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- 4 medium zucchinis (zoodles) - 2 cups fresh basil leaves - 1/2 cup raw pine nuts (or walnuts) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup nutritional yeast - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained - 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional) When making this vegan pesto zoodle salad, the main ingredients shine. First, you need zucchinis. They become zoodles. Zoodles are a fun and healthy substitute for pasta. Next, fresh basil brings a bright and aromatic flavor. Combine it with garlic for a savory kick. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste without dairy, while olive oil makes the pesto smooth and rich. The cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Chickpeas bring protein and a nice texture. If you want to get creative, toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra punch of flavor. - Different nuts (almonds, cashews) - Additional vegetables (bell peppers, spinach) - Vegan cheese for added creaminess For more variety, consider swapping nuts. Almonds or cashews can change the taste. Feel free to add more vegetables too, like bell peppers or spinach. These will boost the nutrition and color. You might also want to try vegan cheese. It can make the dish creamier and richer. This recipe is flexible, so mix and match to suit your taste. For the full recipe, you can refer to the complete instructions above. First, we need to make our zoodles. I love using a spiralizer. It turns zucchinis into beautiful noodles. Simply press the zucchini into the spiralizer and twist. You will see long strands of zoodles appear! If you don't have a spiralizer, don’t worry. You can use a vegetable peeler. Just peel the zucchini into thin ribbons. This method works well, too. Set your zoodles aside in a large bowl. They will be the base of our salad. Next, let’s create the vegan pesto. Grab your food processor. Add the basil leaves, pine nuts, minced garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Pulse the mix until it looks well-blended. Now, it’s time to add the olive oil. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the oil. This will make the pesto smooth and creamy. Taste it! You can add more salt and pepper if you like. Now we combine everything! In the bowl with your zoodles, add the vegan pesto you just made. Toss in the cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and sun-dried tomatoes if you chose to use them. Mix it gently, so everything is coated nicely with the pesto. Once mixed, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together. When ready to serve, you can put it in a large bowl or on individual plates. For a nice touch, sprinkle some pine nuts, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil on top. This makes for a beautiful and tasty salad. You can find the Full Recipe for more details. To make the best zoodles, choose firm zucchinis. Soft zucchinis can turn mushy. Use a spiralizer for long, curly noodles. If you lack a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler works too. After making zoodles, lay them on a clean towel to absorb excess water. This step keeps your salad from becoming watery. Mix zoodles with pesto just before serving. This way, they stay fresh and crunchy. If you mix them too early, the zoodles will get soggy. To boost the pesto taste, you can add more garlic or lemon juice. Extra nutritional yeast can also enhance the flavor. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. That will give your salad a nice kick. You can experiment with other herbs too. Fresh parsley or arugula can add a unique twist to your dish. For extra protein, mix in chickpeas or lentils. These ingredients make your salad filling and healthy. You can also toss in cooked quinoa or beans for variety. To increase fiber, add fiber-rich veggies like spinach or bell peppers. These not only add crunch but also boost nutrition. Try to keep your salad colorful; it makes for a more appealing dish. For the full recipe, check out the Vegan Pesto Zoodle Salad section. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your vegan pesto zoodle salad easily. Here are two fun ideas. - Italian-inspired: Add olives and capers for a salty kick. The briny taste pairs well with the pesto. - Asian twist: Use sesame oil and ginger for a fresh, exciting flavor. This mix gives a nice, warm touch. Adjusting your salad with seasonal ingredients can make it even better. Here are a few options. - Adding seasonal vegetables: Toss in fresh veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. They add crunch and color. - Incorporating fruits: Use fruits like avocado or citrus for creaminess or zing. They brighten up the dish and add healthy fats. If you're looking for a change from zoodles, try these alternatives. - Using other vegetables: Carrots or cucumbers can also be spiralized. They create unique shapes and flavors. - Combining with pasta: Mix in whole grain or gluten-free pasta. This adds heartiness and makes the meal more filling. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. To keep your Vegan Pesto Zoodle Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. Glass containers work well as they don’t hold odors. If you use plastic, ensure it’s BPA-free. The salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge. After that, it may start to lose its flavor and texture. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell or slimy zoodles. If you see these signs, it’s best to toss the salad. You can prep the salad in advance for quick meals. Spiralize the zucchinis and store them separately. Keep the vegan pesto in a jar. Mix the two right before eating to keep everything fresh. For even better results, store the pesto at the top of the container. This way, it won’t touch the zoodles until you’re ready to eat. Yes, you can make the pesto ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts up to one week. To keep it fresh, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. This helps to prevent browning. If you want to store it longer, freeze it. Use ice cube trays for easy portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. Zoodles can be light, so add more ingredients for a filling meal. Chickpeas and nuts give protein and fiber, helping you feel full. You can also add roasted veggies or avocado. Mixing in other ingredients boosts flavor and satisfaction. Try different toppings to keep things interesting. This way, your meal stays healthy and filling. Freezing zoodle salads is tricky. Zoodles lose their crunch when thawed. If you want to freeze it, keep zoodles separate from the pesto. Freeze the pesto in a container. When ready to eat, thaw the pesto and mix it with fresh zoodles and other ingredients. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. This blog post covered how to make a Vegan Pesto Zoodle Salad. We explored the key ingredients, like zoodles and fresh basil. I shared simple steps to prepare, assemble, and store your salad. You learned tips for flavor, nutrition, and different variations. In the end, this salad is flexible and delicious. It can fit any taste or season. Enjoy creating your own version and make healthy eating fun!

Vegan Pesto Zoodle Salad

Discover a refreshing twist on salad with this Vegan Pesto Zoodle Salad recipe! Packed with nutritious ingredients like zoodles, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas, this vibrant dish is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Learn how to whip up a creamy vegan pesto that ties everything together perfectly. Dive into these delicious and healthy recipes to elevate your meals and impress your friends! Click to explore more!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis (zoodles)

2 cups fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup raw pine nuts (or walnuts)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Zoodles: Using a spiralizer, create zoodles from the zucchinis. If a spiralizer isn't available, you can also use a vegetable peeler to shred them into thin ribbons. Set the zoodles aside in a large mixing bowl.

    Make the Vegan Pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts), minced garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the ingredients are well combined.

      Add Olive Oil: While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

        Combine Ingredients: In the bowl with zoodles, add the prepared vegan pesto, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Toss gently until the zoodles and toppings are evenly coated with the pesto.

          Serve: Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Optionally, serve chilled or at room temperature.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the zoodle salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with extra pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil for an appealing finish.