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Fresh Zucchini Noodles Recipe Easy Creamy Pesto with Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and easy fresh zucchini noodles recipe tossed with creamy pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes, perfect for a light lunch or dinner that is both refreshing and indulgent.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium-sized zucchini, spiralized into noodles
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the zucchini under cold water and pat dry. Using a spiralizer, create long noodles from each zucchini. Place the noodles in a large bowl to catch any moisture.
  2. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the zucchini noodles and toss gently. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess water, then gently squeeze the noodles with your hands or a clean kitchen towel to remove moisture.
  3. While the zucchini drains, slice the cherry tomatoes in half and mince the garlic clove. Toss them lightly in a small bowl with a dash of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the pesto sauce with the remaining olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. If the pesto is thick, add a splash of water or lemon juice to loosen it up.
  5. Add the zucchini noodles back into the large bowl. Pour the creamy pesto over the noodles and toss gently until each noodle is well-coated. Add the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic, folding them in carefully to avoid breaking the noodles.
  6. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top and a little extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Salting the zucchini noodles and letting them sit helps prevent sogginess by drawing out excess moisture. Handle noodles gently to keep their shape. Serve immediately for best texture. For a warm version, toss noodles in a pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes but avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini noodles, creamy pesto, cherry tomatoes, healthy lunch, gluten-free, vegetarian, quick recipe

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/fresh-zucchini-noodles-recipe-easy-creamy-pesto-with-cherry-tomatoes/