Garlic-Pine Nut Zucchini Noodles

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

A light, crisp-tender zucchini noodle dish with toasted pine nuts and garlic, finished with a bright lemon drizzle. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (low-carb) ready in about 15 minutes pairs zucchini, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 medium spiralized zucchini noodles and toss to coat, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender but still firm. Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Pine Nut Zucchini Noodles 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 Garlic-Pine Nut Zucchini Noodles?

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 Garlic-Pine Nut Zucchini Noodles?

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 Garlic-Pine Nut Zucchini Noodles 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 Garlic-Pine Nut Zucchini Noodles low-carb?

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

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