Herb-Infused Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Tahini Sauce
Light, refreshing noodles tossed in a bright lemon-tahini dressing with garden-grown herbs, ready in 20 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes blends medium zucchini, olive oil, fresh basil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 medium zucchini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize 2 medium zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly until tender-crisp and slightly translucent.
- Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tbsp water, and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Toss cooked zucchini noodles with the tahini sauce until evenly coated, then stir in 2 tbsp fresh basil and 1 tbsp fresh dill.
- Step 5: Serve immediately while noodles are still crisp, with additional herbs for garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Infused Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Tahini Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Herb-Infused Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Tahini Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Tahini Sauce?
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 Herb-Infused Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Tahini Sauce 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 Herb-Infused Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Tahini Sauce 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
- ★★★★★
This is now my go-to weeknight meal. The zucchini noodles held up beautifully, and the sauce was creamy without being heavy. Even my picky husband asked for seconds!
- ★★★★★
Simple yet elegant dinner that didn't require a ton of time. The fresh herbs made it taste restaurant-quality. Leftover sauce was perfect for drizzling on roasted veggies.
- ★★★★★
My family devoured these zoodles! The lemon-tahini sauce cut through the zucchini perfectly. Made it for a dinner party and got multiple requests for the recipe.
Equipment for this recipe
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