Zucchini Noodles Pesto Cherry Tomatoes (Printer-Friendly)

Fresh zucchini noodles tossed with basil pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes for a quick, flavorful summer dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
02 - 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pesto

04 - 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
05 - 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
06 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 small clove garlic
08 - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

→ Garnish

12 - Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
13 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts, grated Parmesan, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
02 - With the processor running, gradually stream in extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture reaches a smooth, cohesive consistency. Incorporate lemon juice, then season with salt and black pepper.
03 - Warm a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes just until slightly tender but still crisp.
05 - Add halved cherry tomatoes and toss gently for 1 to 2 minutes until just warmed through, taking care not to overcook.
06 - Remove skillet from heat. Add prepared pesto and gently toss to evenly coat noodles and tomatoes.
07 - Divide noodles between plates, finishing each portion with additional Parmesan and fresh basil leaves as garnish.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • You can twirl generous forkfuls without a hint of post-meal heaviness.
  • The pesto bursts with so much fresh basil flavor it will have you scraping every bit from the bowl.
02 -
  • If you cook the zucchini too long, they turn watery and sad – pull them off heat while still bright and firm.
  • Toasting the pine nuts before pureeing was a revelation – suddenly the pesto tasted richer and more layered.
03 -
  • Drain any liquid that collects at the bottom of the bowl before serving for crisp-tender noodles.
  • Whirl the pesto in pulses instead of a long blend for a more textured sauce that clings to the veggies.
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