Pesto Zoodle Salad

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in dietary preferences, with more individuals gravitating toward healthier eating habits. One of the standout trends in this movement is the rise of zoodles, or zucchini noodles, which have taken the culinary world by storm. Zoodles provide a vibrant, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, allowing health-conscious eaters to enjoy their favorite dishes without the extra calories and carbohydrates. The Zesty Pesto Zoodle Salad not only embraces this trend but elevates it with a delightful combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

Discover the vibrant flavors of the Zesty Pesto Zoodle Salad, a fantastic low-carb alternative to pasta that’s perfect for healthy eaters. This refreshing dish combines spiralized zucchini with a delicious basil pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy pine nuts, and a touch of Parmesan. It’s not only a delight for the taste buds but also packed with essential nutrients. Perfect for summer picnics or a light lunch, this salad offers a nourishing and satisfying meal option. Try it today for a burst of freshness!

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Ingredients

3 medium zucchinis (for zoodles)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach leaves

½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

¼ cup pine nuts, toasted

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Make the Zoodles: Using a spiralizer, create zoodles from the zucchinis. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to make thin ribbons.

Prepare the Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, combine the zucchini noodles, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach.

Mix the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine: Pour the pesto dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing.

Add Nuts and Cheese: Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the salad. Give it a gentle toss again.

Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy: Serve immediately for the freshest flavor or refrigerate for up to an hour for a chilled salad.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 15 min | 4 servings