If you’re on a keto diet or simply looking for a delicious low-carb meal, you’re in for a treat. Our Keto Recipe for Pesto Zoodles is not only incredibly easy to make but also a flavorful delight.
Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, provide a perfect substitute for traditional pasta, and when paired with a delectable pesto sauce and Parmesan cheese, you have a mouthwatering keto-friendly dish on your plate.
In this blog post, we guide you through the recipe step by step, offer some handy tips and variations, and even suggest food pairings. Whether you’re a seasoned keto enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this recipe is perfect for you.
So, let’s dive into the world of Pesto Zoodles and discover how to make this wholesome dish!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before diving into the recipe, it’s crucial to ensure that you have all the essential kitchen equipment prepared and at your fingertips.
- Large pot
- Colander or strainer
- Mixing bowls
- Serving plate or bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
With your fully equipped kitchen, it’s time to dive into the main event.
The Pesto Zoodles Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces zucchini noodles (zoodles)
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Tomatoes optional
Instructions:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, add the zoodles to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they become tender.
- After carefully rinsing them with cold water, drain the zoodles in a colander or sieve. This keeps the zoodles stiff and helps end the cooking process.
- Combine the cooked zoodles, pesto sauce, tomatoes grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper in a sizable mixing dish.
- Toss the ingredients together until the zoodles are evenly coated with the pesto sauce and cheese.
- Serve your Pesto Zoodles immediately, and enjoy your keto-friendly, rich, and savory meal!
How To Make Pesto Sauce
You’ll need the following items to prepare pesto sauce:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
- Add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream while the food processor is running until the pesto is the right consistency.
- You can either serve it right away or keep it in the fridge for up to a week if you use an airtight container.
Tips for Making Perfect Pesto Zoodles
- Fresh Zoodles: Use fresh zucchini and spiralize them into noodles if at all possible. Fresh zoodles are firmer and taste better because of this.
- Homemade Pesto: Although pre-made pesto is practical, creating your own at home with olive oil, fresh basil, pine nuts, and garlic can enhance the flavor.
- Variety of Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a unique twist.
- Add Protein: If you’re looking to up your protein intake, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to your Pesto Zoodles.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
Vegan Pesto Zoodles
Simply swap out the regular pesto for a vegan pesto sauce and use dairy-free Parmesan cheese to create a vegan version of this dish. In most grocery stores, you can readily find vegan pesto options.
Spicy Pesto Zoodles
If you like a little spice, give your Pesto Zoodles a blast of fire by adding some red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers.
Creamy Pesto Zoodles
For a creamier texture, mix in a spoonful of heavy cream or coconut cream with your pesto sauce.
Nutritional Information per Serving
- Calories: 319
- Fat: 21g
- Net Carbs: 23g
- Protein: 12g
Pesto Zoodles are incredibly versatile and pair well with various dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Grilled salmon or shrimp for added protein.
- A fresh Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
- Roasted cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
FAQ Section
1. What Are Zoodles Made Of?
Fresh zucchini can be spiralized, sliced, or peeled into thin strands or bands to make raw zucchini noodles. Some zucchini pasta noodles are long and thin like spaghetti, while others can be flat and thin like fettuccine or wide like pappardelle or even lasagna.
2. How Many Calories Are In Pesto Zoodles?
The number of calories in pesto zoodles will vary depending on the recipe and the ingredients used. However, a typical serving of pesto zoodles contains around 282 calories.
3. How Do You Make Zoodles That Aren’t Watery?
There are a few things you can do to prevent zoodles from becoming watery:
- Salt the zoodles. This will help to draw out some of the excess moisture.
- Let the zoodles sit. Once you have salted the zoodles, let them sit for 10-15 minutes in a colander. This will give the excess moisture time to drain.
- Cook the zoodles quickly. Don’t overcook the zoodles, or they will become mushy and watery. Aim to cook them until they are just tender.
4. Is Pesto Sauce High In Carbs?
There are just under 1 gram of carbs in a teaspoon of pesto. Pesto does not have a lot of sugar, complex carbs, or fiber. But it is usually eaten with carb-heavy foods like pasta, pizza, and sandwiches.
5. Are zoodles healthier than pasta?
Overall, zucchini noodles are healthier than pasta in nutritional categories. However, pasta has more protein. Even though both pasta and zucchini have a lot of fiber, pasta has a lot of soluble fiber while zucchini has a lot of insoluble fiber. Both of these are important for a healthy diet.
Conclusion
Pesto Zoodles is a delightful keto-friendly dish that’s not only delicious but also simple to prepare. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just want to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal, this recipe has you covered. We hope you give it a try and share it with your friends and family.
For more mouthwatering keto-friendly recipes, visit our website Fastbrunketo.
Let’s spread the joy of cooking together!