Lemon garlic zucchini noodle pasta with toasted seeded "bread crumbs"
In this post, I’m diving deep into a refreshing, light and super nutritious “pasta” dish that's perfect for spring and summer.
Made with zucchini noodles and seasoned with lemon, garlic, and a crunchy seeded "bread crumb" mixture, this dish is loaded with flavor, packed with health benefits, and just all-around good for you.
Keep scrolling to learn more about the health benefits, how to recreate it at home and suggestions for adjustments based on your tastes, dietary needs, or what you have on-hand.
Or just head to the bottom of the post to check out the full recipe.
Health Perks
Nutrient-rich. This dish is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients. Zucchini noodles are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. The nutty seed crumbs, made with sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, and nutritional yeast, provide a good amount of healthy fats, plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Nutritional yeast, in particular, is a good source of vitamin B12, which is important for anyone following a plant-based diet.
Low in carbohydrates, gluten-free and has a grain-free option. A great meal for anyone looking for a low-carb or gluten-free pasta alternative. By using zucchini noodles instead of traditional wheat-based pasta, you can reduce your carbohydrate intake and enjoy a lighter, lower-calorie meal. Additionally, the use of gluten-free bread crumbs in the nutty seed crumbs makes this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. You can make it entirely grain-free as well by omitting the bread crumbs.
High in fiber. Zucchini noodles and the nutty seed crumbs lend this meal a ton of fiber, which is necessary for digestive health since it helps to promote regular bowel movements. It can also aid in weight management (or loss) by helping you feel fuller for longer.
Antioxidant-rich: Lemon and garlic are both rich in antioxidants, which are beneficial for overall health as they help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress.
Versatile and customizable. The most important aspect of any dish, if you ask me. You can customize this meal to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Other Thoughts, Tips and Suggestions
Adjust lemon and garlic: The amount of lemon and garlic can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a more tangy flavor, you can add extra lemon juice or zest. If you love garlic, you can add more cloves or increase the amount of minced garlic in the dish. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
Toast the nutty seed crumbs: Toasting the nutty seed crumbs in a pan for a minute before adding them to the dish can enhance their flavor and add a crunchy texture. Be sure to keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
Grain-free optional. You can leave out the bread crumbs for an entirely grain-free meal.
Experiment with seed varieties: The “nutty” seed crumbs can be customized by experimenting with different types of seeds. You can try using pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or even chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to add different flavors and textures to the dish.
Add fresh herbs: Fresh herbs can add an extra layer of flavor to your meal. You can try adding chopped fresh basil, parsley, or cilantro for a burst of freshness and aroma. Simply toss them in with the zucchini noodles and nutty seed crumbs before serving.
Incorporate veggies: You can add more veggies to boost the meal’s nutritional content. Sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers would be great additions.
Play with seasonings. Feel free to experiment with other seasonings to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist. Don't be afraid to get creative with your favorite herbs and spices.
Try different pasta alternatives: Not into or don’t have zucchini? Try other vegetable noodles. Carrots, sweet potato, butternut squash or hearts of palm are all great noodle options, if you want to switch things up and add variety to your dish.
Meal prep option: This dish can also be made ahead of time for meal prep. You can prepare the zucchini noodles, nutty seed crumbs, and lemon garlic sauce separately, and then assemble them when ready to serve. This can be a convenient option for busy weekdays or when you want a quick and easy meal.
Repurpose nutty seed crumbs: The recipe will yield far more than you need for this dish. Store in an airtight container in your pantry, and use for pastas, or to top salads, popcorns, or open face toasts such as avocado or hummus with vegetables.
Tools I Used (And Love)
Ensure you have everything you need to prepare your dishes before you set out to make them. And if you don’t, these are the exact tools I used and loved that I know you will too!
Check out the full recipe below. Hope you love it as much as I do!
Lemon Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Seeded “Bread Crumbs”
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes Yields: 2 servings
Ingredients:
(For zucchini pasta):
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil (or a splash of vegetable broth)
2 large zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
2 garlic gloves, minced
1 lemon, zest and juice
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt, to taste
(For the nutty seed crumbs)
4 tbsp sunflower seeds
2 tbsp ground flax seeds
3 tbsp hemp seeds
3 tbsp chia seeds
3 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp celtic salt
1/4 tsp ground turmeric powder
1-2 tbsp gluten-free bread crumbs
Directions
Spiralize your zucchini using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler. Place zucchini noodles into a large bowl and set aside.
Prepare your nutty seed crumbs. Combine all ingredients (except bread crumbs) into a food processor and pulse until you reach a parmesan-like consistency.
Toast your nutty seed crumbs. Transfer nutty seed crumbs to a medium frying pan over a low to medium heat. “Toast” seeds for 1-2 minutes, then remove from pan (transfer to small bowl or air tight container) being careful not to burn them.
Cook your noodles. In the same frying pan used for toasting the seeds, heat a little bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the zucchini noodles and oregano, and toss them with the garlic and olive oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the zucchini noodles are just tender but still have a slight crunch. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can turn mushy quickly. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest. Season with salt to taste.
Serve. Transfer the lemon garlic zucchini noodles to a bowl. Sprinkle the nutty seed crumbs generously over the top of the noodles, adding a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to the dish. You can also garnish with additional lemon zest and chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for added freshness and color.
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