Hey friends!
Are you in the mood for a fresh and tasty dish? I’ve got a winner for you!
Today, I’m sharing my delightful zoodles with cherry tomatoes, basil, and parmesan.
They’re light, colorful, and packed with flavor. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up!
Perfect for a quick dinner or a light lunch.
Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Spiralized zucchini can be replaced with spiralized carrots, butternut squash, or spaghetti squash for different textures and flavors. These alternatives provide similar low-carb options while offering unique nutritional benefits. Adjust cooking times as needed, as some vegetables may require longer cooking than zucchini.
Extra virgin olive oil can be substituted with avocado oil or coconut oil for different flavor profiles and potential health benefits. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe. For a lower-fat option, consider using vegetable broth, reducing the oil to 1 tablespoon and adding 1 tablespoon of broth.
Parmesan cheese can be swapped with nutritional yeast for a vegan option that still provides a cheesy, umami flavor. Use 1.5 tablespoons of nutritional yeast in place of the Parmesan. For those seeking a dairy alternative, consider using a hard goat cheese or sheep’s milk cheese as a direct substitute for Parmesan.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 7-10 g
- Fat: 25-30 g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 g
Ingredients
- 2 medium spiralized zucchini
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 cup sliced cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and cracked black pepper to your preference
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons (or more) torn fresh basil
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Begin by spiralizing the zucchini using a spiralizer to create long, thin noodles.
This will serve as a tasty and nutritious base for your dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Zucchini
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the spiralized zucchini to the skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes.
This will soften the zucchini without making it mushy.
Next, add minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to infuse its flavor into the zucchini.
Step 3: Incorporate Cherry Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add sliced fresh cherry tomatoes to the skillet.
Cook just until the tomatoes are warm, allowing them to retain some of their fresh texture.
Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and pepper.
Toss everything together to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Finish with Basil and Parmesan
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the zoodles.
These additions will add a burst of flavor and a touch of richness to the dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Twirl the zoodles with a fork and plate them for serving.
For a (very) light dinner, double the portion.
Alternatively, complement the zoodles with a side of salmon and enjoy with a glass of white wine, perhaps on a sunny backyard deck for a delightful meal experience.
