Zucchini "Pasta" with Sardines, Pecorino, Lemon Zest & Basil

YKGrub · Aug 2026 · Serves 2 · ~15 min · Stovetop

Ingredients

• 3–4 zucchini
• 1 tin sardines in olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, smashed
• Pinch of chili flakes
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh basil, torn
• Pecorino, grated (light amount)

Method

1. Ribbon the zucchini

Spiralize or peel zucchini into ribbons ("pasta").

2. Warm the sardines

Warm the tinned sardines in their olive oil in a pan with the smashed garlic clove and a pinch of chili flakes.

3. Toss

Off the heat, toss in the raw zucchini ribbons so they just barely soften.

4. Finish

Finish with lemon zest, torn basil, and a light grating of pecorino.

Tips

• ~370 cal / 26g protein per serving
• Sardines are one of the best omega-3 sources in rotation; keep pecorino light for RF's LDL