[Low Carb] Zucchini Noodles with Homemade Pesto: A Pasta Alternative

If you're in search for a tasty and nutritious meal that is super duper easy to make, look no further! Zucchini noodles with homemade pesto will tantalize your taste buds, nourish your body, and take only minutes to prepare.

This dish is a great way to enjoy the flavors of classic Italian cuisine, while taking advantage of the prolific nature of zucchini in summer months. 

Zucchini Noodles with Homemade Pesto

Today I'm teaching you:

•  how to make zucchini noodles (because they're a healthier alternative to traditional pasta)
• how to make your own delicious pesto sauce with a few simple ingredients
• and how to combine the two for a delicious, nutritious, and satisfying meal! 

Get ready to upgrade your dinner game! Here's a classic recipe for making zucchini noodles with homemade pesto - buon appetito!

** SIDE NOTE: I suggest making the zucchini noodles (zoodles) last because they're the quickest and also need to be served immediately for the best taste!**

Ingredients:

Optional:
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice

ZOODLES (Zucchini Noodles):
- Fresh zucchini
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions for Homemade Basil Pesto:

1. Toast the Nuts:
- If you're using pine nuts or walnuts, you can enhance their flavor by toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. Stir frequently until they become golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

2. Combine Ingredients in a Food Processor:
- In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, toasted nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and peeled garlic cloves.

3. Process Until Coarsely Chopped:
- Pulse the ingredients until they are coarsely chopped. Scrape down the sides of the food processor with a spatula to make sure everything is evenly processed.

4. Stream in Olive Oil:
- With the food processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil through the feed tube. Continue processing until the mixture reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.

5. Add Optional Ingredients:
- If you like, add freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for an extra layer of flavor. You can also add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice to brighten the pesto.

6. Season:
- Taste the pesto and add salt and pepper to your liking. Keep in mind that Parmesan cheese is salty, so you may not need much additional salt.

7. Adjust Consistency (Optional):
- If the pesto is too thick for your liking, you can add more olive oil until you achieve the desired consistency.

8. Store or Use Immediately:
- Transfer the pesto to a jar or airtight container. If you're not using it immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator. To prevent oxidation, you can press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pesto before sealing the container.

Instructions for Zoodles:

1. Select and Clean the Zucchini:
- Choose fresh and firm zucchini. Wash them thoroughly under running water.

2. Trim the Ends:
- Trim both ends of the zucchini using a knife.

3. Spiralize the Zucchini:
-Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles. Follow the instructions for your specific spiralizer model. This tool will turn your zucchini into long, spiral-shaped noodles.
-If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create flat, fettuccine-style zucchini noodles. Simply run the peeler along the length of the zucchini to create thin strips.

4. Pat Dry (Optional):
- Zucchini contains a lot of water, and excess moisture can make your dish watery. If you like, you can pat the zucchini noodles dry with paper towels to remove some of the moisture.

5. Cook or Serve Raw:
- Zucchini noodles can be enjoyed raw or lightly cooked, depending on your preference. They cook quickly, so be cautious not to overcook and make them too soft.
- To cook, heat a bit of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes until they are just tender. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy.
- If you prefer to keep them raw, toss them with your favorite sauce or dressing right away.

6. Season to Taste:
- Season the zucchini noodles with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings or herbs depending on your tastes.

7. Serve Immediately:
- Zucchini noodles are best when served immediately. They can be used as a base for your favorite pasta sauce, pesto, or other toppings.

Enjoy your zucchini noodles with homemade pesto as a healthy and low-carb alternative to pasta!