Pesto Zoodles with Cherry Tomatoes
Pesto Zoodles with Cherry Tomatoes is a dish that celebrates the simplicity and vibrant fusion of flavors, embodying the Italian culinary tradition with its homemade pesto. This guilt-free meal satisfies pasta cravings with a low-carb twist, featuring the aromatic fragrance of basil pesto, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the crisp, twirlable zoodles. It’s a culinary endeavor that brings a touch of gourmet flair to your home-cooked creations.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
10 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 4.
Ingredients
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): 4 medium zucchinis
- Homemade Pesto: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Fresh Basil: 2 cups packed (80 grams)
- Pine Nuts: 1/4 cup (30 grams)
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated (45 grams)
- Olive Oil: 1/2 cup (120 ml) + 1 tablespoon
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup halved (about 150 grams)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup shaved (22 grams)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5 grams) or to taste
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) or to taste
Method
- Start by making the pesto. Combine 2 cups of fresh basil, 1/4 cup of pine nuts, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese in a blender. Gradually add in 1/2 cup of olive oil while blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles from the 4 medium zucchinis.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst, about 5 minutes.
- Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss gently and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, just until the zoodles are tender.
- Stir in 1 cup of homemade pesto, coating the zoodles and tomatoes evenly. Adjust the heat to medium-high (about 375°F or 190°C) to warm everything through, being careful not to overcook the zoodles.
- Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, or to your taste.
- Serve immediately, topped with shaved Parmesan cheese.
Pesto Zoodles with Cherry Tomatoes is a refreshing and flavorful dish that perfectly balances the creamy, nutty taste of pesto with the fresh crunch of zoodles and the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes. It’s a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create a satisfying, low-carb meal that’s both healthy and delicious. Ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free pasta alternative, this dish is a celebration of flavors, textures, and colors that promises to delight the senses.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
- Calories: 158
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Calcium: 56mg
- Potassium: 593mg
- Vitamin A: 877IU
- Vitamin C: 44mg
- Sodium: 305mg