Avocado Pesto Zoodles (Print Version)

Spiralized zucchini noodles with creamy avocado pesto and cherry tomatoes for a light, nourishing meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Zoodles

01 - 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
02 - 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Pinch of salt

→ Avocado Pesto

04 - 1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
05 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
06 - 2 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts
07 - 1 clove garlic
08 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
09 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

→ Toppings

13 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
14 - Extra basil leaves for garnish
15 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Spiralize zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer, creating uniform strands for even cooking.
02 - Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zoodles and pinch of salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Remove from heat.
03 - Combine avocado, basil, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
04 - Transfer warm zoodles to a large bowl. Pour avocado pesto over noodles and toss gently until evenly coated.
05 - Top with halved cherry tomatoes and extra basil leaves. Add additional Parmesan or olive oil drizzle if desired.
06 - Serve immediately, garnished with freshly ground black pepper to taste.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The avocado creates the most velvety sauce without needing any heavy cream
  • Twenty minutes from start to finish means dinner happens even on chaotic days
02 -
  • Zoodles release water quickly once cooked, so serve them right after tossing with the pesto to avoid a puddly situation
  • The lemon juice is not just for flavor—it keeps the avocado sauce bright green instead of turning muddy brown
03 -
  • Pat your zoodles dry with paper towels before cooking if they seem especially wet from spiralizing
  • Make extra pesto and keep it in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent oxidation
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