Best Zucchini Pesto Recipes

PARMESAN PESTO ZUCCHINI STICKS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange two racks evenly spaced in the oven. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
• Cut each zucchini in quarters lengthwise through the stem and then cut each quarter again in thirds lengthwise, making long skinny spears. In a medium shallow bowl, whisk together the pesto and 4 tablespoons of the olive oil and set aside. Place the parsley and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and process until they are finely minced. Add the panko, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper plus the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil. Pulse only until all the panko is moistened with oil. Pour the mixture onto a dinner plate.
• Dip the zucchini spears first into the pesto mixture, turning to coat completely, then place each one in the crumb mixture, pressing and turning to coat thickly. Arrange the sticks in rows on the prepared sheet pans.
• Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the crumbs have crisped to a crunchy golden brown. Sprinkle lightly with flaked sea salt and serve hot.

GARLIC-GRILLED CHICKEN WITH PESTO ZUCCHINI RIBBONS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix the first five ingredients. Add chicken; turn to coat. Let stand 15 minutes., Meanwhile, for noodles, trim ends of zucchini. Using a cheese slicer or vegetable peeler, cut zucchini lengthwise into long thin slices. Cut zucchini on all sides, as if peeling a carrot, until the seeds become visible. Discard seeded portion or save for another use., Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from heat 4-5 minutes on each side or until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 165°. Remove from grill; keep warm., In a large nonstick skillet, heat tomatoes and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, salt, pepper flakes and pepper; cook and stir 30 seconds. Add zucchini; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove from heat. Stir in pesto., Cut chicken into slices. Serve with zucchini noodles. Top with mozzarella.

PASTA WITH TOMATOES, ZUCCHINI AND PESTO

Steps:

• Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, onion and garlic and saut until zucchini is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes with juices and simmer until almost all liquid evaporates, about 8 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain; return to pot.
• Add pesto to pasta and toss to coat. Add zucchini mixture and toss over low heat to combine. Mix in basil. Season pasta with salt and pepper. Transfer pasta to large bowl. Serve, passing Parmesan cheese separately.

QUICK ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Place Parmesan cheese in the bowl of a food processor; process into small crumbs. Add walnuts and process into small crumbs.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Stir in parsley and garlic and remove from heat. Toss zucchini noodles with the hot oil mixture and Parmesan-walnut mixture. Top with cherry tomatoes and olives to serve.

PESTO ORZO WITH ROASTED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Place zucchini in a bowl and season with 2 tablespoons oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all slices are moistened. Spread on a large baking sheet.
• Roast zucchini in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Flip the slices and continue roasting until tender and browned, about 10 minutes more.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add orzo and vegetable bouillon; cook until orzo is tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• Heat remaining olive oil in a large frying pan and cook onion until starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in pesto sauce. Cut zucchini rounds into 4 pieces and add to the frying pan. Add cooked orzo, stirring until it absorbs the pesto sauce. Add cherry tomatoes last; stir for about 30 seconds. Garnish with Parmesan cheese.

ZUCCHINI PESTO PASTA SALAD RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Make the pesto: Add the basil, parsley, chives, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, and salt to a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend on high speed, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed, until well combined, 1-2 minutes.
• Make the zucchini pasta salad: Heat the vegetable oil in a large, high-walled skillet over high heat. Working in batches, fry the zucchini rounds in a single layer for 1-1½ minutes per side, until the outside is golden brown but the zucchini is still slightly crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, blotting away any excess oil.
• Transfer the zucchini to a large serving bowl. Add the spinach and red wine vinegar, and toss gently to combine. Add the penne, pesto, lemon zest, capers, and mozzarella, and fold gently until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish with the basil leaves and serve slightly warm, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Enjoy!

ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH BASIL PESTO AND BACON

Steps:

• Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Lay bacon slices on a large baking tray.
• Broil in the preheated oven until crispy, 9 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a large plate lined with absorbent kitchen paper and allow to cool and harden.
• Crumble the cooled bacon into smaller pieces and combine with pesto sauce.
• Use a spiralizer or julienne peeler to cut zucchini into noodles, snipping midway to prevent them from getting too long.
• Heat olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add zucchini and garlic and cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add pesto-bacon mixture and heat for 2 minutes longer. Toss well so the noodles are evenly coated. Taste and season with salt if needed.
• Top with freshly grated Parmiggiano-Reggiano cheese so it can melt while the dish is still warm. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Top with arugula, but do not mix it in. Serve immediately.

SQUASH AND ZUCCHINI WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add squash, zucchini, and onions; saute until slightly tender, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Combine pine nuts, salt, and pepper in a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped. Add basil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Continue to process until finely ground. Slowly add in olive oil until pesto reaches the desired consistency.
• Serve pesto over the warm vegetables. Top with tomatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

PESTO ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH TOMATOES AND BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Heat oil in a medium saute pan or skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and pesto; cook and stir for 5 to 10 minutes. Add zucchini noodles and continue to cook and stir until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes more.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

AVOCADO PESTO WITH ZUCCHINI PASTA

Steps:

• Make zucchini noodles using a spiralizer.
• Mash avocado in a small bowl and mix in pesto until smooth.
• Flatten chicken breast with a meat hammer. Season on both sides with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 6 minutes per side. Cool until easily handled, about 5 minutes; dice into small pieces.
• Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles; cook and stir until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in avocado pesto mixture and diced chicken; cook until flavors combine, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

ZUCCHINI WITH WALNUT PESTO

Steps:

• Heat a layer of olive oil in a skillet over medium high. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the zucchini in an even layer, avoiding overlapping in the skillet (you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding!). Season with salt and pepper. When the zucchini begins to brown on the bottom, about 5 minutes, flip over and allow to brown on the other side, about 4 minutes more. Remove from the skillet to the serving plate.
• Meanwhile, make the pesto. Add the walnuts, basil, mint, Parmesan, vinegar and a pinch of crushed red pepper to the carafe of a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are combined but still chunky. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
• Drizzle the pesto on top of the zucchini. Top with additional Parmesan, fresh basil and crushed red pepper flakes and serve!

CHICKEN PESTO AND ZUCCHINI "PASTA" RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth texture. Set aside.
• With a vegetable peeler, shave ribbons of the zucchini until you reach the seeds. Set aside.
• Slice the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
• Heat a 4-quart jumbo cooker over medium-high. Add a little oil, the chicken breasts, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and browned on all surfaces.
• Turn off the heat and add the cherry tomatoes, pesto, and zucchini ribbons. Toss until well combined and heated through.
• Enjoy!

CHICKEN WITH ZUCCHINI AND PESTO OVER ANGEL HAIR PASTA

Steps:

• 1. Put a small amount of olive oil in a large frying pan. Heat pan to medium-high and add chicken. Saute until almost done, 5 to 10 minutes.
• 2. Add onion and zucchini and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
• 3. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
• 4. Add tomatoes with liquid and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes.
• 5. Taste. Add salt and pepper if needed.
• 6. While chicken mixture is cooking, bring 8 cups of salted water to a boil.
• 7. Add pasta and cook according to package directions (usually 7 to 9 minutes).
• 8. When done, drain and put in a large bowl. Add pesto.
• 9. Toss.
• 10. To serve, put pasta on plates and spoon chicken mixture over top.
• 11. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over top. Serve immediately.

FRIED ZUCCHINI BLOSSOMS WITH GOAT CHEESE AND ZUCCHINI PESTO

Steps:

• For the Blossoms: Carefully stuff each zucchini blossom with 1 teaspoon of the goat cheese. Fold over the petals to form an envelope. In a deep skillet or deep fryer, heat the oil to 375 degrees. Meanwhile put the flour in a mixing bowl. Pour in the seltzer a little at a time, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth batter. Season with salt and cayenne. When the oil is properly heated, dip a stuffed blossom into the batter to coat it evenly, scraping off any excess. Fry until crisp and golden, about 30 seconds per side. Remove to paper towels to drain. Repeat process with all blossoms, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet and maintaining the proper oil temperature. For the Pesto: Quarter zucchini and cut into 1 inch pieces. Blanch zucchini for 2 minutes in salted boiling water, and then shock in ice bath to preserve color. Drain well and pat dry with cloth. Place blanched zucchini, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, basil leaves, garlic, in food processor and start to puree. With the motor running, pour the olive oil through the feed tube in a slow, steady stream until the pesto emulsifies. Season with salt and pepper taste.;

(RAW) ANGEL-HAIR ZUCCHINI "PASTA" WITH FRESH PESTO

Steps:

• Using a vegetable peeler or a spiral vegetable slicer, slice the outer zucchini flesh into lenthwise strips, discaring any seeds.
• Stack the strips and then slice them into thinner "noodles".
• Place the zucchini noodles in a medium bowl and add chopped tomato, olive oil, sea salt, and pepper.
• Place all pesto ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth, with just a few nuts visible for texture.
• Gently toss the zucchini and tomato mixture with just enough pesto to coat.
• Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
• Garnish with pine nuts and basil leaves and serve.

MUSHROOM & ZUCCHINI PESTO SAUTE

Steps:

• In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add zucchini; cook and stir until vegetables are tender. Stir in pesto and lemon-pepper seasoning.

ZUCCHINI PAPPARDELLE WITH PESTO AND EGGPLANT ALLA NORMA

Steps:

• Slice off half the eggplant skin and slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick discs. Then stack the discs and cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch-wide batons. Salt the eggplant and let it drain on a kitchen towel for 20 minutes.
• Place the mint and 1 cup of the basil leaves with the toasted pine nuts in the bowl of a food processor. Season with salt and pepper and grate in 1 clove garlic. Add in the lemon zest and juice, then turn the processor on and stream in about 1/4 cup olive oil. Place the pesto in a large shallow bowl that you can serve the zucchini pasta from. Stir in the cheese.
• Using a vegetable peeler and shaving the length of the zucchinis very thinly slice them into wide, pasta-like ribbons. If the zucchini are large and seedy, discard the seeds once you get to the center. Flip the zucchini over and peel until you reach seeds. If the zucchini are firm and small to medium in size you'll be able to use all of the vegetable.
• Place the vegetable stock and 2 cups water in deep skillet.
• Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 turns of the pan, in a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant to the hot oil and lightly brown, 6 to 7 minutes, tossing occasionally. Toss and combine with the chile flakes and remaining garlic. Add the tomatoes and cover the pan with a tight fitting lid. Shake the pan occasionally and cook until the tomatoes burst, 7 to 8 minutes more.
• Meanwhile, heat the stock and water to low rolling boil, add the zucchini, cook 2 minutes. Use a spider or tongs to remove the zucchini to the pesto. Add 1 cup cooking liquids and toss to coat and combine, using additional cooking liquids if necessary. Top with extra cheese to serve.
• Remove the lid from the eggplant and tear in the remaining 1/2 cup basil leaves. Toss to combine.
• Serve the zucchini piled up on plate with the eggplant alongside, topping eggplant with crumbled ricotta salata.

ZUCCHINI PASTA WITH PEAS AND A KALE PESTO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water and 2 tablespoons salt to a boil. Add kale and cook uncovered until bright green, about 3 minutes. Drain in a colander and immediately immerse in ice water for several minutes to stop the cooking process. Drain on paper towels.
• Place kale, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and chopped garlic in a food processor. Pulse about 5 times; slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil. Season with salt.
• Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook and stir the minced garlic and red pepper flakes until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the zucchini and toss until just tender, about 2 minutes.
• Remove the saucepan from heat and add peas and the kale pesto; toss to combine.

ZUCCHINI AND YELLOW SQUASH WITH PESTO

Steps:

• In a food processor purée together basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, salt, lemon juice, and oil until smooth and season with pepper.
• With a mandoline or other manual slicer, cut zucchini and yellow squash lengthwise into very thin slices. Arrange slices in one layer, overlapping them slightly, on 2 large platters and drizzle pesto over slices. Chill zucchini and yellow squash, covered, at least 1 hour, to allow dressing to be absorbed, and up to 1 day.

ORZOTTO WITH ZUCCHINI & PESTO (ORZO RISOTTO)

Steps:

• For the pesto: In a small food processor or blender, combine pine nuts (optional), garlic and basil. Pulse to chop, then while continuing to pulse, slowly pour in the oil to make a chunky mixture; do not purée. Transfer to a small bowl, and add the Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano. Mix well, and season with salt, pepper and chili flakes to taste. Set aside.
• For the orzotto: Place vegetable broth in a small saucepan and bring to a bare simmer. In another small saucepan, bring 2 cups of lightly salted water to a bare simmer. In a skillet over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil and onion, and sauté until soft and translucent, 5 to 10 minutes. Add orzo and sauté until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add wine and sauté until evaporated. Season lightly with salt.
• Add 1 cup hot broth and simmer, stirring constantly, until liquid is almost absorbed. Add 1 cup hot water and repeat. Continue to alternately add broth and water 1/2 cup at a time until orzotto is tender; total cooking time will be 16 to 20 minutes and all the broth or water may not be needed. The finished orzo should be golden yellow (add too much water and the flavor will be weak; add too much broth and the color will darken). Set aside finished orzo, cover and keep warm.
• In a small skillet over medium heat, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and add zucchini. Sauté until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir zucchini and 2 tablespoons pesto into the orzo (reserve any remaining pesto for another use). Add Parmigiano-Reggiano, stir until melted and adjust salt as needed. Serve immediately.