Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Pesto

Published: July 5, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing seasonal vegetables, this dish highlights the best flavors of summer.
Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this dish in no time.
Versatile Base: You can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins for added nutrition.
Healthy Option: Low in calories and high in fiber, this meal fits well into a balanced diet.
Vibrant Presentation: The colorful combination of zucchini and tomatoes makes for an eye-catching dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather the necessary tools to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Spiralizer
Food processor
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

Spiralizer: This tool creates beautiful zucchini noodles that add a fun twist to your meal.
Food processor: Perfect for blending the pesto quickly and evenly, ensuring a smooth consistency.
Mixing bowl: Essential for tossing the ingredients together without any mess.

Ingredients

For the Pesto

1 cup packed fresh basil
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
kosher salt & pepper to taste
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For the Zoodles

21 oz (3 medium or 4 small) zucchinis
1 cup heirloom grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
kosher salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Pesto

Step 1: Prepare the Pesto

In a food processor, pulse together the basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until combined.
Gradually add the olive oil, pulsing until the mixture is smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Spiralize the Zucchini

Take your zucchinis and spiralize them into noodles.
If any strands are too long, cut them into smaller pieces for easier eating.
Place the spiralized zucchini into a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Toss the spiralized zucchini with your prepared pesto until fully coated.
Add the halved heirloom tomatoes, mixing gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Season with additional kosher salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.

Now you’re ready to enjoy a refreshing bowl of Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Pesto!

How to Serve Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Pesto

Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Pesto is a versatile dish that can be presented in various delightful ways. These serving suggestions will elevate your meal and impress your guests.

As a Fresh Salad

Toss the zucchini noodles with extra cherry tomatoes, arugula, and a sprinkle of pine nuts for added crunch.

With Grilled Chicken or Turkey

Serve the zoodles alongside grilled chicken or turkey for a protein-packed meal that complements the flavors of the pesto.

As an Appetizer

Present small portions in individual bowls topped with shaved parmesan and fresh basil for an elegant starter.

Mixed with Other Vegetables

Combine the zucchini noodles with bell peppers, carrots, or cucumber spirals to create a colorful vegetable platter.

How to Perfect Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Pesto

To ensure your dish is a hit, follow these simple tips for perfecting Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Pesto.

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and firm zucchinis for vibrant flavors and textures.
Spiralize Carefully: Make sure to spiralize the zucchini evenly to achieve consistent noodle sizes that are easier to toss with pesto.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance the overall flavor.
Use Homemade Pesto: Opt for homemade pesto over store-bought for a fresher taste; it’s also easy to customize based on your preferences.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy this dish right after preparation for the best texture; zucchinis can release water if left sitting too long.

Best Side Dishes for Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Pesto

Pairing side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to serve alongside Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Pesto.

Garlic Bread
A crunchy garlic bread adds a delightful contrast in texture while soaking up any leftover pesto sauce.
Caprese Salad
This classic salad of fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes provides a refreshing palate cleanser.
Roasted Vegetable Medley
A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, and asparagus complements the dish beautifully.
Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette offers a nutritious boost that pairs well with the zoodles.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Flavorful shrimp skewers bring a touch of seafood elegance that balances nicely against the vegetarian noodles.
Chickpea Salad
A protein-rich chickpea salad seasoned with herbs makes for a filling side that adds texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Pesto. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Not using fresh ingredients – Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes greatly enhance the flavor of your dish. Always choose quality, seasonal produce for the best results.
Over-spiralizing zucchini – If you spiralize the zucchini too thin, it may become mushy. Aim for a medium thickness to maintain a pleasant texture.
Skipping seasoning – Don’t forget to add salt and pepper! Seasoning is key to elevating the overall taste of your dish, so adjust it according to your preference.
Making pesto too oily – Adding too much olive oil can overpower the other flavors. Start with less and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency.
Forgetting to cut long strands – Long zucchini noodles can be difficult to eat. If they are too long, simply cut them into shorter pieces for easier serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container – Place any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Consume within 2 days – For the best flavor and texture, eat refrigerated leftovers within two days.

Freezing Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Pesto

Not recommended for freezing – The texture of raw zucchini noodles can become watery when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Pesto

Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the noodles on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
Microwave – Place the noodles in a microwave-safe dish with a cover. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through.
Stovetop – Toss the noodles in a pan over low heat just until heated, being careful not to overcook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Pesto.

What are Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles?

Raw spiralized zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are thin strands made from fresh zucchini, serving as a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.

How do I make homemade pesto?

To make homemade pesto, blend fresh basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust ingredients based on taste preferences.

Can I customize my Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Pesto?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or swap in different nuts for your pesto for varied flavors.

How long do Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles last in the fridge?

These noodles are best consumed within two days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Raw Spiralized Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Pesto is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize this dish by adding various vegetables or changing up the pesto ingredients. Try it today for a refreshing meal that celebrates summer produce!

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