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Overhead view of a plate with zucchini noodles topped with pine nuts

Zucchini "Spaghetti" with Basil and Pine Nuts


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Description

Fresh, crunchy zucchini noodles combined with aromatic basil, nutty pine nuts, and a touch of parmesan cheese. A healthy gluten-free vegetarian entree. 


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large yellow squash
  • 1 large green zucchini
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves of garlic, grated
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped basil
  • 3 1/2 tbsp raw pine nuts
  • 1-2 tsp lemon zest 
  • Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Use a julienne peeler or any of the tools listed above or see the note below. Cut long strips of zucchini until you reach the seeded core (where it becomes too soft to peel). Reserve the cores to use in soups, stir-fries, etc (See Note)
  2. Pat the noodles dry with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
  3. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large nonstick pan. Add zucchini, grated garlic, salt, and pepper and cook at medium heat for 3-5 minutes ( the time will depend on the texture you prefer. For firmer, "crunchier" zucchini noodles cook for less time). Take into consideration that the longer you cook the zucchini noodles, the more water they will release. Remove from heat and place in a shallow bowl.
  4. Add pine nuts to the pan and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, tossing often (pay close attention to the pine nuts as they can easily burn!). If the zucchini has released a lot of water, drain some of it and then add the pine nuts.
  5. Sprinkle with chopped basil and lemon zest and drizzle the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil

Notes

  1. If you don't have a julienne peeler, use a regular vegetable peeler to make wider ribbons. You'll have fettuccine instead of spaghetti!  Zucchini noodles, also called zoodles, are spaghetti-like long zucchini strips created using a  julienne peeler, veggie spiralizer, hand spiralizer, or stand mixer attachment. 

This post was originally published in July 31, 2013.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: 112
  • Sugar: 0
  • Sodium: 151.4
  • Fat: 11.4
  • Saturated Fat: 1.7
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7.2
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 2.8
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 1.3
  • Cholesterol: 0

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