Keto Pesto Zucchini Noodles are a delightful and vibrant dish that brings together the freshness of zucchini noodles with the bold flavors of homemade pesto sauce. This low-carb and keto-friendly recipe offers a perfect balance of healthy fats and nutrients, making it a satisfying choice for those following a ketogenic lifestyle. The combination of tender zucchini noodles and aromatic pesto creates a dish that’s not only delicious but also nourishing. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Recipe: Keto Pesto Zucchini Noodles
Ingredients: For the Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Zucchini Noodles:
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: For the Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts or walnuts, and minced garlic.
- Pulse the ingredients until they are coarsely chopped and blended.
- With the food processor running, gradually drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
- Season the pesto with salt and pepper, and blend briefly to incorporate.
For the Zucchini Noodles:
- Using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles from the medium zucchinis.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are just tender. Be careful not to overcook, as zucchini noodles can become mushy quickly.
- Season the zucchini noodles with salt and pepper to taste.
To Serve:
- Toss the sautéed zucchini noodles with the desired amount of pesto sauce. You can start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Serve the Keto Pesto Zucchini Noodles warm as a flavorful and satisfying side dish or even as a light main course.
Nutrition Facts:
(assuming 1/4 of the recipe):
- Calories: 307
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 6mg
- Sodium: 229mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 7g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 6g