Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Basil Pesto and Grilled Vegetables
Zucchini noodles with lemon-basil pesto and grilled vegetables is a light and refreshing summer dish that's easy to make and packed with flavor. The zucchini noodles are a healthy alternative to pasta, and the lemon-basil pesto adds a bright and herbaceous flavor. The grilled vegetables add a smoky and charred flavor to the dish, and the Parmesan cheese adds a finishing touch of richness. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a light and healthy lunch.
The inspiration for this recipe came to me on a hot summer day when I was looking for a light and refreshing meal. I had some zucchini in my fridge, and I wanted to find a way to use them up. I thought about making zucchini noodles, but I didn't want to just eat them plain. I decided to add some lemon-basil pesto to the noodles for flavor, and then I grilled some vegetables to add some smokiness and char. The result was a dish that was both light and refreshing, but also packed with flavor. I've been making this dish ever since, and it's always a hit with my friends and family.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 pound zucchini, spiralized into noodles
1/4 cup lemon-basil pesto
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup zucchini, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, sliced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the zucchini noodles, lemon-basil pesto, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
Grill the vegetable skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool slightly.
Serve the zucchini noodles with the grilled vegetables and top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Why It Works
The zucchini noodles are a healthy alternative to pasta.
The lemon-basil pesto adds a bright and herbaceous flavor.
The grilled vegetables add a smoky and charred flavor.
The Parmesan cheese adds a finishing touch of richness.
This dish is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences.