Oil-Free Walnut Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Oil-Free Walnut Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Today, I’m proud to be supporting a fellow blogger, Megan from The Detoxinista – her cookbook,...

Oil-Free Walnut Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Today, I’m proud to be supporting a fellow blogger, Megan from The Detoxinista – her cookbook, Everyday Detox, officially publishes tomorrow!

I’ve followed her site for a while now, because she posts healthy recipes that are totally doable, delicious and extremely creative.

Megan takes classic “unhealthy” dishes and transforms them into good-for-you versions. Kinda like… Inspiralizing them.

Oil-Free Walnut Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Her blog’s tagline is actually “healthy living is easier than you think,” which I couldn’t support more.

To my happy surprise, she has a few veggie noodle recipes in the book! The recipe calls for an oil-free walnut pesto.

Now, if you know me, I lurrrrrve olive oil. I would dunk my arm in it and lick it off if that was socially acceptable. Olive oil is my healthy fat of choice. So, when I make my pestos, I go for the oil.

Oil-Free Walnut Pesto Zucchini Noodles

When I flipped to this recipe and say pesto and then “oil free” I had to try it – I didn’t believe my eyes!

Well, I stand corrected, folks – this oil-free walnut pesto is honestly mind-blowing. You barely miss the oil and of course, it significantly reduces the fat and calorie content of the pesto.

This recipe was super easy to follow and definitely did not disappoint the taste buds – I will be making it again this summer!

Oil-Free Walnut Pesto Zucchini Noodles

If you’re looking for a healthy new cookbook (and you don’t already have the Inspiralized cookbook, of course), then pre-order Everyday Detox today (it’s your last day to do so – and you get a bunch of sign-up goodies like fitness classes and extra recipes!)

Now, Megan’s kind enough to offer one lucky Inspiralized reader a copy of her cookbook, so enter below!

Oil-Free Walnut Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Oil-Free Walnut Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 -6

Ingredients

  • PESTO
  • 1 cup diced zucchini
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves tightly packed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ?2 cup raw walnut halves
  • 1 ?4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 ?2 teaspoon sea salt
  • For the rest:
  • 4 to 6 large zucchini Blade C or D
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil optional
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • Raw pine nuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the pesto: Combine all of the pesto ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth. For a chunkier texture, instead use the pulse function on your blender or food processor to gently mix the ingredients together.
  • Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create “noodles” out of the peeled zucchini. For a warm dish, melt the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the zucchini “noodles” and tomatoes until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add in the pesto and stir quickly, just enough to warm the sauce, about 1 minute. Serve warm, with a sprinkle of pine nuts. For a cold dish, simply toss the raw zucchini “noodles” with the prepared pesto and top with the tomatoes and pine nuts.
with love, Ali

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Recipe Rating




comments

  • Sounds wonderful!
  • When I'm feeling "off" I add more veggies into my diet in all sorts of ways and I drink more water and lay off sugar (even natural sugar like fruits and honey, etc). Those little changes make me feel fresh and fantastic!
  • One of my favorite (and easiest) ways to detox/live a healthier life: drinking lots and lots and lots of water. I always feel more refreshed when I wake up the day after drinking the recommended amount plus.
  • My favorite way to detox is to drink a lot of water!
  • I love taking a shot of wheatgrass juice when I feel like my body needs a detoc. It might not be the tastiest, but I feel so energized after!
  • I love taking a shot of wheatgrass juice when I feel like my body needs a detox. It might not be the tastiest, but I feel so energized after!
  • Eating paleo always helps me detox and get my eating patterns back on track!
  • When I detox I up my water intake and add fresh lemon.
  • one of my favorite ways to physically detox is to go to hot yoga, sweat out EVERYTHING and really focus during the spinal twists. it's basically wringing out your insides :) in terms of food, I love to go back to basics and eat lean, clean and green! Proteins, vegetables and healthy fats become all I eat. Whole30-ish eating for a couple of days to get back on track is the way to go!
  • LOTS of water and green tea.
  • Like so many others, my favorite way to detox is water. Lots and lots of water, but with lemon juice squeezed in. Lemon juice is a super hydrator, it opens your cells to hydration. Plus, who doesn't like the taste (which can't always be said for the water)?! The recipe looks amazing, not a fan of walnuts per say, so may be a way to get some with little grumbling!
  • I drink extra water, lemon water, fresh fruit infused water, decaffeinated green tea. Add in clean, real food, "simple" meals, mostly organic produce. And add in daily exercise of one or two of these: run, hike, yoga, bike, rock wall climbing, SUP, or swim. Keeping it real and healthy! Going to try this yummy-looking recipe too!
  • I drink more water with freshly squeezed lemon!
  • My favorite way is to only eat food at home that I've prepared with lots of fruits and veggies. No restaurants or processed foods!
  • My favorite way to detox is to do a day of Green Juice feasting. Love the 'light' feeling that I have after a day of only juicing. Thank you for this opportunity. Peace + blessings.
  • Drinking lots of water, eating clean, eating lots of veggies.
  • Cutting out all refined sugar and drinking lots of water are my sure fire ways to feel lighter!
  • LOVE this recipe idea! One of my favorite ways to detox is to reduce the fat count in my diet so this recipe is perfect!
  • My favorite ways to detox are sipping on warm lemon water or green tea, eating lots of fresh fruits & veggies while reducing/eliminating processed foods and exercising!
  • delish! I like to detox with lemon water and I also make this Whole Foods broccoli slaw at home and it is so healthy and delish!
  • I've been doing oil-free pesto for a while. And here I thought I was so creative. I use veggie broth in place of oil to add flavor with less calories. Works like a charm.
  • Lots of green juice and water, along with Kombucha and super healthy salads!
  • I cut out ad much sugar as possible, drink white tea, abd increase fruits and veggies!
  • sounds delicious! I am working my way through the inspiralized cookbook and have loved everything I have made so far. Would love this one!
  • Drinking lots of water and eating clean!
  • Saw the pesto recipe and want to try it. Husband is allergic to walnuts. Any other nuts you can suggest? Would pecans work? Thanks!!
  • sounds delicious! I am working my way through the inspiralized cookbook and have loved everything I have made so far. Would love this one! I drink lots of lemon water to detox.
  • When I want to detox I switch all my beverages to tea!
  • Can't wait to try this! The lack of oil will make it much more Weight Watchers friendly! Thanks!!
  • Going with a no sugar, vegan meal plan is helpful when I want to "detox" and just feel better overall. The biggest hep, though, is getting more sleep!
  • This recipe sounds delicious. While I don't do detoxes if I do find myself feeling sluggish I try to increase my water intake that day
  • This recipe is a great solution to a common problem: people thinking that just because a food contains healthy fat, it means portion control goes out the window. Pesto is delicious, but oil has a tendency to up the calorie content rather quickly. Creating similar flavors, without the fat allows you to use the oil (or another healthy fat) somewhere else in the dish without worry. As far as detox, being a registered dietitian I have to be careful with how I, and my clients use this word. It can sometimes set unrealistic weight loss/health expectations and people sometimes abuse detox programs. However focusing on increasing water, and high water content foods (vegetables, fruits, legumes) is ALWAYS a great thing to do for our bodies, so I think the way this author is using the concept is helping rather than hurting individuals :-)
  • Drinking lemon water works for me!
  • I usually just drink lots of water and stick to fresh produce!
  • My favorite way to detox is to have a good workout and get really sweaty. I know that I will ALWAYS feel better after that no matter how yucky I feel going into it.
  • I am always amazed at how good I feel when I add green smoothies to my morning routine.
  • Cut out the breads and the cooked pastas. I love these recipes!!
    • I've never tried detoxing, so the detox book sounds really interesting and healthier than just drinking liquids all day. And I really want to try the walnut pesto recipe. Sounds yummy and I adore pesto.
  • Do you think this can be frozen? When I make pesto, I usually freeze it in ice cube tray so have it for long after basil season. Would this freeze well? Thanks!
    • Yes, I freeze it all the time in ice cube trays so that it's easily portioned later!
  • Extra water and small apples for snacks. I'll also talk myself into ten minutes on the treadmill, especially if I'm feeling achy. It usually turns into thirty minutes, and gets the body working smoothly again.
  • I've never tried detoxing, so the detox book sounds really interesting and healthier than just drinking liquids all day. And I really want to try the walnut pesto recipe. Sounds yummy and I adore pesto.
  • I like to eat fruit and veggies for a day...especially green smoothies
  • For me, it means eating only protein, veggies, and fruit for a few days, plus drinking lots of water! This reset always feels amazing :)
  • After eating unhealthy foods, such as on vacation, I got back to low carb, drink plenty of water, and exercise.
  • i love an apple cider/lemon juice /water detox drink.
  • My first step to detox is to increase my water intake.
  • Love the idea of an "oil free pesto", a must try , thanks. As for detox, I just up the intake of water with lemon juice and add lots more fresh veggies to meals.
  • I'm on the water bandwagon - it never hurts to drink more water! Now that it's summer though, some nice watermelon is pretty awesome too to get water and nutrients.
  • Sounds yummy...will try it soon!
  • May try this tonight...thanks !!
  • Lots and Lots of water!
  • I like to just "eat clean" as my way to detox. No processed foods or sugar.
  • I'm a sucker for pesto - can't wait to try this recipe sans-oil!
  • I'm a sucker for pesto - can't wait to try this version without oil! When I want to eat clean, I just amp up the amount of produce that I'm eating. Eating ones with a high water content like watermelon, cucumbers or even plain lettuce helps me feel more hydrated after eating a meal!
  • No processed food!
  • Water and lots of veggies.
  • Juicing and no sugar, dairy or bread for my detox
  • Looks great!
  • Looks great can't wait to try this!
  • This looks amazing. I can't wait to try it. Thanks for the giveaway.
  • Lots of water and as many colorful veggies as possible!
  • Looks good!
  • Lots of water, lots of veggies, no processed foods or sugars and lots of swimming :)
  • Drinking lots of lemon water, and adding a workout or a hike.
  • Drinking lots of lemon water, and adding a workout or a hike.
  • I'm excited to try an oil-less pesto. Walnuts are cheaper than pine nuts. Also I love the raw option. I was introduced to the spiralizer from Matt's videos at Raw Food World but rarely make anything raw after discovering your site.
  • Can't wait to try making this pesto!
  • My favorite way to detox is fasting and drinking lots of ginger tea (unsweetened). I always feel better fasting after indulgence!
  • Lots of water, veggies, bone broth and hot Epsom salt baths are the go to weapons in my detox arsenal. Nothing like sweating it all out!
  • Clean eating and lots of water is the best detox.
  • Detox baths are my favorite way to truly feel like my body is cleansing from the OUTSIDE in :)
  • Exercising and drinking lots of water helps me feel great!
  • Lots and lots of water. Warm lemon water first thing in the morning and a 3-day juice fast does it for me! :)
  • Lemon water, no dairy, sugar, gluten, or processed food. Just clean eating.
  • This looks delish!
  • Lots of water!
  • Start the day with a green smoothie and drink lots of water.
  • Warm lemon water when I wake up, lots of fresh whole foods, and exercising!!
  • Lots of water and Lots of veggies!
  • Need to get back to lemon in warm water...used to be so good about that.
  • Lemon in warm water
  • Lots of water, veggies, and exercise!
  • I am not a fan of zucchini so this new trend hasn't inspired me until this. There is something about this recipe that is calling to me. Thanks! Just in time to enjoy all my neighbor's garden harvests! I'm rating it high just based on it's ability to convince me to try it.
  • I like to detox with water. I love water and drink at least 100 ounces per day.
  • How do I detox? Lots of water and green veggies. Can't wait to try the Inspiralizer.
  • How do I detox? Lots of water and green veggies. Can't wait to try the Inspiralizer.
  • I am a latecomer to clean eating and exercise but better late than...well you know. Lots of vegetables prepared healthfully is key for me.
  • Can't wait to try this pesto tonight!
  • Lots of clean veggies and water!
  • I don't actually detox, have been reading about it. This is one method I might actually try. My problem is that my husband eats such a limited number of vegetables. So I often make two meals. I will check out your book. Looks delicious! Thanks.
  • Gotta try this!
  • Easy detox moves for me- lots of water/tea, no sugars. BUT i feel about a million times better after cutting out alcohol.
  • Thanks for all the recipes. Love them and your cookbook. Favorite way to detox is to drink water first thing when I wake up (with a little lemon juice). Helps get me through my gym routines too.
  • Every few months I try to get myself on track with a little detox. I drink lots of water and tea, up the veggies and make sure I'm moving my body!
  • WHEN I EAT MOSTLY VEGGIES AND FRUIT, LIMIT MEAT TO A COUPLE OF TIMES A WEEK, DRINK LEMON WATER, AND STAY HYDRATED
  • Lots of water, ACV, lemon,fresh veggies
  • Cut out all processed foods and coffee. Using my Vitamix for green or blue smoothies every day! And of course lots of watet!
  • Maybe I need a book to guide me... :-)
  • Sweat it out, and lots of fruits & veggies!
  • I love healthy treats!! They are so much better tasting than the old treats are.
  • This pesto sounds amazing!
  • To detox I like to drink loads and loads of water, sometimes with lemon. Also taking a break from carbs, and overloading on veggies helps me feel clean
  • […] Lately I’ve been really into making my own pesto but, yeah, it’s not that healthy with tons of olive oil. Ali blogs about a, gasp, oil-free pesto HERE! […]
  • I just made this last night and it was fantastic!!! I sauteed the tomatoes with some chickpeas to add a protein. Even my meat loving husband couldn't get enough! So quick and easy. Thank you for sharing!
  • I made this wonderful dish last night, adding some nutritional yeast to the pesto to stand in for the traditional parmesan cheese. I made the zucchini noodles oil-free by sauteing some largish mushrooms in a nonstick pan, adding the noodles when the mushrooms released their liquid into the pan. Fabuous! My newly vegan boyfriend ate it up fast too. We also loved the pesto spread lightly on a half of a baked potato.
  • Looks delicious but how many servings is this and what is the nutritional information?
    • We are no longer providing nutritional information but if you plug the ingredients into any tracker it will give you a good rundown!