As the world becomes increasingly health-conscious, people are starting to pay closer attention to the nutritional content of their favorite foods. One popular dish that has gained significant attention in recent years is Noodles and Company’s zucchini pesto. This flavorful and refreshing meal has captured the hearts of many, but have you ever wondered how many calories are in Noodles and Company’s zucchini pesto?
Understanding the Nutritional Breakdown of Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto
To answer this question, let’s first take a closer look at the nutritional breakdown of Noodles and Company’s zucchini pesto. According to the company’s website, a small serving of zucchini pesto contains approximately 340 calories. However, this number can vary depending on the size of the serving and any customizations or add-ons.
Macronutrient Breakdown
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the macronutrients found in Noodles and Company’s zucchini pesto:
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
Customization Options and Their Impact on Nutrition
One of the best things about Noodles and Company is the ability to customize your meal to suit your dietary needs and preferences. However, these customizations can also impact the nutritional content of your meal. For example, adding protein sources like chicken or tofu can increase the calorie and protein content of your meal, while adding extra vegetables can increase the fiber and vitamin content.
Some popular customization options for Noodles and Company’s zucchini pesto include:
- Adding grilled chicken: +140 calories, +25g protein
- Adding tofu: +100 calories, +10g protein
- Adding extra vegetables: +20-50 calories, +2-5g fiber
The Benefits of Zucchini Pesto
While the calorie content of Noodles and Company’s zucchini pesto may be a concern for some, this dish also offers several nutritional benefits. Here are a few reasons why zucchini pesto can be a healthy addition to your diet:
- High in Vitamins and Minerals: Zucchini is a rich source of vitamins C and K, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese.
- Low in Calories: Compared to other pasta dishes, zucchini pesto is relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those watching their weight.
- Good Source of Fiber: Zucchini is a good source of dietary fiber, which can help promote digestive health and support healthy blood sugar levels.
The Importance of Portion Control
While Noodles and Company’s zucchini pesto can be a healthy addition to your diet, it’s essential to keep portion sizes in check. Consuming large portions can lead to an excessive intake of calories, fat, and sodium.
To put this into perspective, here is the nutritional breakdown of Noodles and Company’s zucchini pesto by serving size:
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| Small | 340 | 17g | 22g | 24g |
| Medium | 440 | 22g | 29g | 31g |
| Large | 540 | 27g | 36g | 38g |
Tips for Making a Healthier Zucchini Pesto
If you’re looking to make a healthier version of Noodles and Company’s zucchini pesto, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use whole wheat noodles instead of traditional white noodles
- Load up on extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes and spinach
- Opt for lean protein sources like chicken or tofu
- Go easy on the cheese and sauce
Conclusion
In conclusion, Noodles and Company’s zucchini pesto is a nutritious and delicious meal option that can be a great addition to a healthy diet. While the calorie content may be a concern for some, this dish also offers several nutritional benefits, including high levels of vitamins and minerals, low calorie count, and a good source of fiber. By keeping portion sizes in check and customizing your meal with healthier options, you can enjoy a guilt-free and satisfying meal.
So the next time you’re in the mood for a tasty and healthy meal, consider giving Noodles and Company’s zucchini pesto a try. Your taste buds and body will thank you!
What is Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto?
Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto is a popular menu item that combines the freshness of zucchini with the richness of pesto sauce. This dish is made with zucchini noodles, basil pesto sauce, and a blend of parmesan and romano cheese. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional pasta dishes and is also vegetarian-friendly.
The zucchini noodles used in this dish are made from fresh zucchini that has been spiralized into noodle-like strands. The basil pesto sauce is made with fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil, giving it a rich and creamy flavor. The parmesan and romano cheese add a salty and nutty flavor to the dish, balancing out the freshness of the zucchini.
What are the nutritional benefits of Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto?
Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto is a nutritious and healthy menu option. One serving of this dish contains only 340 calories, making it a great option for those looking to manage their weight. It’s also low in fat, with only 12g of fat per serving. The dish is also a good source of protein, containing 15g of protein per serving.
In addition to being low in calories and fat, Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto is also rich in vitamins and minerals. The zucchini noodles are a good source of vitamin C and potassium, while the basil pesto sauce is rich in vitamin K and antioxidants. The parmesan and romano cheese add a boost of calcium to the dish, making it a great option for those looking to support bone health.
Is Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto gluten-free?
Yes, Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto is a gluten-free menu option. The zucchini noodles used in this dish are made from fresh zucchini and do not contain any gluten. The basil pesto sauce is also gluten-free, making this dish a great option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
However, it’s worth noting that Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto is prepared in a kitchen that also handles gluten-containing ingredients. Therefore, there is a risk of cross-contamination with gluten. If you have a severe gluten intolerance or sensitivity, it’s best to inform your server of your dietary needs and ask for the dish to be prepared in a way that minimizes the risk of cross-contamination.
Can I customize Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto to suit my dietary needs?
Yes, Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto can be customized to suit your dietary needs. If you’re looking to reduce the calorie or fat content of the dish, you can ask for less cheese or pesto sauce. If you’re looking to add more protein to the dish, you can ask for grilled chicken or tofu to be added.
You can also customize the dish to suit your flavor preferences. If you prefer a lighter flavor, you can ask for less garlic or basil in the pesto sauce. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can ask for red pepper flakes to be added to the dish. Don’t be afraid to ask your server for modifications to suit your taste preferences.
How does Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto compare to other menu options in terms of nutrition?
Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto is one of the healthiest menu options available at the restaurant. Compared to other menu options, it’s lower in calories, fat, and sodium. It’s also higher in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and balanced meal option.
In comparison to other noodle dishes on the menu, Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto is a much healthier option. It’s lower in calories and fat, and higher in vitamins and minerals. It’s also a great option for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake, as the zucchini noodles are lower in carbs than traditional noodles.
Can I make a version of Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto at home?
Yes, you can make a version of Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto at home. To make the dish, you’ll need to spiralize fresh zucchini into noodle-like strands. You can then make a homemade basil pesto sauce using fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil.
To make the dish more authentic, you can use a combination of parmesan and romano cheese, just like Noodles and Company does. You can also add grilled chicken or tofu to the dish to increase the protein content. Simply sauté the zucchini noodles in a pan with some olive oil, then top with the pesto sauce and cheese.
Is Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto a good option for vegetarians and vegans?
Noodles and Company’s Zucchini Pesto is a great option for vegetarians, as it’s free from meat and animal by-products. However, it’s not suitable for vegans, as it contains parmesan and romano cheese, which are animal products.
If you’re a vegan, you can ask for the cheese to be omitted from the dish, or you can ask for a vegan alternative to be used instead. Noodles and Company also offers a vegan pesto sauce option, which is made with plant-based ingredients. Simply ask your server for the vegan option to be used in place of the traditional pesto sauce.