Discover 'Zesty Pesto Zoodles & Burst Cherry Tomatoes,' a flavorful, low-carb dish featuring zucchini noodles, fresh basil pesto, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Enjoy this healthy delight!
Zesty Pesto Zoodles & Burst Cherry Tomatoes: A Flavorful Low-Carb Delight
Welcome to the world of delicious low-carb eating with our Zesty Pesto Zoodles & Burst Cherry Tomatoes recipe! If you're looking for a tasty way to enjoy your veggies while keeping your carb intake in check, this dish is a winner. Fresh zucchini noodles (zoodles) are combined with a zesty homemade pesto and topped with sweet burst cherry tomatoes, creating a light yet satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner. Whether you're a seasoned low-carb eater or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Zoodles & Tomatoes:
- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into zoodles
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Zesty Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Pesto:
- Begin by making the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Pulse until the mixture becomes coarse.
- Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the food processor. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, then set the pesto aside.
Cook the Cherry Tomatoes:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the tomatoes for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and burst, releasing their juices. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Zoodles:
- If you haven't done so already, spiralize the zucchinis to create the zoodles. If you don't have a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler can be used to create thin strips.
- Place the zoodles in the skillet with the cherry tomatoes, and toss gently to combine. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes just to warm the zoodles. Avoid overcooking, as the zoodles can become mushy.
- Combine and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from heat, and add the prepared pesto to the zoodles and tomatoes. Toss everything together to coat the zoodles evenly in the pesto sauce.
- Taste, and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the Zesty Pesto Zoodles & Burst Cherry Tomatoes immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves if you like.
Conclusion:
Voilà! Your Zesty Pesto Zoodles & Burst Cherry Tomatoes are ready to enjoy. This dish not only brings vibrant colors and fresh flavors to your table but also packs a punch of nutrients while keeping your carb count low. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized with additional veggies, proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick. Embrace the joy of making healthy choices without compromising on taste. Happy cooking!