Squash Noodles with Kale Arugula Pesto and Roasted Chickpeas might sound fancy, but I promise they are simple to make. Light, healthy and insanely delicious, this vegan and gluten free dish is packed with vegetables and tons of flavor!
Summer has begun and as much as I love making healthy meals- I wish I could make them all the time, I barely have time to cook anything.
This is when I have to get creative and prepare healthy meals that still taste delicious but most importantly, don't take too long to prepare.
If you are looking for more healthy, easy to make meals you will love this Zucchini Ravioli, Eggplant Parmesan and Instant Pot Chicken Tacos!
These squash noodles would be extra delicious with some Apple Chai Latte, Eggnog Latte, Low Carb Bulletproof Hot Chocolate or even some Spiked Apple Cider!
Also, my cookbooks are both on sale now and would make a great gift! The Everything Wheat Free Diet Cookbook and The Greek Yogurt Cookbook are both the lowest prices I have seen!
Why You Should Make These Squash Noodles
I spiralized some squash and decided to make something different, trying to mix up my dinner routine. Spiralizing veggies is a fun way to add some vitamins and nutrients.
I wanted to make something clean, healthy with all fresh ingredients. And the more vegetables the better for added nutrition.
Then I realized, I've been on a roasted chickpea kick, so why not add some of those? As much as we love meat and animal protein, I like to make some meatless, plant based meals that also contain a good amount of protein and fiber.
Recipe Tips
And for all of you non-vegans out there, I used nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese (or asiago) but you can easily substitute your beloved cheese of you'd like. Nutritional yeast is indeed a type of yeast that is packed with B-vitamins, folic acid, selenium, zinc, and protein.
I like it for its cheesy taste and for the fact that its vegan. Try it! It's a fantastic plant-based alternative to cheese.
If you love cheese (I get it!) go ahead and add your favorite cheese to the finished squash noodles. In accordance with that, you can also add some grilled chicken, shrimp or steak for even more protein!
Related Recipes
Zucchini Noodles with Sundried Tomato Pesto
Please feel free to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram! Thanks for stopping by!
Squash Noodles with Kale Arugula Pesto and Roasted Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 2 large yellow squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 15 ounce can chickpeas rinsed and drained
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- Pesto:
- ⅓ cup walnuts
- ¾ cup kale
- ¾ cup arugula
- ½ cup fresh basil
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ lemon juiced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- After the chickpeas are rinsed, drained and thoroughly patted dry, place in a medium bowl.
- Remove any excess "skins" by picking through with your hands.
- Add the salt and garlic and stir well.
- Lay in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes.
- Shake the pan to mix up chickpeas.
- Add tomatoes, stir and place back in the oven for 10-12 minutes.
- Place roasted chickpeas/tomatoes on parchment paper and allow them to dry.
- Place squash into the spiralizer or use a peeler and create long strips.
- Heat oil into a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add squash and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Place the ingredients for pesto in a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth.
- Make sure to scrape down the sides of the blender to incorporate all of the mixture.
- Place pesto and roasted chickpeas onto of zucchini noodles and serve immediately.
Lisalia
I love ALL the new ways to try protein in my meals. This was an absolutely delicious vegan dish. I ate it as-is, and my husband added in shredded rotisserie chicken. So it worked perfectly for ALL family members. Thanks for always having the BEST and most nourishing and delicious recipes Lauren!!
Beth
These noodles are incredible and so tasty. One of mine and my hubby's favorite recipes. I'm excited to make this recipe again! Such a huge hit here and will definitely be remade!
Yum Girl
Welcome to Yum Goggle! We are following you on all your social media Platforms and hope you will follow us back. We will do our best to tag you each time we promote your posts. Kelli at YG!
lauren.kelly
Thanks so much Kelli!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed
I could take a big plate of this for dinner, it looks amazing!!!
lauren.kelly
Thank you Megan!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife
I always wish that I was more organized when it comes to making dinner. I'm glad I'm not alone! Love these noodles!
lauren.kelly
You definitely are not alone Angie!
ashley - baker by nature
Yum!
lauren.kelly
🙂
kellie+@+The+Suburban+Soapbox
Oh my, that is my kind of bowl of happiness! LOVE the noodles!
lauren.kelly
Thanks Kellie!!
Brenda@SugarfreeMom
This looks like a bowl full of comfort! Love the roasted tomatoes in there too!
lauren.kelly
Thank you Brenda!
Karyn @ Pint Sized Baker
What a quick and easy dinner to serve when you're short on time. We love zoodles served with pesto, but this sounds like a great new way to enjoy them!
lauren.kelly
Thanks Karyn!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet
This looks wonderful and I love the roasted chickpea-tomato combo!
lauren.kelly
It's SO good Kimberly!
Kim Beaulieu
I love this recipe Lauren. It looks so full of flavour. I could eat these all day long. I need to eat more chickpeas.
lauren.kelly
Thanks Kim!
The Food Hunter
I love how healthy and hearty this is.
lauren.kelly
Thank you Theresa!
Liz
Perfect for my lunches! I'd pick this over oatmeal every time!!
lauren.kelly
Aw thank you Liz! I wish I could cook for you! And I wish my kids would eat what I make 🙂
Christina | Christina's Cucina
So much flavor going on in this dish! So pretty (and nutritious), too!
lauren.kelly
Thanks Christina!
Kristen @A Mind Full MOm
If I made this, only Layla and I would eat it. But I am good with Tate and Garrett can eat oatmeal every night. I want to dive into this bowl!!
lauren.kelly
It's delicious Kristen, I know for sure you would love it 🙂