Zucchini Noodle Salad with Pesto

Name: Zucchini Noodle Salad with Pesto
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 1/3 cup olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Fast & Effortless Recipes

I absolutely love making Zucchini Noodle Salad with Pesto during the warm months. It's refreshing, light, and bursting with vibrant flavors that make it perfect for any occasion. Whenever I spiralize zucchini into noodles, I can't help but admire how beautifully they mimic traditional pasta. Tossed with homemade pesto, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of pine nuts, this dish is a delightful and healthy alternative that satisfies my cravings without weighing me down. It's a quick recipe, perfect for busy evenings or a leisurely weekend lunch.

Created by

Sandra

Last updated on 2026-02-09T15:25:27.488Z

Creating this Zucchini Noodle Salad with Pesto was a game changer for my summer meals. I used to think salads were boring, but this dish changed my perspective. The texture of the zucchini noodles combined with the fresh, herbaceous pesto makes every bite a celebration of flavors. Plus, it’s so easy to put together—I can have it ready in just 15 minutes!

What I love most is that you can customize it easily. Add grilled chicken for protein or toss in whatever veggies you have on hand for a fun twist. This salad feels like indulgence without any guilt, and it’s a fantastic way to include more vegetables in my diet.

Why You'll Love This Salad
Fresh and vibrant flavors that awaken the palate
Perfectly light and satisfying for those warm days
Versatile and quick to prepare with endless customization options

The Art of Spiralizing

Using a spiralizer is essential for creating the beautiful zucchini noodles in this salad. Take care to select firm, fresh zucchinis to achieve the best texture. When spiralizing, be sure to apply even pressure to produce consistent noodle thickness—this ensures they cook evenly if you decide to sauté them briefly. The ideal thickness is about 1/4 inch; anything thinner may result in mushy noodles. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons, but note that the texture will differ.

Once spiralized, it’s crucial to handle the zucchini noodles properly to prevent excess moisture. Zucchini has a high water content, which can lead to a soggy salad. After spiralizing, consider lightly salting the noodles and letting them sit for about 10 minutes. This allows some moisture to draw out, and you can pat them dry with a paper towel, keeping your salad refreshingly crisp.

Making the Perfect Pesto

Homemade pesto is a highlight of this salad, elevating the flavors significantly. When blending, start with the basil leaves at the bottom of the food processor to ensure even chopping. If your pesto appears too thick or crumbly, slowly drizzle in additional olive oil with the processor running until it reaches a smooth consistency. Adjust the garlic level to your preference; for milder flavor, feel free to reduce the number of cloves.

For a twist on the classic recipe, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. This maintains that cheesy flavor profile without compromising on taste. If pine nuts are unavailable, walnuts or sunflower seeds can serve as excellent substitutes, each providing a unique nutty backdrop that complements the basil beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful salad:

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/3 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Feel free to tweak the ingredients according to your taste!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your salad:

Make the Pesto

In a food processor, blend basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Process until smooth, adding salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the Zucchini Noodles

Using a spiralizer, turn the zucchinis into noodles and place them in a large bowl.

Combine Ingredients

Add the halved cherry tomatoes and pesto to the zucchini noodles. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated.

Serve

Plate the salad and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and pine nuts if desired. Enjoy fresh!

Enjoy your delightful and healthy salad!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or a squeeze of lemon juice on top before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Zucchini Noodle Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prepare it in advance, you can store the ingredients separately. The zucchini noodles will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, while the pesto can be stored for up to a week. Just make sure to give the pesto a good stir before using, as oil can separate over time.

If you plan to serve this salad later, consider adding the cherry tomatoes right before serving. This prevents them from releasing moisture into the noodles, helping maintain their crunch. Another option is to lightly toss the salad with the pesto and store it separately, mixing in the tomatoes right before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can stand alone as a light meal or serve as a delightful side dish for grilled proteins like chicken or fish, contributing freshness and color to your table. If you’re looking to enhance the dish further, consider adding some sliced avocado for creaminess or a sprinkle of feta cheese for tangy flavor, making it even more satisfying.

For those who enjoy the flavors of summer beyond the traditional recipe, feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and color. A splash of lemon juice just before serving can enhance the freshness, giving the dish a bright finish that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the pesto.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the pesto and spiralize the zucchinis ahead of time. Just combine them right before serving for the best texture.

→ What if I don't have a spiralizer?

You can use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of zucchini if you don't have a spiralizer.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. However, the zucchini noodles may become slightly watery.

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! If you're short on time, store-bought pesto works perfectly in this recipe.