Zucchini Noodle Variations (Printable)

Spiralized zucchini with tomato basil or avocado pesto sauce. Quick, healthy, and customizable low-carb meals.

# Ingredient list:

→ Zucchini Noodles

01 - 2 large zucchini, spiralized
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Classic Tomato Basil Sauce

04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tbsp olive oil
07 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
08 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Creamy Avocado Pesto

09 - 1 ripe avocado
10 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
11 - 2 tbsp pine nuts or walnuts
12 - 1 clove garlic
13 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
14 - 3 tbsp olive oil
15 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Toppings (Choose as desired)

16 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
17 - 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
18 - 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
19 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
20 - Red pepper flakes, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Spiralize the zucchini into noodles. Place in a colander, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
02 - In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2–3 minutes, just until slightly tender but not mushy. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add cherry tomatoes, cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Stir in chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
04 - In a food processor, combine avocado, basil, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Toss the sautéed zucchini noodles with your choice of sauce (Tomato Basil or Avocado Pesto). Divide between plates. Top with your preferred toppings: Parmesan, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • These zoodles cook in just minutes, perfect for those evenings when youre starving and the takeout app is temptingly open on your phone.
  • You can switch between sauces depending on your mood, making this feel like multiple recipes in one.
02 -
  • I learned the hard way that squeezing the zoodles after salting is non-negotiable unless you enjoy swimming in zucchini water.
  • The avocado pesto will oxidize and turn brown if made too far in advance, so prep it just before you plan to use it.
03 -
  • For extra-twirly zoodles that truly mimic pasta, use the medium blade on your spiralizer rather than the finest or thickest options.
  • If you find your zoodles still releasing water even after the salt rest, quickly sauté them in batches so they have room to release steam rather than stew in their own liquid.
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