Lemon Basil Zoodles with Ricotta & Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
This Lemon Basil Zoodle dish with creamy ricotta and roasted cherry tomatoes is a low-carb, vegetarian, and diabetes-friendly meal perfect for warm weather. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with Mediterranean flavours, ideal for a quick lunch or healthy dinner.
Servings:
Why Diabetes Friendly?
- Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles): Low in carbs and high in fiber, making them a smart substitute for pasta.
- No Added Sugars or Refined Carbs: Entirely free from high-glycemic ingredients.
- Part-Skim Ricotta: Provides protein and calcium without excess fat.
- Healthy Fats: A small amount of olive oil supports heart health and satiety.
- Tomatoes & Basil: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene and flavonoids, beneficial for inflammation and blood sugar balance.
- Lemon Juice & Zest: Enhance flavour without sodium or sugar, helping reduce the need for extra salt or sauces.
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Equipment
- Spiralizer ((or use pre-spiralized zoodles))
- Baking sheet
- Medium Skillet ( or sauté pan)
- mixing bowls
- Zester (or microplane)
Ingredients
Zoodles & Tomatoes
- zucchini (spiralized into noodles) 2 medium
- olive oil (for zoodles) 1 tsp
- cherry tomatoes ½ cup
- olive oil (for tomatoes) ½ tsp
- black pepper (or to taste) 1 pinch
- chili flakes (optional) 1 pinch
Lemon Basil Ricotta Sauce:
- ricotta cheese (part-skim) ⅓ cup
- lemon zest 2 tsp
- lemon juice 1 tbsp
- basil (fresh, chopped) 1 tbsp
- garlic (finely grated) ½ clove
- black pepper (or to taste) 1 pinch
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Cooking Tips
- Don't overcook zoodles: Sauté just until tender to prevent them from becoming watery.
- Use a good quality ricotta: It makes a big difference in creaminess and flavour.
- Add protein: For a more filling meal, consider adding grilled tofu, chickpeas, or even a poached egg on top.
- Zest first, then juice: Always zest your lemon before juicing to avoid a slippery mess.
- Customize the heat: Omit chili flakes for mild flavour or add more for extra kick.
- Blister tomatoes ahead: They can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss whole cherry tomatoes with ½ tsp olive oil, black pepper, and optional chili flakes.½ cup cherry tomatoes, ½ tsp olive oil, 1 pinch black pepper, 1 pinch chili flakes
- Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, shaking the pan once halfway through, until skins are blistered and lightly shriveled but tomatoes are still plump. Let cool slightly.
- Bring a medium pan to medium heat. Add 1 tsp olive oil and toss in the zoodles with a little black pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still holding their shape. Turn off heat.1 tsp olive oil, 2 medium zucchini
- In a bowl, stir together ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, basil, garlic, and black pepper until smooth. Add a small splash of warm water if needed to thin it slightly.⅓ cup ricotta cheese, 2 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp basil, ½ clove garlic, 1 pinch black pepper
- Toss warm zoodles with the ricotta sauce until evenly coated. Divide between plates. Top with blistered tomatoes and garnish with extra basil and a twist of lemon zest if desired.
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FAQ
- Can I use store-bought zoodles?
Yes, pre-spiralized zucchini works fine—just pat them dry before sautéing. - Is ricotta okay for people with diabetes?
Yes, especially part-skim ricotta—it’s low in carbs and high in protein. - Can I make this vegan?
Substitute ricotta with a dairy-free alternative like almond-based ricotta or cashew cream. - Are zoodles filling enough for a meal?
They're light but satisfying; for a fuller meal, add protein like grilled chicken, lentils, or eggs. - Can this dish be served cold?
Yes! It works well as a cold or room-temperature salad, especially in summer. - How do I prevent watery zoodles?
Lightly salt and drain them for 10 minutes before cooking, or sauté briefly over high heat.
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Nutrition
Per serving
Calories: 142.8kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2.5g
Sugar: 6.2g
Fat: 9.1g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat:
Protein: 7.5g
Nutrition Facts
Lemon Basil Zoodles with Ricotta & Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Serving Size
2 cups
Amount per Serving
Calories
142.8
% Daily Value*
Fat
9.1
g
14
%
Saturated Fat
4
g
25
%
Cholesterol
21.1
mg
7
%
Sodium
55.8
mg
2
%
Potassium
655.4
mg
19
%
Carbohydrates
10
g
3
%
Fiber
2.5
g
10
%
Sugar
6.2
g
7
%
Protein
7.5
g
15
%
Vitamin C
49.5
mg
60
%
Vitamin D
0.1
µg
1
%
Calcium
127.9
mg
13
%
Iron
1.2
mg
7
%
Magnesium
45
mg
11
%
Zinc
1.2
mg
8
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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