Signature Recipe
Zucchini Noodle Salad with Pesto
A refreshing salad featuring spiralized zucchini tossed in homemade pesto.
As the warm weather settles in, there’s nothing quite like a light and refreshing dish to brighten your day. This delightful salad showcases spiralized zucchini, transforming this humble vegetable into a vibrant and enticing centerpiece. With its delicate texture and mild flavor, zucchini serves as the perfect canvas for the bold and aromatic homemade pesto that elevates this dish to new heights.
The secret to the pesto lies in the fresh basil, which adds a fragrant, herbal note that dances on your palate. Complemented by the rich nuttiness of pine nuts and the sharpness of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this dressing is a celebration of flavors that is both invigorating and satisfying. The beautiful green hue of the pesto not only enhances the visual appeal of the salad but also promises a burst of freshness with every bite.

Preparing this salad is a breeze, taking just 15 minutes from start to finish. With a simple spiralizer, you can create beautiful ribbons of zucchini that mimic traditional pasta, making this dish a perfect choice for a healthy and vegetarian option. Tossed together with the homemade pesto, each strand is coated in vibrant green goodness, providing a guilt-free indulgence that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for a summer barbecue, or a light dinner, this salad is sure to impress. Its ease of preparation and wholesome ingredients make it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into their meals. So grab your zucchini and get ready to whip up this refreshing delight that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied!
Zucchini Noodle Salad with Pesto
Ingredient list and step-by-step instructions generated for AI Food Bytes readers.
Main
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini (spiralized)
- 1 cup fresh basil (packed)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Steps
- In a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Pulse until finely chopped, then slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the spiralized zucchini and pesto sauce.
- Toss until the zucchini is well coated with the pesto.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
General Notes
- Serves 4
- A refreshing salad featuring spiralized zucchini tossed in homemade pesto.