These heirloom tomato, basil & balsamic zucchini noodles showcase summer's finest, fresh-picked produce. Zucchini is spiralized into long, curly noodles; heirloom tomatoes are diced into tender, juicy cubes; and basil is shredded into small, green ribbons. A bright and zesty vinaigrette of lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic is whisked together and massaged into the noodles. Then, balsamic reduction is gently drizzled over the hearty bed of vegetable pasta.
Heirloom tomatoes? Balsamic reduction? Basil? After posting this recipe last week, it's feeling a bit like déjà vu today.
Sweet summer déjà vu that is.
I've always been amazed by dishes that seem overly simplified at first glance but are full of flavor because each ingredient is used at the peak of its season. Late summer offers the best of so many fruits and veggies that it's hard to resist repeat-ingredient offenses. Especially when perfect tomatoes have such a short season and there are zucchini the size of my head for less than a dollar at my favorite farmers market.
This is a dish that props the flavors of each vegetable up on a pedestal instead of hiding them away beneath a hefty sauce. I've been enjoying it for lunch over the past few weeks with tomatoes, zucchini, and basil from our urban garden and local farmers markets.
Although I'm naturally prone to sleepiness in the afternoon, I've discovered that vegetable noodles bring my energy up rather than down when I eat them for lunch, and this pasta dish is no exception to that rule. It's filling in a light and energizing way rather than a I-need-a-nap way.
Zucchini is spiralized into long, curly noodles; heirloom tomatoes are diced into tender, juicy cubes; and basil is shredded into small, green ribbons. A bright and zesty vinaigrette of lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic is whisked together and massaged into the noodles. Then, balsamic reduction is gently drizzled over the hearty bed of vegetable pasta.
Heirloom Tomato, Basil & Balsamic Zucchini Pasta
Ingredients
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar *
- 1 large zucchini
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon fine grain sea salt, plus more for seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 small heirloom tomatoes, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Reduce the balsamic vinegar by adding it to a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until reduced by half. You'll know it's ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
- Spiralize your zucchini to make noodles or use a vegetable peeler to create "ribbons" of zucchini. Add the zucchini noodles to a large bowl.
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the zucchini and massage it into the noodles for 1 minute. Transfer the noodles to a serving bowl.
- Top the noodles with the diced heirloom tomatoes and basil. Drizzle with the balsamic reduction and sprinkle with more sea salt, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
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I *need* to get a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles! My mouth is watering at the thought of eating this. YUM!
Meredith, you have to get a spiralizer! It's my second favorite kitchen tool after a food processor. I use it nearly every day in the summer to spiralize veggies, and it's seriously amazing. It makes eating vegetables that much more fun :)
Ahhh, now I know what to do with those beautiful zucchini's my client gave me! Can't wait to try this.
Perfect solution! I hope you enjoy it!
Thank you for the beautiful pictures and wonderful inspiration. I recently got a Slicely spiralizer as a gift and loving it.
Never been eating more zucchini, and that's a good thing. Paired with tomatoes, simply delicious! Can't wait to try.
Could you make the balsamic reduction in the microwave rather than on the stove top?
Hi Amber! Im not sure it would work in the microwave. I have a feeling it would probably overheat and burn rather easily. I would stick to the stove if you have the time. I hope this helps!
I just bought a Spiralizer and I'm so excited to try different recipes, especially this one! :)
A spiralizer is one of my most-used kitchen tools; I think you'll find it particularly useful for summer cooking. I hope you enjoy this recipe, Amanda!
Where can I find a spirilizer?
Hi, Nancy! I love the Paderno spiralizer. You can find a link to it on my shop page.