Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Featured in: Fast Everyday Meals

Experience a fresh and vibrant dish with these zucchini noodles tossed in a homemade avocado pesto. Spiralize the zucchinis and blend ripe avocado with basil, garlic, and lemon juice for a creamy sauce that is sure to delight. This low-carb option is not only easy to prepare but also fits perfectly into a vegan diet. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and extra pine nuts for a touch of elegance. Ideal for a light lunch or dinner, this dish comes together in just 18 minutes!

Updated on Tue, 12 May 2026 03:45:45 GMT
Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto, a vibrant, creamy vegan dish perfect for a light meal. Save
Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto, a vibrant, creamy vegan dish perfect for a light meal. | quickharcha.com

Experience the irresistible freshness of Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto—a radiant bowl that fuses Mediterranean inspiration with wholesome, plant-based goodness. Each vibrant swirl of zucchini is cloaked in creamy avocado pesto, making it a perfect choice for a quick lunch, an elegant starter, or a light dinner that leaves you feeling nourished and satisfied.

Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto, a vibrant, creamy vegan dish perfect for a light meal. Save
Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto, a vibrant, creamy vegan dish perfect for a light meal. | quickharcha.com

This dish captures the beauty of summer produce, intertwining crisp zucchini with the richness of avocado and the herbaceous punch of fresh basil. It's a meal that feels as restorative as it does delicious—simple enough for busy weeknights, yet special enough to share with guests for an elegant and healthful experience.

Ingredients

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  • Vegetables
    • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for garnish)
  • Avocado Pesto
    • 1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
    • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
    • 2 tablespoons pine nuts (plus more for garnish)
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 garlic clove
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • 2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)

Instructions

1.
Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer or julienne peeler. Set aside.
2.
In a food processor, combine the avocado, basil, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed for a creamy, pourable pesto.
3.
Optional: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp. (For raw, skip this step.)
4.
Toss the zucchini noodles with the avocado pesto until well coated.
5.
Serve immediately, garnished with cherry tomatoes and extra pine nuts if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Bereite alle Zutaten vor, bevor du mit dem Pesto beginnst – so behält das Avocado-Pesto seine leuchtend grüne Farbe. Falls du die Zucchini-Nudeln sautierst, achte darauf, sie nur kurz in der Pfanne zu lassen, damit sie ihre angenehme Bissfestigkeit behalten.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Tausche die Pinienkerne gegen Walnüsse oder Cashewkerne für ein neues Aroma. Für eine Extraportion Protein gib gebratene Kichererbsen, gegrilltes Hähnchen oder Garnelen dazu. Je nach Saison lassen sich andere Kräuter wie Petersilie mit ins Pesto mixen.

Serviervorschläge

Serviere die Zucchini-Nudeln direkt nach dem Vermengen, garniert mit zusätzlichen Pinienkernen und frischen Tomatenhälften. Genieße dazu ein Glas gut gekühlten Sauvignon Blanc oder spritziges Mineralwasser mit Zitronenscheiben.

Taste the fresh Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto, glistening with herb-infused goodness. Save
Taste the fresh Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto, glistening with herb-infused goodness. | quickharcha.com
Taste the fresh Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto, glistening with herb-infused goodness. Save
Taste the fresh Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto, glistening with herb-infused goodness. | quickharcha.com

This Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto recipe brings you vibrant colors, incredible flavor, and nourishing simplicity in every forkful. Whether served solo or as part of a family meal, it’s sure to become a fresh favorite—delightfully light yet fully satisfying.

Recipe FAQs

What can I garnish the dish with?

You can garnish the dish with cherry tomatoes and extra pine nuts for added flavor and presentation.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the pesto in advance and store it in the fridge for a couple of days.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prep; just keep the pesto and noodles separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

What other ingredients can I add?

You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for additional protein. Consider tossing in some grilled veggies too!

How do I adjust the consistency of the pesto?

Simply add a bit of water or extra olive oil while blending until you reach the desired creamy consistency.

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Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Fresh zucchini noodles tossed in creamy avocado pesto.

Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
3 minutes
Total duration
18 minutes
Created by Jack Whitestone


Skill level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean

Makes 2 Portions

Diet-friendly details Suitable for vegans, No dairy, No gluten, Reduced Carb

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
02 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for garnish)

Avocado Pesto

01 1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
02 1 cup fresh basil leaves
03 2 tablespoons pine nuts (plus more for garnish)
04 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
05 1 garlic clove
06 1 tablespoon lemon juice
07 Salt and pepper, to taste
08 2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)

How to Make It

Step 01

Spiralize zucchini: Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer or julienne peeler. Set aside.

Step 02

Make avocado pesto: In a food processor, combine the avocado, basil, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed for a creamy, pourable pesto.

Step 03

Sauté zucchini noodles (optional): Optional: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp. (For raw, skip this step.)

Step 04

Toss noodles and pesto: Toss the zucchini noodles with the avocado pesto until well coated.

Step 05

Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with cherry tomatoes and extra pine nuts if desired.

Gear you'll need

  • Spiralizer or julienne peeler
  • Food processor
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet (optional, for sautéing)

Allergy notes

Review every ingredient for allergen risks and talk to your doctor if uncertain.
  • Contains tree nuts (pine nuts).
  • Check packaged nuts for possible cross-contamination with gluten or other allergens.

Nutrition info (per serving)

All nutrition info here is just for your reference and isn’t a substitute for health advice.
  • Calorie count: 340
  • Fat content: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Proteins: 5 g

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