Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes – A Light and Easy Summer Dish
If you’re craving something fresh and simple, these Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes are the perfect solution. They’re packed with flavor but feel light and quick enough to make any day of the week. Spiralized zucchini stands in for traditional pasta, creating a low-carb, gluten-free dish that still satisfies.
Zoodles (zucchini noodles) are lightly sautéed, tossed with juicy blistered cherry tomatoes, and finished with a generous swirl of basil pesto. It’s a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious – great for lunch, dinner, or even a potluck side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is full of flavor and color without requiring much time or effort. It’s made with just a few ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s versatile. Enjoy it on its own or bulk it up with your favorite protein.
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Quick and Easy – Just a few ingredients and one pan.
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Naturally Gluten-Free – No wheat or grains.
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Vibrant and Fresh – Cherry tomatoes and pesto bring color and flavor.
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Low-Carb Alternative to Pasta – A great way to enjoy a pasta-style dish without the heaviness.
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Customizable – Add cheese, nuts, or protein to make it your own.
This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in rotation, especially when summer produce is at its peak.
Ingredients That Shine
The real star here is fresh zucchini. When spiralized, it becomes the perfect pasta substitute, especially when cooked just until tender. Pair that with sweet cherry tomatoes and a spoonful of your favorite pesto, and you have a dish bursting with flavor and texture.
Cooking the tomatoes in olive oil with a little garlic helps deepen their flavor while still keeping things light. The pesto – homemade or store-bought – brings richness and a punch of basil to tie everything together. A final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes makes this meal feel complete.
How to Make Zucchini Noodles That Aren’t Watery
Zucchini holds a lot of water, so the key to getting this dish just right is avoiding overcooking the noodles. After spiralizing, it helps to pat the zoodles dry with paper towels before adding them to the pan. Then sauté just long enough for them to soften slightly. This takes no more than a few minutes.
Once the zoodles are cooked, take the pan off the heat and stir in the pesto. This keeps the sauce from getting too oily and ensures everything stays vibrant and fresh.
Equipment You’ll Need
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Spiralizer – To turn zucchini into pasta-like strands
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Large skillet – For sautéing the tomatoes and noodles
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Tongs – For tossing and serving the zoodles
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Cutting board – For slicing cherry tomatoes
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Mixing bowl – Optional, for combining off heat if preferred
Tips for the Best Zoodles with Pesto
Want to make sure this dish turns out perfectly every time? Here are a few quick tips:
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Use Medium Zucchini – Smaller ones can be watery and larger ones too seedy.
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Blister the Tomatoes – Cook them just until they start to burst for the best flavor.
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Stir in Pesto Off Heat – Keeps the sauce from separating.
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Add a Protein – Grilled chicken or shrimp makes this a complete meal.
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Top with Cheese or Pine Nuts – For an extra touch of richness.
This dish is meant to be simple. Let the ingredients shine and don’t overthink it!
What to Serve with Zucchini Noodles
This recipe can be a light main or a flavorful side dish. It works well with a variety of other foods, depending on the meal:
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Grilled Chicken – An easy pairing that keeps the meal light.
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Garlic Bread or Baguette – For soaking up the extra pesto.
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Caprese Salad – Adds even more summer flavor.
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Baked Cod or Salmon – A light protein to round out the dish.
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Roasted Vegetables – For a vegetarian platter packed with color and variety.
Other Recipes to Try
If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy zucchini, here are some tasty options from Sisters Know Best:
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Healthy Zucchini Summer Squash Soup – A warm and cozy option perfect for using up garden vegetables.
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Top 7 Delish Zucchini Recipes – From savory to sweet, a collection of our favorite ways to use zucchini.
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Healthy Zucchini Breakfast Cookies – A fun and filling way to sneak in extra veggies.
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Keto Turkey Zucchini Burgers – A hearty, flavorful protein option with hidden veggies.
These Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes are a fresh, light, and flavorful dish that you can make in just minutes. It’s a great option for hot summer nights, last-minute dinners, or anyone trying to sneak in more veggies without sacrificing taste.
Try them once and you’ll be hooked!
Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes
Notes
- Avoid Soggy Noodles: Don’t overcook the zucchini—2–3 minutes is enough.
- Make It Vegan: Use a dairy-free pesto and skip the Parmesan.
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans for a heartier meal.
- Pesto Options: Try sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for variation.
