Two Tasty Zoodle Creations: Pesto & Greek Salad
Discover two quick and healthy ways to enjoy spiralized zucchini – one tossed in vibrant spinach pesto and the other as a refreshing Greek-inspired salad.
- Prep15 min
- Cook5 min
- Total20 min
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings4
Zoodles (zucchini noodles) are a fantastic low-carb alternative to pasta, and here we show you two delicious ways to prepare them. The first version is a quick sauté with spinach pesto, perfect as a light main or side dish. The second is a no-cook Greek salad with feta, olives, and a lemony vinaigrette.
Both recipes are ready in minutes and can be served with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a complete meal. They're also great for meal prep – just keep the dressing separate until serving.
Ingredients
Spinach Pesto Zoodles
Greek-Zoodle Salad
For the vinaigrette
Alternative dressing
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- For the Spinach Pesto Zoodles: Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2-3 tablespoons olive oil. When hot, add the spiralized zucchini in three batches, sautéing each batch for no more than 1 minute. Overcooking will release too much liquid and make them mushy.
- Transfer each batch to a bowl. Once all batches are cooked, return all zoodles to the pan, add the spinach pesto, and toss over medium heat for about 1 minute until well combined.
- Serve the pesto zoodles immediately, topped with crushed red pepper flakes, grated parmesan, and halved cherry tomatoes if desired. Pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- For the Greek-Zoodle Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spiralized zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped onion, sliced Kalamata olives, sliced bell peppers, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and dried oregano until emulsified.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then add the chopped mint and toss again.
- Serve the Greek zoodle salad immediately. It also goes well with grilled shrimp, chicken, or steak. Alternatively, you can dress it with tzatziki sauce instead of the vinaigrette.
💡 Tips
- For best texture, do not overcook the zoodles – 1 minute per batch is enough.
- If using the tzatziki dressing, add it just before serving to keep the salad crisp.
- Both recipes are perfect for meal prep: store the zoodles and dressing separately.
Inspired by a recipe from Dimitras Dishes
