Avocado-Cilantro Zucchini Noodles with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing, creamy pasta alternative with vibrant herbs and tangy tomatoes, ready in 15 minutes without cooking the zucchini. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (low-carb) ready in about 15 minutes pairs zucchini, avocado, sun-dried tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 1 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place spiralized zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with 1/8 tsp sea salt. Toss gently and let sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: In a blender, combine 1/2 ripe avocado, drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp olive oil, and 1 minced garlic clove. Blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
  3. Step 3: Toss the drained zucchini noodles with the avocado sauce and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Adjust seasoning with additional lime juice or salt if needed. Serve immediately at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Avocado-Cilantro Zucchini Noodles with Sun-Dried Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Avocado-Cilantro Zucchini Noodles with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado-Cilantro Zucchini Noodles with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Avocado-Cilantro Zucchini Noodles with Sun-Dried Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Avocado-Cilantro Zucchini Noodles with Sun-Dried Tomatoes low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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