Lemon-Herb Zucchini Noodles Primavera
A vibrant, light dish featuring spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in a fresh lemon-herb sauce with seasonal vegetables for a quick, nutrient-packed meal. This italian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced (1/2 inch pieces) asparagus for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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
- 4 medium, spiralized into noodles (4 cups) zucchini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, sliced (1/2 inch pieces) asparagus
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp, optional capers
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and asparagus, and cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and asparagus is bright green.
- Step 2: Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss to combine with the vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes until zucchini is tender but still al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Add 1 tbsp capers if using, then divide among plates. Sprinkle each serving with 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Zucchini Noodles Primavera take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Lemon-Herb Zucchini Noodles Primavera?
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 Lemon-Herb Zucchini Noodles Primavera?
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 Lemon-Herb Zucchini Noodles Primavera 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 Lemon-Herb Zucchini Noodles Primavera 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
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
