Zucchini Noodle Primavera with Pesto
A fresh, vibrant twist on classic primavera, this zucchini noodle dish is tossed in a fragrant basil pesto that'll brighten your dinner table.
Total: 25 minPrep: 15 minCook: 10 min4 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 12 ounces zucchini, spiralized into noodles
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a kick
Steps
- 1 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 2 Add snap peas and cook for 2 minutes. Then, toss in cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 3 Gently add zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook just until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. You want them to still have a slight bite.
- 4 Remove from heat and stir in the basil pesto until everything is well coated.
- 5 Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- 6 Serve immediately, optionally garnished with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Equipment
- Spiralizer
- Large skillet
Variations
- Add grilled chicken for a protein boost.
- Swap zucchini for spiralized sweet potatoes for a heartier version.
Substitutions
- Use store-bought pesto if you're short on time.
- Substitute cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor.
Pairings
- A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements this dish nicely.
- A side of garlic bread or a caprese salad would also be delightful.
Nutrition
Calories:
300 kcal
Fat:
20g fat
Carbs:
20g carbohydrates
Protein:
10g protein
Fiber:
5g fiber
Sugar:
6g sugar
Sodium:
400mg sodium
Tips
- For best texture, don't overcook the zucchini noodles.
- Make sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate all the veggies and noodles without overcrowding.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to revive.
Freezing: This dish does not freeze well due to the fresh vegetables and pesto.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple Caesar salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with crusty bread to mop up any pesto goodness.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Prepare up to the point of adding pesto and store separately. Combine just before serving.
What if I don’t have a spiralizer?
Use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons or julienne the zucchini.