Creamy Zucchini Pesto Spread
This luscious Creamy Zucchini Pesto Spread combines the subtle sweetness of fresh zucchini with the vibrant flavors of parsley and garlic. Perfectly balanced with a hint of acidity from red wine vinegar and the nuttiness of roasted pecans, this spread is a versatile delight! Serve it with crispy crackers, fresh veggie sticks, or warm rounds of French bread for a tantalizing appetizer or party dip. This recipe is not only delicious but also low-fat and low-cholesterol, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious gatherings.
8
Servings
25
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
3 1/2 cups (unpeeled, shredded (equiv. to 1 pound))
Fresh parsley
1/4 cup (finely snipped)
Red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
Garlic
1 medium clove (minced)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Black pepper
to taste
Pecans
2 tablespoons (finely chopped, dry roasted)
Instructions
1
Begin by shredding the zucchini and squeezing it to remove excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
2
In a food processor, combine the drained zucchini, finely snipped parsley, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
3
Blend the mixture until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure even blending.
4
Transfer the creamy mixture into a serving bowl and gently fold in the finely chopped roasted pecans for added crunch and flavor.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or an airtight lid, and refrigerate the spread for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6
Serve chilled or at room temperature with your choice of crackers, veggie sticks, or fresh French bread rounds.
Nutrition Information
1.25g
Fat
3.25g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Zucchini Pesto Spread?
It is a luscious spread that combines the subtle sweetness of fresh zucchini with vibrant flavors of parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, and roasted pecans.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of the spread?
Each serving contains 25 calories.
Is the Creamy Zucchini Pesto Spread suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 1.25g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 3.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the zucchini pesto spread?
Each serving provides 0.5g of protein.
What are the primary ingredients in this spread?
The main ingredients are zucchini, fresh parsley, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, and roasted pecans.
Do I need to peel the zucchini for this recipe?
No, the recipe calls for 3 1/2 cups of unpeeled, shredded zucchini.
How should I prepare the zucchini before blending?
Shred the zucchini and squeeze it using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency for the base?
Combine the drained zucchini, parsley, vinegar, oil, garlic, and seasonings in a food processor and blend until smooth.
When should I add the pecans to the mixture?
The pecans should be gently folded into the creamy mixture after it has been blended and transferred to a serving bowl.
Should the pecans be raw or roasted?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of finely chopped, dry roasted pecans.
How long does the spread need to be refrigerated?
It should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the best way to serve this zucchini spread?
Serve it chilled or at room temperature with crispy crackers, fresh veggie sticks, or warm rounds of French bread.
Is this recipe low in cholesterol?
Yes, it is described as a low-cholesterol choice ideal for health-conscious gatherings.
What type of vinegar is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
What kind of oil is recommended for this spread?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
It requires 1 medium clove of garlic, minced.
Is this spread considered low-fat?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a low-fat appetizer.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of fresh, finely snipped parsley for the best flavor.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 8 ingredients in total.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized under Spreads.
Is this a good recipe for a party?
Yes, it is tagged as party food and described as an ideal appetizer for gatherings.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Does this recipe include any added sugar?
No added sugar is listed in the ingredients or nutritional data.
What weight of zucchini is equivalent to the 3 1/2 cups required?
3 1/2 cups of shredded zucchini is approximately equivalent to 1 pound.
Should the spread be covered in the fridge?
Yes, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or an airtight lid while refrigerating.
Can I adjust the black pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding black pepper to taste.
What provides the 'crunch' in this creamy spread?
The finely chopped roasted pecans provide added crunch and flavor.