Zucchini Noodles Pesto Tomatoes (Printable)

Spiralized zucchini, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes create a light, colorful Mediterranean-inspired summer dish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
02 - 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pesto

04 - 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
05 - 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
06 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 small clove garlic
08 - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
10 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

→ Garnish

11 - Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
12 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Combine basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly add olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Incorporate lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
02 - Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the minced garlic; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly tender yet retaining crispness. Avoid overcooking to preserve texture.
04 - Add the halved cherry tomatoes and toss for 1 to 2 minutes until just warmed but not mushy.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Add the prepared pesto and gently toss to coat the zucchini noodles and tomatoes evenly.
06 - Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The flavors are so bright and herby, you might forget you’re eating vegetables.
  • This recipe is a lifesaver when you want something fast that still feels special.
02 -
  • If you let zucchini noodles cook too long, they turn soggy and watery—always keep them just tender!
  • I discovered that blending the pesto long enough to really emulsify the oil makes it stick better to each noodle.
03 -
  • Toast the pine nuts before blending for extra aroma and depth in your pesto.
  • Let your pesto rest a minute after blending, it mellows and intensifies the basil’s sweetness.
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