Tangy Cashew Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light, vibrant zucchini noodles tossed in a nutty, herbaceous pesto with juicy cherry tomatoes. This italian-inspired whole30 (low-carb) ready in about 20 minutes blends medium, spiralized zucchini, raw cashews, fresh basil 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 310 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pulse cashews, basil, garlic, 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper in a food processor until smooth, scraping sides as needed.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add zucchini noodles and cook 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until just tender but still crisp.
  3. Step 3: Add cherry tomatoes and 2 tbsp of the pesto to the skillet. Toss to coat and heat through for 1-2 minutes until tomatoes are slightly softened.
  4. Step 4: Serve zucchini noodles topped with remaining pesto, seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tangy Cashew Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Tangy Cashew Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Tangy Cashew Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Tangy Cashew Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Tangy Cashew Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes 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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