Courgetti with vegan pesto- delicious 30 minute meal!

This quick, gluten-free, and completely vegan courgetti dish is a fresh, wholesome alternative to traditional pasta pesto. Light yet satisfying, it swaps out regular pasta for spiralised courgette (zucchini), offering a lower-carb, vegetable-rich option that doesn’t skimp on flavour or texture. The courgette noodles absorb the bold, herby pesto beautifully, creating a vibrant, nourishing meal that’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even as a side dish at a summer gathering.

Not only is this dish incredibly easy to make—it comes together in minutes—but it also caters to a variety of dietary needs without compromising on taste. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free (if made with a seed-based pesto), and packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for anyone following a plant-based, health-conscious lifestyle.

Equipment and preparation: To make this recipe, you’ll need a julienne peeler or spiralizer to create thin, noodle-like strands from the courgettes. No cooking is required for the courgetti itself, making this a fuss-free, minimal-cleanup dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you want something refreshing and light.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• 378 kcal
• 10g protein
• 14g carbohydrate (of which 5g sugars)
• 31g fat (of which 6g saturates)
• 11g fibre
• 0.9g salt

This recipe proves that healthy, plant-based eating can be fast, flavourful, and deeply satisfying—perfect for anyone looking to enjoy more vegetables without giving up comforting, classic dishes like pesto pasta.

A vibrant and nourishing ingredient list for an amazing Courgetti with vegan pesto—a dish that’s as flavourful as it is healthy. Each ingredient has been carefully chosen to complement the others, creating a fresh, herb-packed meal full of colour, texture, and plant-based goodness. From crisp, spiralised courgettes that form the perfect gluten-free alternative to pasta, to the creamy, dairy-free pesto made with fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, and a handful of nuts or seeds, every element works together to create a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for warm-weather meals or quick weeknight dinners.

Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply looking for a healthier twist on a classic, this simple list of ingredients is all you need to make a delicious, wholesome bowl of courgetti that doesn’t compromise on flavour.

Ingredient list for the pesto-
Regarding the pesto
400g of drained tin butter beans
Two fatty cloves of garlic
Ten tomatoes that have been sun-dried
75g (2½oz) of fresh basil, with a few leaves set aside for garnish
Four tablespoons of lemon juice
pinch of chilli flakes
freshly ground black pepper and salt

Ingredient list for the courgette spaghetti;
Six trimmed courgettes, two huge ripe avocados with the skin and seeds removed, and chopped red chilli for garnish
Two tablespoons of virgin olive oil

Step 1
To prepare the vegan pesto, place all of the pesto ingredients into a food processor or high-speed blender, along with 9 tablespoons of water. Blend everything together until you have a rough, textured paste—the kind that clings beautifully to your courgetti noodles. The consistency should be thick but spoonable, with small flecks of herbs and nuts (or seeds) still visible for added texture and flavour.

Step 2
If the mixture feels too thick or isn’t blending smoothly, add an extra tablespoon or two of water, one at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. You want a sauce that coats without being runny. Once blended, taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out the full depth of the basil and garlic. When you’re happy with the flavour, set the pesto aside while you prepare the courgetti.

Step 3
To prepare the courgetti spaghetti, take your fresh courgettes and use a julienne peeler to create long, spaghetti-like strands. Run the peeler lengthwise along each courgette, turning it as needed to peel evenly on all sides. You’ll begin to see delicate ribbons forming—light, crisp, and perfect for soaking up the vibrant pesto. Continue peeling until you reach the soft, seedy core, which you can discard or save for another use like soup or stock.

Step 4
As you go, collect the courgetti strands in a large mixing bowl. This will be the base of your dish, and the fresh courgette ribbons will act just like traditional pasta—only lighter, fresher, and full of natural flavour. Once all the courgettes are prepped, you’re ready to bring everything together.

Step 5
Once your courgette strands are prepared and resting in the mixing bowl, spoon generous dollops of the freshly made vegan pesto over the top. Using tongs or clean hands, gently toss and stir the courgetti, taking care not to break or bruise the delicate strands. Work slowly and thoroughly, making sure each ribbon is evenly coated in the bright green pesto, allowing the flavours to cling to every curve and surface.

Step 6
The courgette will begin to soften slightly as it absorbs the pesto, creating a fresh, fragrant tangle of “spaghetti” that’s bursting with flavour. This step transforms a simple bowl of vegetables into a vibrant, satisfying dish that feels both light and indulgent.

Step 7
To serve, gently pile the pesto-coated courgetti spaghetti onto individual serving plates or shallow bowls, letting the vibrant green strands twist naturally into loose, elegant mounds. Top each portion with chunks of ripe, creamy avocado, adding richness and a smooth contrast to the fresh, crisp courgette. Scatter over a few of the reserved basil leaves for a fragrant herbal lift, and sprinkle with finely chopped red chilli for a pop of colour and a gentle kick of heat—adjust to your taste, depending on how spicy you like it.

Step 8
Finish with a generous drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, which adds a silky finish and enhances the pesto’s flavour. Serve immediately while the courgetti is still crisp and fresh. This dish is not only beautiful to look at but also bursting with vibrant, nourishing ingredients—perfect for a light lunch, elegant starter, or satisfying plant-based dinner.

For more recipes like this delicious Courgetti with vegan pesto, click on this link here!

For more recipes, articles and more like this, click this link here!