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+ servings

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 2
Author: Lexi

Ingredients

For the pesto:

  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1 cup fresh basil
  • 1/3 cup walnuts or cashews
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsp lemon
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 tsp pink sea salt more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp fresh pepper more to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes to taste

Optional:

  • 1-2 drops basil essential oil
  • 1-2 drops lemon essential oil

Everything Else:

  • 4 medium organic zucchinis
  • 1 lb. organic chicken
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes
  • Basil for garnish

Instructions

  • Using a spiralizer, a mandolin, or a vegetable peeler, shred zucchini into noodles
  • In a medium size pan, heat 1 tbsp oil and add in zucchini
  • Toss for 3-5 minutes, remove once zucchini is warm (not overly soft), and set aside
  • Chop chicken into cubes and sprinkle with salt and pepper
  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in your skillet and add in chicken
  • Cook chicken until no longer pink, remove and set aside
  • In your high-speed blender or food processor combine all pesto ingredients and blend until smooth, taste and adjust spices as desired (i.e. add more salt, red pepper flakes, or fresh lemon juice)
  • Return zucchini noodles to your pan
  • Add in pesto, one tablespoon at a time until you reach desired amount*
  • Add in chicken and cherry tomatoes
  • Toss until combined and then transfer to serving plates
  • Garnish with fresh basil, sea salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and serve hot

Notes

Depending on the size of your zucchini, this may make a lot more pesto then needed/desired. Start with a little, toss, and add more as desired! Leftover pesto can be tossed with additional shredded chicken for a pesto chicken salad!
Can omit cheese for fully dairy-free, but if you tolerate it I highly recommend it!

Nutrition

Calories: 566kcal | Carbohydrates: 25.9g | Protein: 9.8g | Fat: 52.4g | Saturated Fat: 9.1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 93mg | Fiber: 12.7g | Sugar: 8.8g