Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

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

A light and fresh low-carb dish featuring zucchini noodles tossed with vibrant basil pesto and sweet cherry tomatoes. This Italian-inspired low-carb recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, pairs medium zucchini, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Use a spiralizer to turn 3 large medium zucchinis into noodles and place them in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: In a food processor, combine 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pulse while slowly adding 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil until a smooth pesto forms.
  3. Step 3: Toss the zucchini noodles with the prepared pesto until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Serve immediately for a fresh, low-carb meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 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 Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 medium zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes 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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