Ring-Alert Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
A light and refreshing zucchini noodle dish with a vibrant basil pesto. This italian-inspired vegetarian (low-carb, vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes blends medium, spiralized Zucchini, fresh Basil leaves, toasted Pine nuts 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 300 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
- 3 medium, spiralized Zucchini
- 1 cup, fresh Basil leaves
- 1/4 cup, toasted Pine nuts
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize 3 medium zucchini into noodles. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a food processor, combine 1 cup fresh basil leaves, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pulse until smooth.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
- Step 4: Toss the cooked zucchini noodles with the pesto sauce until evenly coated. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ring-Alert Zucchini Noodles with Pesto take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Ring-Alert Zucchini Noodles with Pesto?
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 Ring-Alert Zucchini Noodles with Pesto?
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 Ring-Alert Zucchini Noodles with Pesto 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 Ring-Alert Zucchini Noodles with Pesto low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, 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
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 0-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
