Zucchini Noodles with Keto Pesto
Fresh, vibrant zucchini noodles tossed in a rich, nutty basil pesto that skips the carbs without skimping on flavor. This quick keto-friendly meal comes together in 15 minutes and delivers all the satisfaction of a hearty pasta dish. Perfect for a light lunch or a speedy weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Spiralize the zucchini into noodles.
Wash and dry the zucchini. Trim the ends, then run each zucchini through a spiralizer to create long noodles. Lay the noodles out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently pat dry to remove excess moisture.
TIPDon't salt the zucchini noodles — it draws out too much water and makes them mushy. Just pat them dry. - prep · ~3 min
Toast the pine nuts.
Place a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate immediately to stop the cooking and let cool.
TIPWatch the pine nuts closely — they burn in seconds once they start turning golden. - mix · ~2 min
Blend the keto pesto.
1.In a food processor, combine basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves.2.Pulse until the ingredients are coarsely chopped and combined, about 10 to 12 pulses.3.With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and emulsified.4.Stop and scrape down the sides. Add lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pulse once more to incorporate.TIPFor a thinner pesto, add a teaspoon of cold water at a time while the motor runs — it emulsifies beautifully. - mix · ~1 min
Toss the zucchini noodles with pesto.
Place the dried zucchini noodles in a large bowl. Add the pesto, one spoonful at a time, and toss gently with tongs until every strand is evenly coated. You may not need all the pesto — start with half and add more to taste.
TIPWork quickly and serve immediately — the noodles release water the longer they sit. - assemble · ~1 min
Plate and garnish.
Twirl the dressed zucchini noodles into bowls or plates with tongs for a pasta-like presentation. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes over each portion and finish with a final crack of black pepper.
- serve
Serve immediately.
This dish is best enjoyed right away while the zucchini noodles are still crisp and fresh. Provide extra grated parmesan at the table.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the spiralized zucchini very dry with a towel to prevent a watery sauce.
- 2Toast pine nuts in a dry pan until just golden and fragrant, then remove immediately.
- 3Use a vegetable peeler to create wide ribbons if you don't have a spiralizer.
- 4Add pesto to the noodles gradually — you may not need all of it.
- 5Serve immediately after tossing, as zucchini noodles release water and become soggy.
- 6For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone into the pesto.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy-free
Swap the Parmesan for 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast. It adds a savory, cheesy flavor without any dairy, keeping the dish vegan-friendly.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 200g of grilled chicken breast or pan-seared shrimp on top to turn this light side into a complete, protein-packed main meal.
nut freeNut-free
Replace pine nuts with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch and richness, perfect for those with nut allergies.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce olive oil to 2 tablespoons and blend the pesto with 2 tablespoons of unsalted vegetable broth or water for a lighter dressing that still coats the noodles well.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low in Carbohydrates
Zucchini is naturally low in carbs compared to wheat pasta, making this dish a smart choice for ketogenic and low-carb diets.
Rich in Antioxidants
Basil and cherry tomatoes provide a good dose of vitamin C and other antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
Source of Healthy Fats
Extra-virgin olive oil and pine nuts supply heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, supporting overall wellness.
Contains Calcium and Protein
Parmesan cheese contributes calcium and a modest amount of protein, helping to support bone health and muscle maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
It's best to spiralize just before serving. If you must prep ahead, store the raw noodles in an airtight container lined with paper towels for up to 24 hours in the fridge.
