Description
A light and flavorful dish featuring zucchini noodles tossed in a creamy, nutty pumpkin seed pesto, perfect for any plant-based meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 to 4 tablespoons water, as needed
- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for sautéing)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for garnish)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pesto: In your food processor, combine pumpkin seeds, fresh basil leaves, and garlic. Pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse paste.
- Add the Goodness: Drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil, followed by the lemon juice, nutritional yeast, sea salt, and fresh black pepper. Continue pulsing until the pesto reaches a thick yet creamy consistency.
- Spiralize the Zucchini: Using your spiralizer or julienne peeler, create beautiful long strands of zucchini noodles.
- Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Pat the zucchini noodles dry with paper towels.
- Sauté the Noodles: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles, sautéing for just 2-3 minutes until warmed through and slightly tender.
- Coat and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and toss the zucchini noodles with the pumpkin seed pesto until evenly coated. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
The pesto can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Zucchini noodles retain their best quality when fresh, but can be made into a delicious dish to impress guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg