This easy avocado zoodles recipe is a light and fresh salad dish full of vegetables.
Ingredients
20 baby carrots, tops reserved (see note)
1 cup (250ml) extra-virgin olive oil
4 cups baby spinach leaves
1 avocado, chopped
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
40g parmesan cheese, grated
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tbs lemon juice
8 medium zucchinis, cut into spirals (zoodles - see tip)
100g goat's cheese or fetta, crumbled
Method
Preheat oven to 200°C or 180°C fan-forced. Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Toss carrots with 2 tablespoons oil in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Spread over prepared tray and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and tender
Meanwhile, combine spinach, avocado and basil in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until just combined. Add parmesan, garlic and juice and season with salt and pepper. Pulse until combined. With the machine continuously running, add 3/4 cup (185ml) remaining oil in a thin, steady stream, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally, until combined. Taste and season pesto with salt and pepper if desired
Heat remaining oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook zucchini spirals, stirring, for 1-2 minutes or until just tender. Season with salt and pepper. Add roasted carrots and gently toss. Dollop with pesto and sprinkle with cheese and a few sprigs of carrot tops to serve
Tips & Hints
Use a spiralizer available from kitchenware stores to cut zucchini into spirals (zoodles). You can also buy premade zoodles at most supermarkets. Note: To prepare baby carrots, simply scrub them with a scourer (especially near the stem) and trim the green leafy tops.
