Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Bacon and Avocado
A vibrant low-carb meal featuring ribbons of zucchini cooked with smoky bacon and creamy avocado, finished with fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (low-carb) ready in about 23 minutes pairs medium zucchini, bacon, large avocado for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 2 medium zucchini
- 4 oz bacon
- 1 large avocado
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook for 4-5 minutes until crisp, flipping occasionally.
- Step 3: Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving 1 tsp bacon fat in the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Stir in crumbled bacon, diced avocado, lemon juice, and sea salt. Cook for 1 minute until avocado is warmed through but not mushy.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Serve immediately while zucchini is still crisp.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Bacon and Avocado take to make?
Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 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 Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Bacon and Avocado?
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 Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Bacon and Avocado?
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 Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Bacon and Avocado 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 Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Bacon and Avocado 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My go-to healthy pasta substitute. So flavorful!
- ★★★★★
Easy and delicious. Made it for date night and it was a hit.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a light dinner. The avocado and bacon combo is amazing.
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