Inspiralized Zucchini Noodles with Mint Pesto

A low glycemic alternative to pasta with a vegan’s take on pesto.

Zucchini Noodles with Mint Pesto

Once summer hits in British Columbia, farmers’ markets are in full swing. There is bountiful produce to enjoy, especially if you grow your own veggies or herbs. This recipe makes use of several market goodies: zucchini, tomatoes, mint, basil and garlic. Zucchini noodles areΒ a low glycemic alternative to pasta and, for pesto-lovers, I have created a vegan, mint version high in flavour and healthy fats. Mint can help aid digestion and may even lower cholesterol. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment or sharing your versions with me @dr.dylancutler.

Mint growing in garden.JPG
Mint growing in my parents’ garden.

Ingredients:

  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 cup fresh basil
  • 1 cup fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup raw walnuts
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • cherry tomatoes
  • spiralizer (or sharp knife)

Mint Pesto

How to:

  1. If using a spiralizer, cut both ends of zucchini off and get to work! Otherwise, cutΒ zucchini into thin slices.
  2. Wrap zucchini in paper towel to absorb excess liquid.
  3. Use a food processor to combineΒ basil, mint, walnuts, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice untilΒ a smooth paste is formed.
  4. CombineΒ zucchini with pesto and mix well. I added spoonfuls ofΒ pesto slowly until I reached the ratioΒ I wanted, which resulted in half the pesto leftover.
  5. Add veggies, like tomatoes, or a high-protein source, such as beans or legumes, if you’d like to make this a meal. Enjoy your minty zoodles!
Pesto Zoodles
Zucchini Noodles with Mint Pesto

PCOS Powers:

  • zucchini = anti-inflammatory, high in potassium (can help reduce blood pressure), high in fiber (can help lower cholesterol), low glycemic, and a source of polyphenols (may beneficially affect thyroid, adrenal, and insulin regulation)
  • walnuts =Β no cholesterol,Β high in unsaturated fats which help reduce both LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, may help prevent cardiovascular disease
  • mint = can aid indigestion, may help manage cholesterol
  • garlic = can help lower cholesterol, an antibiotic, & blood cleanser which relaxes blood vessels for easier blood flow
PIN FOR LATER:

Zucchini Noodles with Mint Pesto (Vegan, Low-Glycemic)

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Author: Dr. Dylan Cutler, Ph.D.

Dr. Dylan Cutler is the founder of Phruitful Dish. She's a holistic health content creator, vegan, athlete, feminist, social activist, and PCOS fighter. She obtained her Ph.D. in obstetrics and gynaecology specializing in PCOS management using nutrition, movement, and mindfulness. She resides in Victoria, Canada on unceded Lekwungen and WΜ±SÁNEΔ† territories.

43 thoughts on “Inspiralized Zucchini Noodles with Mint Pesto”

  1. Oh wow, I’ve never thought of using mint in pesto! I buy a mint plant every spring, and it goes crazy, and I only have a couple of recipes to use it with. Now I’ve got a third! Thanks for sharing

  2. Oooh delicious, I love zucchini noodles and really love the sound of this mint pesto especially with my mint plant growing wild at the moment, time to do some harvesting! πŸ˜€

  3. I just love anything pesto! Thank you for sharing this over at Healthy Living Link party. I will be featuring your dish for tomorrow’s party, I hope to see you again, pinned and shared!

  4. This looks and sounds absolutely delicious! Thanks so much for sharing on the Healthy Living Link Party πŸ™‚ We will be featuring your recipe tonight so don’t forget to stop by and grab your “featured” button! Have a wonderful night! πŸ™‚

  5. Hey cuz–i made this one for my parents and they loved it (even dad!). Perfect for these scorching hot summer days.
    xo,
    Sofia

    1. This makes me so happy! I love when I hear others are trying my recipes… and even better when it is family! Miss you cuz and a family reunion is in order. Until then, I’ll post a few more recipes for you πŸ˜‰ xoxo

  6. Yum this sounds so wonderful. I love it when pesto is walnut based, instead of pine nut based. Question: Which spiraler do you use? I have one, but it’s more for curly fries, so they come out fettuchini sized instead of spaghetti sized!

    Amber
    http://amusedblog.com

  7. I am so excited to try this. I love zucchini, and have been looking for new dishes in which to use the fresh mint that I have been growing at home this summer. Thanks!

  8. Such a relief finding a vegan pesto recipe! I used to loooove pesto before I went vegan and I was low key disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to have it anymore. This looks so delicious and fresh.

  9. These look so good! I really need to get one of those spirulizers so I can finally make them at home! Thank you for the recipe!

  10. This recipe is absolutely created for me! I love all the ingredients you used to make this delicious pasta. And your photos are gorgeous, they make me hungry!

  11. I eat a lot of zucchini when it’s in season and prepare it in many ways. I keep meaning to ask Santa for a spiralizer. That would be another great way to prepare a lot of veggies. This Pesto sounds yummy and using veggies as pasta is so much better for you…

  12. This looks delicious!!! I’m dying to try a spiralizer and make zucchini noodles. It looks delicious!

  13. I recently bought a spiral slicer so I love finding healthy and delicious vegan recipes to try! I love this delectable recipe and can’t wait to make it. I’m pinning, sharing and featuring this recipe at this week;’s Healthy Living Link Up!

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