Fresh, Green & Gut-Friendly: Zucchini Pasta with Pea Pesto
Spring is so close, and I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for fresh, vibrant flavors!
This Zucchini Pasta with Pea Pesto is the perfect way to bring a little sunshine to your plate while giving your gut some serious love.
This dish is light, nutrient-packed, and bursting with flavor—exactly what your digestion craves. Peas are a powerful prebiotic, meaning they feed the good bacteria in your gut (hello, happy microbiome!), while zucchini adds fiber and hydration to support smooth digestion.
Whether you’re easing into healthier eating, looking for a gut-friendly perimenopause meal, or just craving something fresh and green, this easy, 15-minute recipe is about to become a new favorite.
Why This Recipe is a Gut-Health Superstar
🥒 Zucchini: Light, hydrating, and rich in fiber to support digestion
🌱 Peas: Prebiotic-rich and packed with gut-loving nutrients
🧄 Garlic: A natural prebiotic that helps good gut bacteria thrive
🌿 Basil & Lemon: Anti-inflammatory, digestion-boosting powerhouses
🥜 Nuts (or seeds!): Healthy fats for hormone balance
Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free (if needed), and 100% delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Zucchini Pasta with Pea Pesto Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pea Pesto:
✅ 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
✅ 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
✅ 1 clove garlic, minced
✅ 1/4 cup nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds) or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option
✅ Juice of 1/2 lemon
✅ 1/4 cup olive oil
✅ 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option)
✅ Salt & pepper to taste
For the Zucchini Pasta:
✅ 2 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles (or use a veggie peeler for ribbons)
✅ 1 tbsp olive oil
✅ 1/4 tsp sea salt
✅ Optional: cherry tomatoes, extra peas, or grilled chicken/shrimp for protein
How to Make It:
1️⃣ Blend the Pea Pesto: In a food processor or blender, combine peas, basil, garlic, nuts, lemon juice, olive oil, and Parmesan. Blend until smooth. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
2️⃣ Prep the Zucchini Noodles: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender (don’t overcook—they should stay slightly crisp!).
3️⃣ Toss & Serve: Remove from heat and toss with the pea pesto. Top with extra Parmesan, a squeeze of lemon, and any add-ons you love.
4️⃣ Enjoy immediately!
Make It Your Own:
✔ Need more protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
✔ No spiralizer? Use a vegetable peeler to make zucchini ribbons.
✔ Want it warm & cozy? Swap zucchini noodles for gluten-free pasta.
✔ Nut-free? Use sunflower seeds instead of nuts.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Midlife Wellness
🌿 Supports gut health: Prebiotic-rich peas + fiber-packed zucchini = a happy gut
💪 Hormone-friendly: Healthy fats + plant-based fiber help balance hormones
✨ Easy & fast: Ready in 15 minutes or less
🌞 Light but satisfying: Perfect for a spring reset without feeling heavy
Gut health and hormone balance have never tasted so good!
📌 Save this recipe & grab more gut-friendly meal ideas in my Midlife Nutrition Guide!
