Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that combines the crispness of cucumbers with the vibrant flavors of fresh basil pesto. In this blog post, we explore the delightful world of Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto—a dish that is not only refreshing and healthy but also bursting with incredible taste. Say goodbye to traditional pasta and embrace the lightness and creativity of this unique twist on noodles. Let's dive in and discover the simplicity, beauty, and incredible flavors of this dish.
Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto is a dish that celebrates the abundance of summertime flavors and provides a refreshing alternative to traditional pasta dishes. By using cucumber as the base, you're treated to a light and crisp texture that perfectly complements the bold flavors of the fresh basil pesto. To create the cucumber noodles, simply spiralize or julienne the cucumbers into long, thin strands, resembling spaghetti. The result is a vibrant bed of green noodles that are not only visually stunning but also packed with essential nutrients and hydration. Cucumbers are known for their high water content, making them a perfect choice for a light and hydrating meal on a hot summer day.
The star of this dish—is The Fresh Basil Pesto.
Now, let's talk about the star of this dish—the Fresh Basil Pesto. Bursting with the aromatic essence of basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra-virgin olive oil, the pesto adds a burst of flavor and depth to the cucumber noodles. The combination of fresh herbs, nuttiness from the pine nuts, and the creaminess of the Parmesan cheese creates a harmonious symphony of tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Toss the cucumber noodles in the vibrant green pesto, allowing each strand to be coated in aromatic flavors. The result is a dish that is not only visually appealing but also a true celebration of the freshness and simplicity of summer ingredients. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a unique way to enjoy the abundance of cucumbers, Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto is a culinary adventure you won't want to miss.
This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: n/a
Servings: 4
Jump to:
- The star of this dish—is The Fresh Basil Pesto.
- Ingredients needed to make Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto
- How to make Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto
- How to make the Basil Pesto
- Variations on the Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto recipe
- Equipment used in making the Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto recipe
- Storage for the Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto
- Top tips for making the Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto recipe
- Related
- Pairing
- Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto
Ingredients needed to make Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto
4 large firm seedless cucumbers, peeled
½ c. fresh pesto*
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Ingredients for Basil Pesto:
- Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil, loosely packed
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 – 4 garlic cloves, peeled (amount based on personal taste and strength of garlic variety used).
- ⅔ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ⅓ cup plus 2 tablespoons really good extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
This recipe goes together with the Mediterranean-Style Baked Cod en Papillote recipe
How to make Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto
- Prepare fresh basil pesto per instructions
- Using a spiral slicer, cut cucumbers into thick, long noodles. If using the Paderno Tri-Blade Vegetable Spiral Slicer, use the medium “chipper” blade to create slightly thicker strands). Cut the noodles with kitchen scissors once they reach 10 inches in length.
- Place cut noodles on paper or clean kitchen towels and gently blot them to absorb excess moisture.
- Place cucumber noodles in a medium, non-reactive bowl and top with fresh pesto. Toss gently to combine. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
How to make the Basil Pesto
Directions
Remove basil leaves from stems, then wash and pat dry. Add basil, pine nuts, peeled garlic gloves, and Parmesan cheese to a food processor or blender. Quickly pulse until barely combined, then add ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil and blend thoroughly.
Add remaining olive oil and/or additional grated Parmesan cheese to achieve the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Variations on the Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto recipe
There are several variations you can explore to customize the Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto recipe. Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity:
- Add protein: Boost the protein content of the dish by incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Cook your protein of choice separately and toss it with the cucumber noodles and basil pesto for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Vegetable medley: Enhance the nutritional profile and visual appeal by adding a variety of colorful vegetables to the dish. Consider cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, or steamed asparagus to complement the fresh flavors of the cucumber and basil.
- Nutty twist: Experiment with different nuts or seeds in the pesto. Instead of pine nuts, try using walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a unique and slightly different flavor profile.
- Zesty lemon: Add a bright citrus kick by incorporating lemon zest and juice into the basil pesto. The lemony freshness will elevate the overall taste and bring out the flavors of the cucumber noodles.
- Herbs galore: Expand the herbaceous flavors by incorporating additional fresh herbs into the pesto. Consider adding parsley, mint, or cilantro to give the dish a vibrant and aromatic twist.
- Creamy avocado: For a creamy twist, blend ripe avocado into the basil pesto. This adds a luscious texture and a hint of richness to the dish, while also providing healthy fats.
- Mediterranean fusion: Infuse the dish with Mediterranean flavors by including ingredients like crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers. These additions will bring a tangy and savory element to the dish.
- Spicy kick: For those who enjoy some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the pesto. This will give the dish a spicy kick and add an exciting flavor dimension.
Remember, these variations are just starting points to inspire your culinary exploration. Feel free to mix and match ingredients, flavors, and textures to create your own unique twists on the Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto recipe. Enjoy the process of experimenting and discovering your favorite combinations!
Equipment used in making the Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto recipe
vegetable spiral slicer
Paderno Tri-Blade Vegetable Spiral Slicer
Storage for the Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto
Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto is best enjoyed fresh, as both cucumbers and basil tend to lose their crispness and vibrant flavors over time. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To store the dish properly, transfer the cucumber noodles and basil pesto to separate airtight containers. The cucumber noodles can be kept in a sealed container or a resealable bag, while the pesto should be stored in a separate container with a layer of olive oil on top to help preserve its freshness.
When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, give the cucumber noodles a quick toss to ensure they're well coated with the pesto before serving. Keep in mind that the texture of the cucumbers may soften slightly during storage, so the dish might not be as crunchy as when it was freshly made.
For the best taste and texture, it's recommended to consume Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto soon after preparing it. This way, you can savor the vibrant flavors and crispness that make this dish so delightful.
Top tips for making the Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto recipe
When making Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto, here are some top tips to keep in mind for a successful and delicious dish:
- Choose firm and fresh cucumbers: Select cucumbers that are firm and free from soft spots or wrinkling. Fresh cucumbers will have a vibrant green color and a crisp texture, which is essential for creating the best cucumber noodles.
- Remove excess moisture: Cucumbers have a high water content, which can make the dish watery if not addressed. After spiralizing or julienning the cucumbers, sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and let them sit in a colander for 10-15 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture. Afterward, gently squeeze the cucumber noodles to remove any remaining liquid before tossing them with the pesto.
- Use fresh and fragrant basil: Opt for fresh basil leaves that are vibrant green and aromatic. Avoid wilted or discolored leaves, as they won't provide the same burst of flavor. You can even grow your own basil at home for a readily available supply.
- Toast the nuts or seeds: If using pine nuts or any other nuts or seeds in the pesto, consider toasting them lightly in a dry skillet before blending. Toasting enhances their natural flavors and adds a pleasant nuttiness to the pesto.
- Adjust the pesto consistency: Depending on personal preference, you can adjust the consistency of the basil pesto. For a thicker pesto, use less olive oil, while adding more oil will result in a smoother and more liquid consistency. Find the balance that suits your taste and desired texture.
- Toss just before serving: To maintain the freshness and vibrant colors, toss the cucumber noodles with the basil pesto just before serving. This will ensure the noodles remain crisp and the pesto retains its bright flavors.
- Garnish with additional ingredients: Enhance the visual appeal and flavors of the dish by garnishing with extra ingredients. Consider adding cherry tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for an added touch.
With these tips in mind, you're ready to create a refreshing and flavorful Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto dish. Enjoy the delightful combination of crisp cucumber noodles and aromatic pesto, and savor the freshness of summer in every bite!
Related
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Pairing
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Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that combines the crispness of cucumbers with the vibrant flavors of fresh basil pesto. In this blog post, we explore the delightful world of Cucumber Noodles with Fresh Basil Pesto—a dish that is not only refreshing and healthy but also bursting with incredible taste. Say goodbye to traditional pasta and embrace the lightness and creativity of this unique twist on noodles. Let's dive in and discover the simplicity, beauty, and incredible flavors of this dish.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh basil, loosely packed
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
2 – 4 garlic cloves, peeled (amount based on personal taste and strength of garlic variety used).
⅔ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
⅓ cup plus 2 tablespoons really good extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Remove basil leaves from stems, then wash and pat dry. Add basil, pine nuts, peeled garlic gloves and Parmesan cheese to food processor or blender. Quickly pulse until barely combined, then add ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil and blend thoroughly.
Add remaining olive oil and/or additional grated Parmesan cheese to achieve the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Notes
Fresh Basil Pesto recipe > https://wellnesssleuth.com/fresh-basil-pesto-bowl/
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
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