Pesto Langostino Zucchini Recipe – Fresh, Light & Easy

Introduction

As someone who enjoys cooking healthy yet satisfying meals, I always look for ways to create dishes that are both delicious and nourishing. This pesto langostino zucchini recipe has become one of my favorites because it’s packed with fresh flavors, light on carbs, and incredibly easy to make.

The natural sweetness of langostinos pairs beautifully with the rich, nutty pesto, while the zucchini noodles add a refreshing crunch. Unlike traditional pasta dishes, this recipe is gluten-free and won’t leave you feeling heavy. Plus, it comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a quick, wholesome lunch.

Another reason I love this recipe is how versatile it is. You can adjust the ingredients to match your preferences—try different nuts in the pesto, add extra protein, or make it dairy-free. No matter how you prepare it, this dish is a flavorful and satisfying way to enjoy seafood and fresh vegetables in one meal.

What You’ll Need (Equipment & Tools)

To make this recipe effortlessly, having the right kitchen tools will make all the difference. Here are the essentials you’ll need:

• Spiralizer – A must-have for turning fresh zucchinis into perfect noodle-like strands. If you don’t have one, a julienne peeler can work as an alternative.
• Food Processor – Needed for blending the pesto into a smooth and creamy consistency. A blender can also be used if needed.
• Large Skillet – Used for sautéing the langostinos and tossing all the ingredients together. A stainless steel or non-stick skillet is ideal for this
• Kitchen Cutting Surface & Sharp Knife – Essential for chopping fresh herbs, garlic, and other ingredients.
• Ingredient Bowl & Tongs – Helpful for evenly combining the zucchini noodles with the pesto and langostinos.

Having these tools ready will make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable. Now, let’s take a look at the fresh and flavorful ingredients needed for this dish.

Ingredients

Simple and fresh ingredients combine seamlessly in this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts for variation)
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Langostino & Zucchini Pasta:

• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 cup cooked langostinos, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Fresh cherry tomatoes (halved, optional)

Each ingredient plays a key role in building the flavors of this dish. The basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan create a rich and aromatic pesto, while the langostinos bring a mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with the fresh zucchini noodles. If you enjoy light and flavorful meals, you might also love this Caesar Pasta Salad — a satisfying yet healthy option.

Now that all the ingredients are ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions to bring this dish to life.

Instructions

1: Make the Pesto Sauce

1. In a food processor, add the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic.
2. Give it a few quick pulses to incorporate everything.
3. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while blending until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

2: Prepare the Zucchini Noodles

1. Spiralize the zucchinis to create noodle-like strands.
2. Transfer the zucchini noodles to a colander and lightly salt them. Let them sit for 5 minutes to release excess moisture.
3. Pat dry with a paper towel to prevent sogginess when cooked.

3: Cook the Langostino & Assemble the Dish

1. Pour olive oil into a pan and warm it over medium heat.
2. Add the langostinos, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest. Sauté for a couple of minutes until thoroughly warmed.
3. Toss in the zucchini noodles and prepared pesto. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Cook for another 2 minutes, just until the zucchini noodles are slightly tender but still firm.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with cherry tomatoes if using. Serve immediately.

Prep & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Now that the dish is ready, a few extra tips can help you perfect the texture, enhance the flavors, and make this recipe even more enjoyable. Let’s go over some useful tricks to get the best results.

Tips & Hacks

Making this dish is simple, but a few small tricks can elevate the flavors and texture. Here are some useful tips:

How to Prevent Soggy Zucchini Noodles

One common issue with zucchini noodles is excess moisture, which can make the dish watery. To avoid this:

• Always salt the noodles and let them sit for a few minutes before cooking.
• Gently press with a paper towel to absorb extra moisture.
• Avoid overcooking; a quick toss in the skillet is enough.

Ways to Enhance the Pesto Flavor

• Lightly toast the pine nuts before blending them into the pesto. This deepens their nutty taste.
• Choose top-quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer taste.
• If you love garlic, add an extra clove for a stronger kick.

Simple Ingredient Variations

• Add grilled shrimp or chicken for extra protein. If you want to explore more ways to cook langostinos beyond this dish, check out this collection of expert langoustine recipes for inspiration on creative seafood dishes.
• Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
• Try different nuts like almonds or cashews in the pesto for a unique twist.

A few small tweaks can make this recipe even better and customizable to your taste. Now, let’s take a closer look at the nutrition breakdown.

Nutrition Score

Understanding the nutritional value of this pesto langostino zucchini recipe helps in making informed food choices. This dish is not only delicious but also well-balanced, providing a mix of healthy fats, lean protein, and fresh vegetables. Here’s a breakdown per serving:

Serving Size & Calories

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 24g

Why is Pesto High in Calories?

The main contributors to the calorie count in this pesto langostino zucchini recipe are olive oil, nuts, and Parmesan cheese. While pesto is energy-dense, it offers essential nutrients and healthy fats, making it a flavorful and nutritious addition to meals.

Calories in 2 Tablespoons of Pesto

A typical serving of 2 tablespoons of pesto contains around 150 kcal. If you want to reduce calories, you can adjust the amount of pesto or substitute some of the oil with vegetable broth while maintaining its rich taste.

This meal offers a harmonious blend of wholesome nutrition and delicious flavor, providing satisfaction without feeling heavy. Next, let’s explore the best methods for storing and reheating leftovers to maintain their freshness.

Serving & Storage

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them properly.

Best Way to Serve

• Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the zucchini noodles at their best texture.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or a squeeze of lemon for added freshness.

How to Store Leftovers

• Place leftovers in a covered container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days
• Avoid storing for too long, as zucchini noodles tend to release moisture over time.

Reheating Tips

• Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick skillet over low heat for 2–3 minutes. This prevents the zucchini from becoming too soft.
• Microwave: Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.

Freezing Pesto for Future Use

While zucchini noodles don’t freeze well, the pesto can be frozen separately:

• Pour leftover pesto into an ice cube tray and freeze.
• Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes into a sealed container and store for up to 3 months.
• When needed, thaw a cube and mix it into freshly cooked ingredients.

Proper storage ensures that you can enjoy this dish later without compromising flavor or texture. Now, let’s explore some exciting variations of this recipe!

Variations

This pesto langostino zucchini recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to fit different dietary preferences and flavor profiles. Whether you’re looking for a keto-friendly option, a vegan twist, or an extra spicy kick, there are plenty of ways to adjust this dish while keeping its fresh and delicious taste. Here are some alternative versions to explore:

Keto Version

• Increase the amount of Parmesan and olive oil for extra healthy fats.
• Reduce the amount of zucchini noodles slightly and replace with avocado or more langostinos for a higher fat-to-carb ratio.

Vegan Option

• Replace langostinos with roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu for a plant-based protein source.
• Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast to maintain a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Spicy Twist

• For a bolder kick, mix in extra chili flakes or a touch of hot sauce
• Sauté some chopped jalapeños with the langostinos for even more heat.

Nut-Free Alternative

• Replace pine nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a pesto that’s allergy-friendly.
• You can also omit the nuts entirely and add more basil and garlic for a stronger herbaceous taste.

These simple variations let you tailor the dish to your dietary needs and taste preferences while keeping the core flavors intact. Now, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about this recipe.

FAQs

How do you make zucchini noodles less slimy?

The key is to remove excess moisture before cooking. Sprinkle the noodles with salt and let them sit for 5 minutes, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Also, avoid overcooking—zucchini noodles should be warmed, not softened.

How many calories are in zucchini pesto?

A serving of this pesto langostino zucchini recipe contains approximately 320 kcal, depending on ingredient variations. The calorie content comes mostly from the olive oil, nuts, and Parmesan cheese in the pesto.

Why is pesto high in calories?

Pesto is rich in healthy fats due to its high content of olive oil, nuts, and cheese. While calorie-dense, it also provides essential nutrients like omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins.

How many calories does 2 tablespoons of pesto contain?

On average, 2 tablespoons of pesto contain around 150 kcal. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can use a smaller amount or modify the recipe by reducing the olive oil and adding a bit of vegetable broth.

These common questions help clarify any doubts and ensure you get the most out of this delicious dish. Now, let’s wrap things up with a final conclusion.

Conclusion

This pesto langostino zucchini recipe is a perfect combination of fresh, light, and satisfying flavors. The sweetness of the langostinos, the rich and nutty pesto, and the crisp zucchini noodles come together to create a meal that feels indulgent yet remains healthy and low in carbs.

What I love most about this dish is its versatility. Whether you want to make it spicier, dairy-free, or keto-friendly, small tweaks can easily adapt it to your preferences. Plus, with a prep and cook time of just 15 minutes, it’s an excellent option for a quick yet impressive meal.

If you’re looking for a flavorful, nutrient-packed recipe that’s both easy to make and satisfying, give this dish a try. Let me know how it turns out, and feel free to experiment with your favorite variations!