Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Bacon and Avocado

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spiralize zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  5. 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.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Serve immediately while zucchini is still crisp.

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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.

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