Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Pine Nuts and Lemon Zest
A light yet satisfying pasta alternative with zucchini ribbons, toasted pine nuts, and bright lemon notes for a quick keto dinner. This italian-inspired keto ready in about 23 minutes pairs medium zucchini, pine nuts, zest and 1 tbsp juice lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 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
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1, zest and 1 tbsp juice lemon
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Use a spiralizer to create noodles from the zucchini, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet, season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, and toss for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Stir in lemon zest and 1 tbsp lemon juice, then top with toasted pine nuts before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Pine Nuts and Lemon Zest 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 Pine Nuts and Lemon Zest?
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 Pine Nuts and Lemon Zest?
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 Pine Nuts and Lemon Zest 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 Pine Nuts and Lemon Zest?
Italian keto 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
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★★
Love how the Italian come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
