Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles Recipe

When the whole zucchini noodles trend emerged, I have to say I was a little skeptical. How on earth could a green vegetable taste as good as normal wheat-based pasta? Well, I soon discovered that when mixed with the right ingredients and with a good way of cooking it, it can be equally, if not more delicious than regular pasta! Plus, due to the high fibre content, it leaves you feeling really full and satisfied, without the bloat. Being gluten free just got a whole lot easier.

The Nutritional benefits of Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles

The avocado pesto zoodles recipe is not only delicious but also packed with an abundance of nutritional benefits. Zucchini, the primary ingredient, is a low-calorie vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre, which aids digestion and contributes to overall gut health. Additionally, zucchini contains antioxidants that help protect your cells against damage caused by free radicals.

The avocado in the pesto sauce provides a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats, essential for maintaining good heart health and promoting the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Avocado is also a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports proper muscle and nerve function.

Fresh basil, a key ingredient in the pesto, offers a variety of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can boost your immune system and overall health. Lastly, the pine nuts in the pesto contribute a unique combination of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, promoting brain health, heart health, and supporting your body's natural defense against disease.

Overall, this flavourful and nutritious avocado pesto zoodles recipe is a fantastic way to incorporate essential nutrients into your diet while enjoying a satisfying and wholesome meal. To make this work on your Metabolic Balance just leave out the pine nuts.

There are so many ways you can cook zucchini noodles, however, here is a simple and delicious dish that you can whip up in a couple of minutes.

Gluten Free Recipe Ingredients (serves 4)

• 2 very ripe avocados
• 4 Zucchini
• Juice of 2 Limes
• 2 cloves of garlic (avoid if low FODMAP)
• 2 tablespoons of pine nuts
• Greek yoghurt (optional - for an extra creamy sauce. Use lactose-free if low FODMAP)
• A generous handful of fresh basil.
• Topping of your choice (prawns or chicken work well)
• Tsp olive oil

Directions

1. Firstly, spiralize the zucchini with a spiralizer then set aside in a bowl. If you don't have a spiralizer you can use a peeler and do ribbons instead.
2. In a food processor/mixer/blender, add the avocado, lime juice, garlic (if using), pine nuts and basil and blend until it’s nice and smooth and creamy in texture!
3. Heat the oil in a frying pan over a low-medium heat then add the spiralized zucchinis - stirring for about 30 seconds.
4. Add the sauce and cook for a further few minutes until the sauce covers the zucchini completely.
5. Finally, add the topping of your choice. I have chosen to top the dish with sautéed prawns, however, chicken, mushrooms or any kind of fish would also work well.
6. Add a sprinkle of chopped, fresh red chili (if you fancy a bit of extra zing!) and some black pepper, serve and enjoy!

Variations of Pesto:

Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be easily customised to suit your taste preferences or accommodate the ingredients you have on hand. I haven't included parmesan cheese in this recipe but it can easily be added if you prefer.

While the classic pesto recipe calls for fresh basil, parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil, there are numerous other variations you can experiment with. For instance, you can swap basil for other herbs like coriander, parsley, or rocket, each lending their unique flavour profiles to the sauce.

You can also incorporate different types of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios, to add new textures and flavours to the mix. For a dairy-free or vegan option, replace the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives and leave out the Greek yoghurt. To diversify the flavour even further, consider adding unique ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red capsicum, or olives to your pesto. With so many pesto variations to choose from, you can enjoy the sauce's versatility and easily adapt it to your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.

Zucchini noodles with a protein are a great Metabolic Balance meal as many people have zucchini listed in their personal food list. If you're interested in personalised nutrition for optimum health and weight loss check out the Fuel & Nourish with Metabolic Balance Program.