Zucchini-Carrot Spiral Noodles with Basil-Mint Pesto
A vibrant vegetarian pasta alternative with spiralized vegetables and a fresh herb pesto that balances earthy and bright notes. This vegetarian-inspired pasta ready in about 28 minutes blends packed fresh basil, packed fresh mint, olive oil 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 220 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, spiralized into thin noodles zucchini
- 1 large, spiralized into thin noodles carrots
- 1/2 cup packed fresh basil
- 1/2 cup packed fresh mint
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 2 medium spiralized zucchini noodles and 1 large spiralized carrot noodles, cooking for 3 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup packed fresh basil, 1/2 cup packed fresh mint, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Process while slowly drizzling in 3 tbsp olive oil until smooth, then add 1/4 cup vegetable broth to thin as needed.
- Step 3: Toss the drained zucchini-carrot noodles with the basil-mint pesto until fully coated, adding a splash of reserved cooking water if too thick, until the sauce clings to every strand without pooling.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini-Carrot Spiral Noodles with Basil-Mint Pesto take to make?
Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Zucchini-Carrot Spiral Noodles with Basil-Mint Pesto?
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 Zucchini-Carrot Spiral Noodles with Basil-Mint Pesto?
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 Zucchini-Carrot Spiral Noodles with Basil-Mint Pesto 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 Zucchini-Carrot Spiral Noodles with Basil-Mint Pesto?
Vegetarian pasta 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 vegetarian pasta alternative I've tried! The pesto balanced the earthiness of the veggies perfectly.
- ★★★★★
My family devoured these! The basil-mint pesto was a revelation—light yet flavorful. Made it twice this week.
- ★★★★★
This pesto transformed my weeknight dinners! The zucchini-carrot noodles held up perfectly and the mint added such a refreshing twist.
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