Herbed Zucchini Noodles

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

A vibrant dish where zucchini ribbons are tossed with fresh herbs and a light lemon dressing. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, thinly sliced fresh basil 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 medium spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss for 3 minutes until just tender but still crisp, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and immediately stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Toss until the noodles are evenly coated and the basil is wilted.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to a plate and serve immediately while the noodles are still cool to the touch.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herbed Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 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 Herbed 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herbed 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 Herbed 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.

What goes well with Herbed Zucchini Noodles?

Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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