| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 163 | 13g | 3g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 4g | 5g | 0.25g |
There’s a certain joy I find in turning raw ingredients into a masterpiece, and today I am thrilled to share with you all a recipe that rings close to home – The Zucchini Noodles. Growing up in Texas, where the love for traditional southern flavors became embedded in my culinary journey, I’ve learned to create a balance between healthy eating and satisfying the taste buds. This vibrant dish is no exception to that rule, fusing together the spirit of the South with the freshness from the garden. Check out this beautiful dish here 
The Guilt-Free Pleasure
Zucchini Noodles, or “Zoodles” as some like to call it, is a dish that taps into one of my favorite aspects of southern cuisine — its versatility. Zoodles share a striking resemblance with spaghetti, making it an excitingly healthier substitute that doesn’t compromise much on taste or texture. Paired with the right kind of sauce, like the creamy and zesty avocado-lemon dressing we use here, one might hardly spot the difference. For a low-calorie, low-carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta, Zoodles is definitely the way to go. Explore more about the advantages of zucchini here. Blessed with a high water content, it’s also an excellent source of fiber. With the added goodness of cherry tomatoes and avocado that are packed with antioxidants and heart-healthy fats respectively, this recipe truly is a festival of nutrition.
Perfectly Paired Partners
As a standalone dish, Zucchini Noodles tastes amazing. However, if you’re looking to create a full-course meal, there are certainly dishes out there that wonderfully complements this recipe. A well-grilled chipotle chicken, tossed in a light Tex-Mex style seasoning, would pair seamlessly. Or, if you’re a fan of seafood, a serving of garlic butter-shrimp will only heighten the overall dining experience. Zoodles, with its mild, slightly sweet flavor profile, makes it a flawless canvas to play around with a multitude of innovative culinary combinations.
Having had the opportunity to introduce traditional southern cuisine into my grade school classes, I realized how vital it is to incorporate healthy eating habits in our day-to-day life. This recipe of Zucchini Noodles – a beautiful marriage of health and taste – is a shining testament to the fact that joyous eating needn’t always be unhealthy. Savor each bite, and relish the burst of freshness!
What You’ll Need
- 3 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
- 1 ripe avocado
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Method
Step One
Start by taking your 3 medium zucchinis and spiralizing them into noodle shapes using a spiralizer. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can also use a peeler to create long, thin strips. Set your zucchini noodles aside for later.
Step Two
Cut your cup of cherry tomatoes in half and also set these aside. Then you’ll want to peel and pit your ripe avocado. Once you’ve done that, mash it in a bowl using a fork until it’s creamy with minimal lumps.
Step Three
Add the juice of one lemon, your minced garlic cloves, and the 2 tablespoons of olive oil to your mashed avocado. Stir everything together until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. Season it with salt and pepper to your taste preference.
Step Four
Heat a large pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add your zucchini noodles and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, until they’re tender. Be careful not to overcook them, or they may turn mushy.
Step Five
Add your halved cherry tomatoes to the pan with the zucchini noodles and sauté them for a further 2 minutes. After this, pour your cream sauce over the noodles and tomatoes, stirring well to ensure everything gets evenly coated.
Step Six
Just before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle over your fresh basil leaves and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until it’s well combined. Serve your zucchini noodles immediately, while they’re still warm, and enjoy!
