Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Dressing
Light and refreshing zucchini noodles tossed in a creamy avocado dressing with fresh herbs, ideal for a low-carb weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes blends medium (12 oz), spiralized Zucchini, Lemon juice, minced Garlic clove 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 160 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
- 2 medium (12 oz), spiralized Zucchini
- 1 medium (5 oz), pitted and chopped Avocado
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1, minced Garlic clove
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp, chopped Fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize 2 medium zucchinis (12 oz) into noodles and set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1 medium avocado (5 oz), 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mash with a fork until smooth.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Step 4: Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender but still crisp.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the avocado dressing until well combined and evenly coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Dressing?
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 Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Dressing?
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 Avocado Dressing 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 Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Dressing?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
