Pesto Zucchini "Spaghetti

Gluten Free
Health score
17%
Pesto Zucchini "Spaghetti
45 min.
4
336kcal
27.59%sweetness
100%saltiness
22.18%sourness
33.25%bitterness
52.73%savoriness
48.33%fattiness
0%spiciness

Suggestions

This pesto zucchini "spaghetti" is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta dishes. With zucchini as the star ingredient, this dish is low in carbs and packed with nutrients. The zucchini is julienned to resemble spaghetti noodles, and then tossed with a flavorful combination of bacon, broccoli, spring onions, and basil pesto. The result is a fresh and flavorful dish that's perfect for a light lunch or side dish.

What really sets this dish apart is the addition of homemade basil pesto. The pesto adds a burst of flavor with its combination of fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. If you don't have time to make your own pesto, you can certainly use a store-bought variety, but I highly recommend giving homemade pesto a try. It's easier than you think and the flavor is truly exceptional.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would all be delicious additions. And if you're looking for a vegan option, simply omit the bacon and Parmesan cheese. However you choose to enjoy it, this pesto zucchini "spaghetti" is a refreshing and nutritious dish that's sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients

  • medium zucchini julienned for this (mandoline slicers are great )
  • pinch salt generous
  • slices bacon uncooked
  • 0.5 cup spring onion sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • cups broccoli florets 
  • basil pesto prepared
  • servings pecorino cheese fresh for garnish

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • paper towels
  • colander

Directions

  1. Place zucchini strips in a colander over a bowl or in the sink.
  2. Sprinkle zucchini with salt and toss to combine.
  3. Let the zucchini sit for 15 minutes while the salt extracts the moisture.
  4. Drain excess water, squeezing zucchini, if necessary.
  5. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, turning frequently.
  6. Remove bacon to a stack of paper towels to drain. Crumble bacon.
  7. Remove all but 2 T of bacon drippings from the pan.
  8. Return the pan to medium heat.
  9. Add the green onions and broccoli, stirring frequently for about 3-5 minutes or until crisp-tender.
  10. Add zucchini and 2 T of pesto, tossing to combine all ingredients. Taste and add more pesto, if needed. The mixture only needs to warm up, so 2-3 minutes of cooking ought to do it.
  11. Serve with bacon crumbles and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Calories336kcal
Protein20.91%
Fat64.94%
Carbs14.15%

Properties

Glycemic Index
26.5
Glycemic Load
1.69
Inflammation Score
-8
Nutrition Score
22.642173913043%

Flavonoids

Luteolin
0.36mg
Kaempferol
3.74mg
Myricetin
0.03mg
Quercetin
4.11mg

Taste

Sweetness:
27.59%
Saltiness:
100%
Sourness:
22.18%
Bitterness:
33.25%
Savoriness:
52.73%
Fattiness:
48.33%
Spiciness:
0%

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:335.53kcal
16.78%
Fat:24.77g
38.11%
Saturated Fat:10.22g
63.89%
Carbohydrates:12.15g
4.05%
Net Carbohydrates:8.56g
3.11%
Sugar:6.42g
7.14%
Cholesterol:53.58mg
17.86%
Sodium:690.97mg
30.04%
Protein:17.95g
35.9%
Vitamin C:78.02mg
94.57%
Vitamin K:81.37µg
77.5%
Calcium:394.68mg
39.47%
Phosphorus:384.66mg
38.47%
Vitamin B6:0.52mg
26%
Manganese:0.47mg
23.61%
Vitamin B2:0.39mg
22.66%
Potassium:780.98mg
22.31%
Vitamin A:1088IU
21.76%
Folate:85.81µg
21.45%
Selenium:12.59µg
17.98%
Magnesium:63.6mg
15.9%
Vitamin B1:0.23mg
15.3%
Fiber:3.59g
14.35%
Zinc:2.03mg
13.51%
Vitamin B3:2.59mg
12.95%
Vitamin B5:0.98mg
9.8%
Iron:1.65mg
9.18%
Vitamin B12:0.5µg
8.35%
Copper:0.16mg
7.97%
Vitamin E:0.87mg
5.8%
Vitamin D:0.28µg
1.88%
Source:Foodista