avocado basil cream zucchini noodles (Print)

Creamy avocado-basil sauce coats crisp zucchini noodles for a fresh, nutrient-rich vegan main dish.

# Components:

→ Produce

01 - 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
02 - 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
03 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
04 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
05 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed

→ Dairy Alternatives

06 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened plant-based yogurt (e.g., coconut or almond)
07 - 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)

→ Pantry Staples

08 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Spiralize the zucchinis into uniform noodle shapes and set aside.
02 - In a food processor or blender, combine the peeled and pitted avocado, fresh basil leaves, minced garlic clove, fresh lemon juice, plant-based yogurt, nutritional yeast (if using), and extra virgin olive oil. Blend until the mixture achieves a smooth and creamy consistency. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
03 - Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Introduce the spiralized zucchini noodles to the hot skillet and sauté for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring they become slightly tender while retaining a pleasant crispness.
04 - Remove the skillet from the heat source. Add the prepared avocado basil cream sauce to the skillet with the zucchini noodles. Toss thoroughly until the noodles are evenly coated with the vibrant sauce.
05 - Plate the dish immediately. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a final dusting of black pepper if desired for enhanced presentation and flavor.

# Chef Secrets:

01 -
  • Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
  • No cooking required for the sauce
  • Naturally vegan and gluten free
  • Perfect for using summer produce
02 -
  • High in healthy fats from avocado and olive oil
  • Contains 4 servings of vegetables per portion
  • Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
  • Completely raw sauce preserves nutrients
03 -
  • The key to perfect zucchini noodles is avoiding overcooking. They should maintain some crispness when served. If your zucchini releases too much water during cooking drain it briefly on paper towels before adding the sauce.
  • For the creamiest possible sauce ensure your avocado is perfectly ripe. If it seems a bit firm place it in a paper bag with a banana overnight to speed ripening. The lemon juice serves double duty adding flavor while preventing the avocado from browning too quickly.
  • Trust your taste buds when seasoning this dish. The amount of salt needed can vary significantly depending on your ingredients and personal preference. Start with less and adjust upward until the flavors pop.

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