Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes

Zucchini noodles with pesto and cherry tomatoes are a flavor explosion that dances on your palate. Imagine twirling strands of fresh zucchini, bright and green, bathing in a vibrant pesto sauce, punctuated by the sweet burst of ripe cherry tomatoes.

This dish isn’t just about taste; it’s an experience that transports me to sun-drenched Italian countryside picnics, where laughter fills the air and every bite is a celebration of summer. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, these zucchini noodles promise to delight everyone at the table.

I remember serving this dish at a family gathering last summer. Everyone asked for seconds, and my cousin even declared it his new favorite meal.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Zucchini: Choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis for the best texture and flavor; they should be dark green with smooth skin.
• Pesto Sauce: Fresh basil pesto packs a punch; consider homemade for an extra layer of flavor or store-bought for convenience. crispy homemade Greek fries.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Look for bright red or yellow cherry tomatoes; they should be plump and slightly firm for sweetness in every bite.
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil to enhance the dish’s richness without overpowering the fresh flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: Always season to taste; quality sea salt can elevate the overall flavor profile dramatically.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish; it’s worth grating it yourself for the best taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare your Zucchini Noodles: Start by washing the zucchinis thoroughly. Use a spiralizer to create beautiful noodles that are fun to twirl on your fork. If you don’t have one, a vegetable peeler works as well!

Sauté Cherry Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in halved cherry tomatoes and sauté until they soften and their skins begin to blister, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Pesto Sauce: Once the tomatoes are ready, lower the heat slightly and stir in your pesto sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently until heated through, releasing that delightful aromatic scent.

Toss in Zucchini Noodles: Add your zucchini noodles to the skillet and gently toss them with the pesto-tomato mix. Cook briefly for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender yet still al dente – you want them to retain some crunch!

Season & Serve: Season generously with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese and perhaps an extra drizzle of olive oil for good measure. crispy air fryer asparagus.

Now you’ve created a fantastic plate of zucchini noodles with pesto and cherry tomatoes! Enjoy this dish solo or as a side – either way, you’ll be savoring every delicious bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by spiralizing your zucchini noodles, then sauté them briefly while preparing your pesto. Toss everything together with the cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor in minimal time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap zucchini for other veggies like carrots or spaghetti squash. colorful veggie wraps Experiment with different nuts in your pesto for unique flavor profiles.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep noodles from becoming mushy.

I once served zucchini noodles with pesto at a dinner party, and my friends were amazed at how delicious they were. They thought I had gone gourmet on them!

FAQ

Can I use store-bought pesto for Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes?

For more inspiration, check out this chicken sausages with zucchini recipe.

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto saves time and still delivers great flavor.

How do I make zucchini noodles without a spiralizer?

You can use a vegetable peeler or knife to create thin strips of zucchini instead.

What can I add to enhance my Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes?

Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for extra protein and flavor. grilled chicken caesar salad.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Zucchini noodles with pesto and cherry tomatoes are a delightful, light meal that bursts with fresh flavors. This dish combines the satisfying crunch of spiralized zucchini with the aromatic richness of basil pesto and the sweetness of plump cherry tomatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is both simple to prepare and visually stunning, making it a crowd-pleaser that transports you to sunlit Italian picnics.

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Ingredients

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• 2 medium zucchinis (spiralized)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add halved cherry tomatoes and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Lower the heat and stir in the pesto, allowing it to warm through.
4. Toss in the zucchini noodles, cooking for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still al dente.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (227g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 410mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg