Creamy Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles – A Healthy Zoodles Recipe! (2024)

By: AlyssaRating 37 Comments on Raw Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles

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These raw avocado pesto zucchini noodles make a satisfying swap for traditional pasta thanks to a creamy avocado sauce loaded with flavor, protein, and healthy fat!

this recipe

While winter has us craving things like hearty lentil dal and creamy broccoli soup, in the summer, our appetites turn to lighter dishes. For me, one of my summertime favorites iszucchini noodles.

You might recognize this particular dish from my latest What I Eat in a Day video; they’re the avocado pesto zucchini noodles that you guys have all been asking about.

There are so many ways to enjoy zucchini noodles (or zoodles, if you prefer), but because they’re so light, I think they pair especially well with a creamy sauce, which is how this recipe for raw avocado pesto zucchini noodles was born.

The creamy pesto is full of satisfying healthy fats, but it also has an herbaceous note from the basil and the brightness of lemon, which makes it so summery.

And those aren’t the only reasons it’s perfect for summer! You don’t need to cook this dish (hence the “raw” in the recipe name), and it comes together in 10 minutes—because who wants to be inside making dinner for an hour on a beautiful summer evening?!

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

  • Zucchini – Medium zucchini is best for making noodles. Large zucchini has bigger, tougher seeds and a more squash-y flavor, while small zucchini are a pain to spiralize!
  • Avocados
  • Fresh basil
  • Garlic
  • Lemon
  • Hemp seeds or pine nuts – Hemp seeds are a great way to add some extra protein to this dish!
  • Sea salt + red pepper flakes

What Are Hemp Seeds?

Hemp seeds come from the hemp plant—yes, that hemp plant, but they don’t have any psychoactive effects! They’re high in protein and essential fatty acids, making them a great addition to any diet.

I love using hemp seeds in this dish because they do double-duty: in the pesto, they blend up creamy and smooth, but sprinkled on top of the zucchini noodles, they’re reminiscent of grated Parmesan!

How to Make Raw Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Ready for a light and healthy summer dinner? Here’s what you’ll need to do!

Prep the zucchini. Use a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles and place them in a large bowl.

Make the sauce. Add the remaining ingredients to a food processor and process on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Finish. Pour the pesto over the zucchini noodles and toss to coat. Serve immediately or store the zucchini noodles in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Garnish with hemp seeds or nutritional yeast, if desired.

Can I Make Zucchini Noodles Without a Spiralizer?

If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can still make this dish! Just use a julienne peeler or a sharp knife to cut the zucchini into thin noodles. Alternatively, you can use a regular vegetable peeler to cut the zucchini into ribbons; consider it zucchini pappardelle!

Tips for Success

Here are a few hints and tips for avocado pesto zucchini noodles:

  • Make sure your avocado is ripe. This is key for a creamy sauce! It should feel firm, but yield slightly with pressure.
  • Nailing the perfect consistency. If the pesto is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Not a fan of raw zucchini? To cook the zucchini noodles, I suggest quickly sautéing them in a skillet with a splash of oil for about 2 to 3 minutes, then stirring in the pesto. Don’t overcook the zucchini noodles, though, because they can get a little mushy on you, especially with such a substantive sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Want to add some protein? Maybe up the veggie factor even more? Here are some additions to consider:

  • Herb Crusted Baked Tofu
  • 5-Ingredient Sauteed Garlic Green Beans
  • Quick Cured Salmon
  • Crispy Chickpeas
  • Perfect Vegan Meatballs

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover avocado pesto zucchini noodles can be stored in the fridge for up to a day. You’ll find that as this sits in the fridge, the zucchini noodles will soften, but simply drain off any liquid and give them a quick toss to redistribute the pesto before serving.

Can This Recipe Be Frozen?

This isn’t a good recipe for freezing, but if you’re looking for a zucchini recipe that does freeze well, try my 5-Ingredient Healthy Zucchini Fritters.

More Healthy Zucchini Recipes To Try

  • Pad Thai Zucchini Noodle + Quinoa Salad
  • Avocado Alfredo with Zucchini Noodles
  • Zucchini Noodles with Vegan Lemon Cream Sauce
  • Ginger-Scallion Egg Drop Zucchini Noodle Soup

Raw Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles

5 from 14 votes

Zucchini noodles are tossed in a creamy raw avocado pesto for a healthy dinner perfect for hot summer days!

author: Alyssa

yield: 4

Creamy Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles – A Healthy Zoodles Recipe! (8)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Total: 5 minutes minutes

Equipment

  • Food Processor

Ingredients

  • 3 – 4 medium zucchinis
  • 2 avocados
  • 2 cups fresh basil
  • 3 – 4 cloves garlic
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup hemp seeds or pine nuts
  • Sea salt + red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions

  • Spiralize the zucchinis and break/cut the noodles into smaller strands. Put them in a large bowl and set aside.

  • Add remaining ingredients to a food processor and blend on high until smooth and creamy. Pour pesto over zucchini noodles and toss to combine.

  • Serve immediately or store in the fridge until ready to serve.

  • Enjoy with a sprinkling more of hemp seeds and/or nutritional yeast and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a day.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 96mg | Potassium: 1080mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1235IU | Vitamin C: 62.3mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 3.6mg

cuisine: American, Italian

course: Main Course

★★★★★

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Creamy Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles – A Healthy Zoodles Recipe! (9)

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  • Gluten-Free
  • Quick Recipes
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  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
Creamy Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles – A Healthy Zoodles Recipe! (10)

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Creamy Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles – A Healthy Zoodles Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

Are zoodles healthier than pasta? ›

Zucchini is low in fat, sugar, and calories, and high in vitamin C and fiber, making it a great substitute for traditional pasta noodles. Fiber helps to regulate bowels and maintain good digestive health, and vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to protect cells.

How do you cook zoodles so they're not soggy? ›

Tip 5: Don't over-cook your noodles

To avoid soggy and limp noodles, I recommend cooking for only 3-5 minutes (5 if you're cooking more than 1-2 spiralized zucchinis) and tossing frequently. You want a slightly al dente noodle.

Do zucchini noodles have a lot of carbs? ›

Zucchini Noodles (1 cup, sliced) contains 3.5g total carbs, 2.4g net carbs, 0.4g fat, 1.4g protein, and 19 calories.

Why are zoodles so good? ›

Doodle dogs possess excellent personalities that make them famous across the world. This breed is generally known for its affectionate nature towards humans, making them suitable family pets. Doodles are also intelligent, calm, and gentle dogs that get along well with children and other animals.

What is the healthiest pasta for weight loss? ›

In fact, whole wheat or whole grain pasta is the best option for weight loss as whole wheat pasta takes longer to digest than pasta made from refined flour. Slower digestion means blood sugar will rise slowly after consumption, preventing your body from storing excess fat.

How to stop zoodles from being watery? ›

Sweating the zucchini noodles with salt is essential in this Paleo recipe so they don't become watery and limp during cooking. Place the julienned zucchini in a colander or wire strainer and toss generously with salt until the strands are lightly coated. Allow the zucchini to sit for 20 to 30 minutes.

Should you salt zoodles before cooking? ›

Add zucchini noodles. Toss with tongs and let the zucchini cook for just a minute or two. Remove from heat and add to sauce or add some salt and eat as is. Note: Don't salt the zucchini before you saute it; the noodles will release more water and they'll end up limp.

How to get moisture out of zucchini noodles? ›

Place the noodles on a cookie sheet lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt. “Sweat” the noodles in the oven for 30 minutes until the paper towels have absorbed most of the moisture that the zucchini let. Wrap the paper towels over the noodles and give them a good squeeze to extract any remaining liquid.

Can diabetics eat zucchini noodles? ›

Veggie Spirals and Ribbons

Some good options to try include zucchini, yellow summer squash, carrots, eggplant, peppers, and cabbage. Steam the ribbons so that they taste and feel like regular pasta. Enjoy a serving size of 1 1/2 cups of cooked veggie ribbons for only 15 grams of carbs.

Which is healthier, spaghetti squash, or zucchini? ›

A look into essential Vitamins & Minerals, shows that Zucchini Pasta outdoes Spaghetti Squash on every one, except for Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium and Selenium. Information found from SELF's Nutrition Data calculator.

Are zoodles unhealthy? ›

Just like other recipes that contain squash, there are many ways to cook a zoodles...or to not cook them at all. Although like any vegetable, cooking zucchini noodles does strip the squash of some of its nutrients, they still make a great low-carb, low-calorie food that tastes great any way you serve it.

Do you cook zoodles or eat them raw? ›

One of the most beautiful things about spiralizing is that it makes raw veggies into edible pasta! Save yourself the headache of cooking and toss them in a dressing or sauce raw! One of my favorite ways to eat zucchini noodles raw is in a pesto. The pesto is creamy, flavorful, and coats the zucchini well.

How long are zoodles good for? ›

If you're storing them in the fridge for more than a day or two, you may want to switch out the paper towels as they become damp. My Verdict – This is the best (and really only) way to store zoodles. They'll last about 4-5 days in the fridge.

Are egg noodles better than pasta for weight loss? ›

Egg noodles' nutritional content is similar to that of regular pasta but slightly lower in calories, carbs, and protein ( 1 , 2 ). They're also often enriched, meaning that certain vitamins and minerals have been added, increasing their nutritional value.

What veggie pasta is the healthiest? ›

Red-lentil pasta is another healthy alternative to traditional pasta. Not only is it gluten-free, but it's also rich in protein and fiber. Lentils are also an excellent source of other nutrients, such as folate and iron.

Which is healthier spaghetti squash or pasta? ›

Spaghetti contains on average about 200 calories and 42 grams of carbohydrates per serving (2 ounces). However, spaghetti squash contains only 70 calories and around 17 carbohydrates per serving. A serving of spaghetti squash is about 4 ounces, and one spaghetti squash serves four people.

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