![Here is what you need for Zucchini Noodles with Tomato and Basil: - 4 medium zucchinis - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional) Gathering these ingredients is easy. Zucchini is the star. It gives a fresh taste and light texture. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Fresh basil brings a lovely aroma. Garlic adds depth to the dish. Olive oil helps bring everything together. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. Lastly, parmesan cheese can be a nice touch for creaminess. You can find the full recipe in the earlier section. Enjoy the process as you prepare this simple, tasty dish! To start, you need to create your noodles. You can use a spiralizer for this task. If you don’t have one, grab a vegetable peeler. Simply peel the zucchini into long strips. After you make your noodles, place them in a colander. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over them and let them sit for 15 minutes. This draws out extra moisture, making them crispier. Next, let’s cook the garlic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if you like a bit of spice. Sauté for about one minute. Keep a close eye to avoid burning the garlic. Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to soften and burst, releasing their juices. Stir them occasionally to keep them from sticking. Now it's time to bring everything together. Gently fold the zucchini noodles into the skillet with the cooked tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the noodles; you want them warm but still firm. After that, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want, sprinkle on some grated parmesan cheese. This will add a creamy finish to your dish. You can find the complete recipe in the [Full Recipe]. To make great zucchini noodles, you need to avoid sogginess. Here are key tips: - Salt the noodles: After spiralizing, sprinkle salt on the zucchini noodles. Let them sit in a colander for 15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. - Choose firm zucchinis: Select zucchinis that feel firm and heavy. Avoid soft or wrinkled ones for the best texture. You can brighten the taste of your dish easily. Here’s how: - Add lemon juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice lifts the flavor. It adds brightness that complements the tomatoes. - Explore herbs and spices: Consider using oregano, thyme, or crushed red pepper. These can add depth to your dish. How you serve your zucchini noodles can make a difference. Here are ideas: - Pair with protein: Serve the noodles with grilled chicken or shrimp. This adds a hearty touch. - Think about presentation: Use a large bowl to show off the vibrant colors. Top with extra basil and parmesan for a beautiful finish. For a complete guide on making this dish, refer to the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch zucchini for other veggies. Try using squash, carrots, or sweet potatoes. These options add unique flavors and colors. Spiralize them just like zucchini for fun shapes. Each veggie brings its own taste and texture. This makes your dish more vibrant and exciting. You can enjoy this dish without cheese or animal products. Just skip the parmesan in the recipe. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. It’s vegan and gluten-free. Pair it with a squeeze of lemon for extra zest. This keeps the dish light and fresh while still being tasty. For a heartier meal, add shrimp, chicken, or beans. These proteins boost flavor and nutrition. Cook them in the pan before adding the zucchini noodles. This way, they absorb all the tasty juices. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. You can make this dish your own with these easy add-ins. To keep your zesty zucchini noodles fresh, first refrigerate them. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and helps the flavors last. Eat them within three days for the best taste. You can also freeze zucchini noodles. Start by blanching them in boiling water for two minutes. This process helps to preserve the texture. After blanching, drain them and cool them in ice water. Once cooled, pack the noodles in freezer bags. Remember to remove as much air as possible. Frozen zucchini noodles last up to three months. When it's time to reheat, the stovetop method works best. Heat a skillet on medium-low. Add a splash of olive oil to keep the noodles moist. Stir the noodles gently until they warm up. This way, they maintain their texture. If you want to get creative, repurpose your leftovers. Toss the noodles into a salad for a fresh crunch. You can also mix them with eggs for a healthy breakfast scramble. The flavors of the tomato and basil will shine through in new ways. For the full recipe and more ideas, check out the [Full Recipe]. Zucchini noodles last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. If you notice extra water, drain it. Yes, you can freeze zucchini noodles. Blanch them for 1 to 2 minutes before freezing. This helps keep their color and texture. Place them in freezer bags, removing as much air as you can. You can use a vegetable peeler. Peel long strips from the zucchini. Keep peeling until you reach the seeds. Another option is a box grater; just grate the zucchini lengthwise. Yes, zucchini noodles are healthier than regular pasta. They have fewer carbs and calories. They also provide more vitamins and fiber. Plus, they can help you feel full with fewer calories. Zucchini noodles are a tasty, healthy choice. You learned how to prepare them and combine fresh flavors. We've covered ways to enhance taste and texture while offering creative serving ideas. Don't forget the variations and easy add-ins for more options. Store your leftovers properly for a fresh taste later. Enjoy your cooking journey with zucchini noodles!](https://therecipehatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/a5c16e47-fde2-40eb-a01e-4d85d4197c2a.webp)
Are you ready to make a colorful and tasty dish? Zucchini noodles with tomato and basil are easy and fun to prepare! This simple recipe uses fresh ingredients like juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil. You’ll enjoy every bite while keeping it light and healthy. Join me as we explore how to create this delightful meal. Let’s get started on a delicious journey with zucchini noodles!
Ingredients
Here is what you need for Zucchini Noodles with Tomato and Basil:
– 4 medium zucchinis
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Gathering these ingredients is easy. Zucchini is the star. It gives a fresh taste and light texture. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Fresh basil brings a lovely aroma. Garlic adds depth to the dish. Olive oil helps bring everything together. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. Lastly, parmesan cheese can be a nice touch for creaminess.
You can find the full recipe in the earlier section. Enjoy the process as you prepare this simple, tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Prepare Zucchini Noodles
To start, you need to create your noodles. You can use a spiralizer for this task. If you don’t have one, grab a vegetable peeler. Simply peel the zucchini into long strips. After you make your noodles, place them in a colander. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over them and let them sit for 15 minutes. This draws out extra moisture, making them crispier.
Cooking the Garlic and Tomatoes
Next, let’s cook the garlic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if you like a bit of spice. Sauté for about one minute. Keep a close eye to avoid burning the garlic. Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to soften and burst, releasing their juices. Stir them occasionally to keep them from sticking.
Combining All Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Gently fold the zucchini noodles into the skillet with the cooked tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the noodles; you want them warm but still firm. After that, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want, sprinkle on some grated parmesan cheese. This will add a creamy finish to your dish. You can find the complete recipe in the [Full Recipe].
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Texture of Zucchini Noodles
To make great zucchini noodles, you need to avoid sogginess. Here are key tips:
– Salt the noodles: After spiralizing, sprinkle salt on the zucchini noodles. Let them sit in a colander for 15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture.
– Choose firm zucchinis: Select zucchinis that feel firm and heavy. Avoid soft or wrinkled ones for the best texture.
Flavor Enhancements
You can brighten the taste of your dish easily. Here’s how:
– Add lemon juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice lifts the flavor. It adds brightness that complements the tomatoes.
– Explore herbs and spices: Consider using oregano, thyme, or crushed red pepper. These can add depth to your dish.
Serving Suggestions
How you serve your zucchini noodles can make a difference. Here are ideas:
– Pair with protein: Serve the noodles with grilled chicken or shrimp. This adds a hearty touch.
– Think about presentation: Use a large bowl to show off the vibrant colors. Top with extra basil and parmesan for a beautiful finish.
For a complete guide on making this dish, refer to the Full Recipe.
Variations
Alternative Veggie Noodles
You can switch zucchini for other veggies. Try using squash, carrots, or sweet potatoes. These options add unique flavors and colors. Spiralize them just like zucchini for fun shapes. Each veggie brings its own taste and texture. This makes your dish more vibrant and exciting.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Options
You can enjoy this dish without cheese or animal products. Just skip the parmesan in the recipe. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. It’s vegan and gluten-free. Pair it with a squeeze of lemon for extra zest. This keeps the dish light and fresh while still being tasty.
Quick and Easy Add-ins
For a heartier meal, add shrimp, chicken, or beans. These proteins boost flavor and nutrition. Cook them in the pan before adding the zucchini noodles. This way, they absorb all the tasty juices. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. You can make this dish your own with these easy add-ins.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Leftovers
To keep your zesty zucchini noodles fresh, first refrigerate them. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and helps the flavors last. Eat them within three days for the best taste.
You can also freeze zucchini noodles. Start by blanching them in boiling water for two minutes. This process helps to preserve the texture. After blanching, drain them and cool them in ice water. Once cooled, pack the noodles in freezer bags. Remember to remove as much air as possible. Frozen zucchini noodles last up to three months.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to reheat, the stovetop method works best. Heat a skillet on medium-low. Add a splash of olive oil to keep the noodles moist. Stir the noodles gently until they warm up. This way, they maintain their texture.
If you want to get creative, repurpose your leftovers. Toss the noodles into a salad for a fresh crunch. You can also mix them with eggs for a healthy breakfast scramble. The flavors of the tomato and basil will shine through in new ways. For the full recipe and more ideas, check out the [Full Recipe].
FAQs
How long do zucchini noodles last in the fridge?
Zucchini noodles last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. If you notice extra water, drain it.
Can you freeze zucchini noodles?
Yes, you can freeze zucchini noodles. Blanch them for 1 to 2 minutes before freezing. This helps keep their color and texture. Place them in freezer bags, removing as much air as you can.
What is the best way to make zucchini noodles without a spiralizer?
You can use a vegetable peeler. Peel long strips from the zucchini. Keep peeling until you reach the seeds. Another option is a box grater; just grate the zucchini lengthwise.
Are zucchini noodles healthy compared to pasta?
Yes, zucchini noodles are healthier than regular pasta. They have fewer carbs and calories. They also provide more vitamins and fiber. Plus, they can help you feel full with fewer calories.
Zucchini noodles are a tasty, healthy choice. You learned how to prepare them and combine fresh flavors. We’ve covered ways to enhance taste and texture while offering creative serving ideas. Don’t forget the variations and easy add-ins for more options. Store your leftovers properly for a fresh taste later. Enjoy your cooking journey with zucchini noodles!
![Here is what you need for Zucchini Noodles with Tomato and Basil: - 4 medium zucchinis - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional) Gathering these ingredients is easy. Zucchini is the star. It gives a fresh taste and light texture. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Fresh basil brings a lovely aroma. Garlic adds depth to the dish. Olive oil helps bring everything together. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. Lastly, parmesan cheese can be a nice touch for creaminess. You can find the full recipe in the earlier section. Enjoy the process as you prepare this simple, tasty dish! To start, you need to create your noodles. You can use a spiralizer for this task. If you don’t have one, grab a vegetable peeler. Simply peel the zucchini into long strips. After you make your noodles, place them in a colander. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over them and let them sit for 15 minutes. This draws out extra moisture, making them crispier. Next, let’s cook the garlic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if you like a bit of spice. Sauté for about one minute. Keep a close eye to avoid burning the garlic. Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to soften and burst, releasing their juices. Stir them occasionally to keep them from sticking. Now it's time to bring everything together. Gently fold the zucchini noodles into the skillet with the cooked tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the noodles; you want them warm but still firm. After that, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want, sprinkle on some grated parmesan cheese. This will add a creamy finish to your dish. You can find the complete recipe in the [Full Recipe]. To make great zucchini noodles, you need to avoid sogginess. Here are key tips: - Salt the noodles: After spiralizing, sprinkle salt on the zucchini noodles. Let them sit in a colander for 15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. - Choose firm zucchinis: Select zucchinis that feel firm and heavy. Avoid soft or wrinkled ones for the best texture. You can brighten the taste of your dish easily. Here’s how: - Add lemon juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice lifts the flavor. It adds brightness that complements the tomatoes. - Explore herbs and spices: Consider using oregano, thyme, or crushed red pepper. These can add depth to your dish. How you serve your zucchini noodles can make a difference. Here are ideas: - Pair with protein: Serve the noodles with grilled chicken or shrimp. This adds a hearty touch. - Think about presentation: Use a large bowl to show off the vibrant colors. Top with extra basil and parmesan for a beautiful finish. For a complete guide on making this dish, refer to the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch zucchini for other veggies. Try using squash, carrots, or sweet potatoes. These options add unique flavors and colors. Spiralize them just like zucchini for fun shapes. Each veggie brings its own taste and texture. This makes your dish more vibrant and exciting. You can enjoy this dish without cheese or animal products. Just skip the parmesan in the recipe. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. It’s vegan and gluten-free. Pair it with a squeeze of lemon for extra zest. This keeps the dish light and fresh while still being tasty. For a heartier meal, add shrimp, chicken, or beans. These proteins boost flavor and nutrition. Cook them in the pan before adding the zucchini noodles. This way, they absorb all the tasty juices. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. You can make this dish your own with these easy add-ins. To keep your zesty zucchini noodles fresh, first refrigerate them. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and helps the flavors last. Eat them within three days for the best taste. You can also freeze zucchini noodles. Start by blanching them in boiling water for two minutes. This process helps to preserve the texture. After blanching, drain them and cool them in ice water. Once cooled, pack the noodles in freezer bags. Remember to remove as much air as possible. Frozen zucchini noodles last up to three months. When it's time to reheat, the stovetop method works best. Heat a skillet on medium-low. Add a splash of olive oil to keep the noodles moist. Stir the noodles gently until they warm up. This way, they maintain their texture. If you want to get creative, repurpose your leftovers. Toss the noodles into a salad for a fresh crunch. You can also mix them with eggs for a healthy breakfast scramble. The flavors of the tomato and basil will shine through in new ways. For the full recipe and more ideas, check out the [Full Recipe]. Zucchini noodles last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. If you notice extra water, drain it. Yes, you can freeze zucchini noodles. Blanch them for 1 to 2 minutes before freezing. This helps keep their color and texture. Place them in freezer bags, removing as much air as you can. You can use a vegetable peeler. Peel long strips from the zucchini. Keep peeling until you reach the seeds. Another option is a box grater; just grate the zucchini lengthwise. Yes, zucchini noodles are healthier than regular pasta. They have fewer carbs and calories. They also provide more vitamins and fiber. Plus, they can help you feel full with fewer calories. Zucchini noodles are a tasty, healthy choice. You learned how to prepare them and combine fresh flavors. We've covered ways to enhance taste and texture while offering creative serving ideas. Don't forget the variations and easy add-ins for more options. Store your leftovers properly for a fresh taste later. Enjoy your cooking journey with zucchini noodles!](https://therecipehatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/a5c16e47-fde2-40eb-a01e-4d85d4197c2a-300x300.webp)