Basil-Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Lemon
A light, vibrant dish featuring spiralized zucchini tossed in a fresh basil-garlic sauce with a bright lemon finish. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs (spiralized into 4 cups) zucchini, olive oil, (minced) garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (spiralized into 4 cups) zucchini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1/4 cup (chopped) fresh basil
- 1 (juiced) lemon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Step 2: Add 4 cups spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender but still crisp.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Cook for 1 more minute until flavors meld, then serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Basil-Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 Basil-Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Lemon?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Basil-Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Lemon?
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 Basil-Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Lemon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Basil-Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Lemon vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
