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Home » Side Dishes » Zucchini Noodles with Lime Pesto

Zucchini Noodles with Lime Pesto

Posted by: Diabetic Foodie / Gluten-free, Salads & Dressings, Side Dishes, Vegan / February 22, 2018

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These zucchini noodles with lime pesto are gluten-free, low carb, and packed with flavor! Perfect for an easy vegan side dish that requires no cooking at all.

Zucchini Noodles with Lime Pesto garnished with tomatoes on a white plate

Looking for an easy, flavorful side that doesn’t require firing up the oven, stove, or grill? That’s the perfect time to make these zucchini noodles with lime pesto!

Simply spiralize the zucchini, whip up the pesto in the food processor, then toss everything together to serve. It’s so simple, and the result is so refreshing and delicious.

Plus, if you have any leftover pesto, you can store it in the refrigerator for future dishes. Who doesn’t love having some pre-made pesto ready to go?

Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a tasty, plant-based side, these pesto zoodles are always a great choice.

How to make zucchini noodles with lime pesto

My favorite part about this recipe is that it doesn’t require any cooking at all. All you need is your food processor!

Step 1: While the food processor is running, add the garlic cloves.

Step 2: Turn off the machine, then add the basil, pine nuts, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until everything is finely chopped, scraping down the sides at least once.

Step 3: Turn the food processor back on and slowly pour the olive oil through the tube until a thick paste forms. Turn off the food processor.

Step 4: In a large bowl, toss the zucchini noodles and tomatoes.

Step 5: Add a couple of tablespoons of pesto and mix well. Continue adding pesto until you reach your desired creaminess.

Divide onto 4 plates and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Ways to simplify this recipe

As I mentioned, one of the best parts about this recipe is how simple it is to make. But if you’re looking for something even easier, you’re in luck!

No spiralizer? No problem! Simply julienne your zucchini (cut it into matchsticks) instead.

Can’t find Campari tomatoes? Just swap them out for cherry tomatoes. Because they’re smaller, I recommend cutting them in half rather than quartering.

Trying to save time? Buy pre-prepared pesto, then stir in some lime juice and zest.

What to serve with pesto zoodles

I think the creaminess of the lime pesto works well to temper the heat of spicy foods. That’s why I like to serve these zucchini and pesto noodles with dishes like red lentil chili, jerk chicken, or spice-rubbed pork tenderloin.

You could also turn this low-carb pesto pasta into a full meal. For non-vegetarian options, add sliced chicken breast or chicken meatballs. To keep your meal vegan, try adding avocado, chickpeas, lentils, or tofu.

Storage

If you have extra spiralized zucchini, don’t toss it with the pesto. Instead, store the zoodles in an airtight container lined with paper towels. They’ll stay fresh for 2-3 days.

Leftover pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Other tasty pesto recipes

I never get tired of pesto. From tasty sides to flavorful entrées, there are so many ways to use this versatile ingredient! Here are a few of my favorite pesto recipes I know you’ll love:

  • 3-Cheese Pesto Spread with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  • Pesto Chicken Salad with Grapes
  • Easy Pesto Potatoes

When you’ve tried this dish, please don’t forget to let me know how you liked it and rate the recipe in the comments below!

Recipe Card
Zucchini Noodles with Lime Pesto
5 from 1 vote

Zucchini Noodles with Lime Pesto

These zucchini noodles with lime pesto are gluten-free, low carb, and packed with flavor! Perfect for an easy vegan side dish that requires no cooking at all.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Total Time:15 minutes
Author:Diabetic Foodie
Servings:4 servings
Review Print

Ingredients

  • 3 garlic cloves (peeled)
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • Zest and juice of 1 small lime
  • Pinch Kosher salt
  • A few grinds of fresh black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 3 large zucchini (rinsed, dried, and spiralized or julienned)
  • 6 Campari tomatoes (quartered)

Instructions

  • While the food processor is running, add the garlic cloves.
  • Turn off the machine, then add the basil, pine nuts, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until everything is finely chopped, scraping down the sides at least once.
  • Turn the food processor back on and slowly pour the olive oil through the tube until a thick paste forms. Turn off the food processor.
  • In a large bowl, toss the zucchini noodles and tomatoes.
  • Add a couple of tablespoons of pesto and mix well. Continue adding pesto until you reach your desired creaminess.

Recipe Notes

This recipe is for 4 servings of pesto zoodles.
If you can’t find campari tomatoes, substitute cherry tomatoes and cut them in half.
If you have leftover spiralized zucchini, don’t toss with the pesto. Store in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Leftover pesto will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.

Nutrition Info Per Serving

Nutrition Facts
Zucchini Noodles with Lime Pesto
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 298 Calories from Fat 234
% Daily Value*
Fat 26g40%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 44mg2%
Potassium 0mg0%
Carbohydrates 15g5%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 0IU0%
Vitamin C 0mg0%
Calcium 0mg0%
Iron 0mg0%
Net carbs 12g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: dinner recipes, easy pasta recipes, zoodles
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