat, making those busy weeknight dinners actually feel doable
02 -
  • Skip the salt-and-rest step with the zoodles and you will end up with a puddle at the bottom of your bowl no matter how briefly you cook them
  • Overcooking zoodles turns them from pasta-like strands into sad, wilted ribbons, so err on the side of underdone
  • The avocado pesto oxidizes and turns unappetizingly brown if made too far ahead, so save it for the last minute
03 -
  • Invest in a good spiralizer rather than struggling with a julienne peeler, as the difference in both speed and final texture is remarkable
  • Mix the two sauces together for the best of both worlds, creating a creamy, tangy, herbaceous combination that people will ask you to recreate
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