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Fresh Zucchini Noodles Recipe Easy Homemade Cherry Tomato Basil Sauce

fresh zucchini noodles - featured image

A quick and refreshing zucchini noodles dish tossed in a tangy cherry tomato basil sauce, perfect for light summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium fresh zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed and chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the zucchinis. Using a spiralizer, create noodles from each zucchini. Place the noodles in a colander, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the tomatoes soften and start to release their juices, forming a thick and slightly chunky sauce.
  4. Stir in 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, chopped basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Gently pat the zucchini noodles dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid. Add them directly into the skillet with the sauce and toss quickly to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are tender-crisp.
  6. Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if using, and garnish with extra basil leaves.

Notes

Salt zucchini noodles and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture to prevent sogginess. Use a non-stick pan to avoid tomatoes sticking or burning. For a vegan version, omit Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative. Add chili flakes for a spicy kick. Store sauce and noodles separately for best freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini noodles, cherry tomato basil sauce, fresh zucchini recipe, low carb, gluten free, summer meal, easy dinner, healthy recipe