Zucchini Noodles with Basil and Pistachio Pesto (Zoodles)

Tender and subtly crunchy zucchini noodles with basil and pistachio pesto is ideal for nights when you want something satisfying, with plenty of garlicky, herby flavor that feels like comfort, not compromise. Simple and flavorful, it’s the kind of dinner that makes eating gluten-free and low carb feel easy again.

It’s a zoodles kind of day! The snow is finally beginning to melt outside, and I’m celebrating with a warm bowl of freshly cooked spiraled zucchini noodles topped with the creamiest basil and pistachio pesto sauce.

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Ever since my kids gifted me with a Paderno 4 Blade Spiralizer last year, zoodles have become my family’s new favorite food. This handy gadget lets you turn vegetables into noodle-like ribbon strands.

We’ve had fun updating many pasta dishes with zucchini: Zoodles with Meatballs, Zoodles with Bolognese Sauce, and Zoodles with Clam Sauce.

And I’m already thinking about topping zoodles with Rajas Poblanas con Pollo next.

Today, I decided to try a completely vegetarian option (that’s also gluten-free and paleo!). Here’s my zoodles twist on the classic Pesto alla Genovese pasta dish: zucchini noodles with pesto.

Basil pesto basics

The pesto sauce begins with the freshest basil, an herb with a unique, pungent scent and a sweet, aromatic, peppery flavor.

Basil comes from a Greek word that means king, and basil is definitely the most important ingredient in this sauce.

In Genoese, the word pesto means to crush. Traditionally, the sauce was prepared with a mortar and pestle, which the cook used to grind all of the ingredients together until they made a paste.

However, I decided it would be much easier to use my food processor fitted with a large chopping blade.

If you’re looking for a reliable food processor, I recommend this model by Cuisinart.

Instructions

*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post. 

To make the sauce, I first used a fork to crush three cloves of garlic and a little bit of salt together in a small dish. Then, I tossed the garlic, basil, parsley, and pepper into the food processor, and processed the ingredients until the mixture had a paste-like consistency.

Pesto sauce is often made with pine nuts, but I decided to use unsalted, shelled pistachio nuts instead as an economical and tasty alternative (If you’re concerned about nuts manufactured on shared equipment with gluten containing products, Nuts.com prominently labels which products of theirs are certified gluten-free).  

With the food processor covered and the motor running, I added the nuts and grated Parmesan cheese through the small feed tube.

Finally, while continuing to run the motor, I poured in the oil in a slow steady stream, thickening the mixture. So quick and effortless to make, and this beautiful green sauce is ready!

How to make zoodles not watery

Now it’s time for the fun part: making the zoodles. For the easiest way to make zoodles, I recommend using a spiralizer like mine from Paderno World Cuisine.

As I’ve noted in other zoodle posts, we usually find that long and fat zucchini make the best zoodles, and it is also important to keep the zucchini centered inside the spiralizer when slicing them.

To make sure your zoodles don’t end up soggy, place them in a colander and toss with the salt until coated. Then put the colander in a shallow bowl for 20 – 30 minutes while the zoodles release their moisture, after which pat dry with paper towels.

To cook the zoodles, I heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet, and then add three cloves of chopped garlic and cook until fragrant. Next, I toss in the zoodles and cook for about three minutes.

Then, I let the zoodles sit for a few minutes to allow any excess water to be released. I drain them again, and they’re ready to serve.

These beautiful green zucchini noodles, tender and subtly crunchy, were definitely made to be paired with this heavenly pesto sauce.

If you love how easy this pesto came together, this is just a sneak peek at my Savory Sauce Solution, a system designed to help you turn even the busiest weeknight dinners into scrumptious meals that are totally doable.

This is our easiest zoodles recipe yet and one of our most nutritious and delicious too.

Serving suggestions

You can serve zucchini noodles with basil and pistachio pesto as the main course, keeping it light and satisfying, or use them as a flavorful vegetable side alongside your favorite proteins.

They’re great topped with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a fried egg for a quick weeknight dinner. No matter how you serve them, they bring that fresh, herby comfort without any fuss.

Pro tips and recipe notes

• You can try different types of nuts in your pesto sauce such as pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds. And a dairy-free cheese swap would work, as well.
• Pesto sauce may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Actually, it tastes even more flavorful after sitting for a bit. It’s incredibly adaptable and can be used as a sauce for gluten free pasta, a spread, a marinade, or a dip, adding depth and flavor to a wide range of dishes.

For pasta lovers on paleo, low carb, and gluten-free diets, this is an easy undeniable treat. Enjoy!

More fun zucchini recipes for you

Zucchini Lasagna Recipe That Really Rocks – Think lasagna with zucchini instead of noodles. Everyone in my family loves this dish, and I’m sure you will too. Each mouthful keeps you salivating for the next bite.

Grilled Zucchini Roll Ups – Rolling up grilled zucchini with bolognese sauce and fresh parmesan really takes grilled zucchini to the next level. Wow! These little grilled roll ups make an amazing appetizer.

Bacon. Corn, And Zucchini Sauté – This easy sauté is a delicious side dish where the veggies really sing. 

Stuffed Zucchini Boats – Beautiful green sticks of zucchini hollowed into boats and filled with sausage and Gruyere cheese are so incredibly tasty and fun to eat too!

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4.84 from 6 votes

Zucchini Noodles with Basil and Pistachio Pesto (Zoodles)

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Tender and subtly crunchy zucchini noodles with easy homemade pesto is definitely a heavenly combination. 

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 418kcal

Author Barbara Bianchi

Equipment

Spiralizer

Food Processor

Ingredients

For zoodles

• 6 medium zucchinis
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic

For basil pesto

• 2 teaspoons garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups basil leaves lightly packed
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup pistachio nuts unsalted and shelled
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

• Cut zucchini into zoodles using a spiralizer. Place the spiralized zucchini in a colander and toss with the salt until coated. Place colander in a shallow bowl for 20 - 30 minutes while zoodles release their moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
  6 medium zucchinis, ¼ teaspoon salt
• Meanwhile Prepare Basil Pesto: Mash the garlic and salt together in a small dish. Place in the bowl of your food processor fitted with the large chopping blade. Add the basil, parsley, and pepper. Secure the cover.

  Process until the mixture has a paste-like consistency, scraping the sides of the bowl with a spatula if necessary. Cover. Now with the motor running, add the nuts and parmesan through the small feed tube.

  Finally while continuing to run the motor, add the oil in a slow steady stream, thickening the mixture.
  1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 cups basil leaves, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1/3 cup pistachio nuts, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons garlic
• Cook Zoodles: When the zoodles are ready to cook, pat them with paper towels. Then heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet. Add 3 cloves of chopped garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add zoodles (zucchini), and cook about 2 minutes. Stir and cook for one more minute.

  Then let the zoodles sit for a few minutes to allow any excess water to be released, drain. Transfer to a bowl.
  2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 3 cloves garlic
• Top drained zoodles with basil pesto sauce and gently toss. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Pesto sauce may be stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is incredibly adaptable and can be used as a sauce for gluten free pasta, a spread, a marinade, or a dip, adding depth and flavor to a wide range of dishes.
• If you're concerned about nuts manufactured on shared equipment with gluten containing products, Nuts.com prominently labels which products of theirs are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition

Calories: 418kcal | Carbohydrates: 13.6g | Protein: 14.1g

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