Trapanese Pesto Pasta & Zoodles with Salmon

(2)

Trapanese pesto is the Sicilian version of the sauce that uses tomatoes and almonds instead of pine nuts. This savory pesto sauce coats low-carb zucchini noodles and heart-healthy seared salmon to create an absolutely delicious pasta dinner.

6352782.jpg
Prep Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
9 cups
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 2 zucchini (1 3/4 lbs. total)

  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided

  • ½ cup raw whole almonds, toasted

  • 1 pound grape tomatoes (3 cups)

  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves plus 1/4 cup chopped, divided

  • 2-4 cloves garlic

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

  • 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti

  • 1 pound skinless salmon fillets (about 4 fillets), patted dry

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, plus more for garnish

  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (Optional)

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cut zucchini into long thin strips with a spiralizer or vegetable peeler. Place in a colander set over a large bowl. Toss with 1/4 tsp. salt and let drain for 15 to 20 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, pulse almonds in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Add tomatoes, 1 cup basil leaves, garlic, and crushed red pepper; pulse until coarsely chopped. Add 2 Tbsp. oil and 1/2 tsp. salt and pulse until combined; set aside.

  3. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Gently squeeze the zucchini to remove excess water; add to the bowl with the spaghetti.

  4. Heat the remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season salmon with pepper and the remaining 1/4 tsp. salt. Add the salmon to the pan; cook until the underside is golden and crispy, about 4 minutes. Flip the salmon and cook until it flakes when nudged with a fork, 2 to 4 minutes more. Transfer to a plate and use a fork to gently flake it apart.

  5. Add the pesto to the spaghetti mixture; toss to coat. Gently stir in the salmon. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Garnish with Parmesan and additional pepper, if desired.

Originally appeared: Diabetic Living Magazine, Spring 2019

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

450 Calories
24g Fat
41g Carbs
26g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 1/2 cups
Calories 450
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 41g 15%
Dietary Fiber 7g 25%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 26g 52%
Total Fat 24g 30%
Saturated Fat 4g 19%
Cholesterol 42mg 14%
Vitamin A 1354IU 27%
Vitamin C 37mg 41%
Folate 84mcg 21%
Sodium 459mg 20%
Calcium 84mg 6%
Iron 3mg 17%
Magnesium 99mg 23%
Potassium 816mg 17%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Related Articles