Here’s a blood sugar-friendly recipe for a healthy and delicious Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto! This low-carb, fiber-packed dish is a great choice for stabilizing blood sugar levels while still being flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients:
For the Zucchini Noodles:
- 2 medium zucchinis (spiralized into noodles)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
For the Avocado Pesto:
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (or spinach for a different flavor)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1-2 garlic cloves (depending on how garlicky you like it)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
- If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to make long, thin strips of zucchini or use a julienne peeler.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, just until tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as zucchini releases water and you want them to stay crisp.
2. Make the Avocado Pesto:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the ripe avocado, basil leaves (or spinach), pine nuts (or your chosen nuts/seeds), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Process until smooth and creamy. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little water or extra olive oil to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. If you like, stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.
3. Toss the Zucchini Noodles:
- Once the zucchini noodles are ready, toss them with the avocado pesto until they’re evenly coated. You can serve it warm or cold, depending on your preference.
4. Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the zucchini noodles with avocado pesto in bowls. Garnish with extra pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, or Parmesan if desired.
Why This Recipe Is Blood Sugar-Friendly:
- Zucchini noodles are low in carbs and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for keeping blood sugar levels stable.
- Avocado provides healthy fats that can help slow the absorption of sugar and keep you full longer, preventing blood sugar spikes.
- Nuts and seeds in the pesto are full of healthy fats and protein, which can help balance blood sugar levels.
- Lemon juice and basil are both low in carbs and offer refreshing flavors without affecting blood sugar levels.
This Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto is a light, nutrient-dense dish that’s perfect for those looking to manage their blood sugar levels while still enjoying a flavorful meal! 🍝🥑