Zucchini Noodle Recipe (2024)

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5 from 1 vote

10 minutes minutes

by Marly

Updated 3/19/24

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Dive into a delicious bowl of zucchini noodles with this helpful guide! Whether you’re craving a low-carb pasta alternative or simply want more veggies into your diet, these zucchini noodles (zoodles) are a game-changer. Get ready to spiralize, sauté, and savor the flavors of this versatile dish!

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As a plant-based food enthusiast, I adore this zucchini noodle recipe because it offers endless possibilities for creativity in the kitchen. From vibrant salads to hearty pasta dishes, zoodles add a nutritious twist to any meal.

Can you buy zucchini noodles? Absolutely! Many grocery stores offer fresh zoodles in the produce section. However, it’s much more cost-effective to make them yourself!

That’s what this handy guide is all about!

Table of Contents show

Key Ingredients

You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe, including substitution ideas:

Zucchinis: Look for firm zucchinis with smooth skin. Substitution: Yellow squash can be used as an alternative. Found in the produce section of your grocery store.
Olive Oil: Opt for extra-virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. Substitution: Avocado oil or coconut oil can be used as alternatives. Found in the cooking oils section.
Salt and Pepper: Use fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for optimal seasoning.

Buying Guide: When purchasing zucchinis, choose ones that are uniform in size and free from blemishes. Look for olive oil in glass bottles for better preservation of flavor.

How to Make Zucchini Noodles

Creating zucchini noodles is as easy as 1-2-3!

Start by trimming the ends of the zucchinis and selecting your desired noodle shape.
Then, use a spiralizer or mandolin to transform the zucchinis into noodles.
Finally, cook the noodles using one of three methods: boiling, sautéing, or microwaving.

What Makes This Recipe Shine?

Fresh Flavor: Zucchini noodles infuse every dish with a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor.
Versatility Unleashed: Unlock endless culinary possibilities with these versatile zucchini noodles, perfect for any occasion.
Healthful Twist: Enjoy a guilt-free indulgence with these zucchini noodles, offering a healthy twist on classic pasta dishes.

Frequently-Asked Questions

Can I freeze raw zucchini noodles?

It’s best to blanch the zoodles briefly before freezing to preserve their texture.

What can you make with zucchini noodles?

Zucchini noodles are incredibly versatile and can be used as a substitute for traditional pasta in various dishes. Some popular options include zucchini noodle salads, stir-fries, pasta dishes, and even soups.

Marly’s Tips

For a firmer texture, pat the zucchini noodles dry with a paper towel before cooking.
Experiment with different seasoning blends, such as Italian herbs or garlic powder, to enhance the flavor of your zoodles.

Different Ways to Cook Zucchini Noodles

Boiling: Cook zoodles in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until tender, then drain and rinse.
Sautéing: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add zoodles, and cook for 3 minutes until tender.
Microwaving: Place zoodles in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and microwave for 2-3 minutes until tender.
Roasting: Roast zucchini “lasagna” noodles at 375°F/190°C for 10 minutes until tender.

How to Freeze Zucchini Noodles

To freeze zoodles, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to cool. Pat dry and spread on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Elevate Your Zoodle Experience

Transform your zucchini noodles (zoodles) into culinary gems with these tasty serving suggestions:

Add-ins: Explore adding fresh ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, creamy green goddess avocado, or protein-packed chickpeas to add texture and flavor to your zoodles.
Sauces: Delight your taste buds with savory sauces like tasty vegan chimichurri sauce, classic marinara, fragrant walnut basil pesto, or creamy cashew Alfredo.
Creative Combos: Get inventive! Pair zoodles with roasted vegetables, vegan chickpea meatballs, or grilled tofu for a satisfying meal bursting with flavor and nutrients.
Garnishes: Sprinkle your zoodle creations with toasted nuts, parmesan vegan cheese sprinkles, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.

Storage Tips

Store cooked zucchini noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, spread the noodles on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Vegan Zucchini Recipes

If you love this zucchini squash noodles recipe, here are more zucchini recipe favorites to try:

Vegan Zucchini Boats

40 mins total

Zucchini Lasagna

75 mins total

Vegan Zucchini Pancakes

55 mins total

Healthy Vegan Zucchini Bread

55 mins total

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How to Make Zoodles

These zucchini noodles are light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Whether you're looking for a low-carb pasta alternative or simply want to enjoy the bounty of summer squash, this recipe is sure to please.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 51kcal

Author: Marly McMillen

Ingredients

▢ 2 medium zucchinis washed
▢ 1 teaspoon olive oil
▢ salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Trim the root end and the opposite end of each zucchini.

For Spaghetti Zoodles

Place both ends of the zucchini on a spiralizer with the thin spaghetti attachment. Place a bowl on one end to catch the noodles. Turn the crank to make the zoodles.
Use kitchen sheers to cut the zoodles into smaller pieces.

For Fettuccine Noodles

Use a fettuccine noodle attachment on your spiralizer. If you don't have this blade on your spiralizer, use a mandolin to cut thin slices of the zucchini – lengthwise. Place these slices stacked on a cutting board and cut with a knife. Be sure to use hand protection when handling the mandolin.

For Lasagna Noodles

Use a mandolin slicer on its thinnest setting, and swipe the zucchini a few times to create thin slices of zucchini that can be used in place of lasagna noodles. Be sure to use hand protection when handling the mandolin.

For Boiling Zoodles:

Bring a pot of water to boil. Add the zucchini noodles and cook until barely tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

For Sauteeing Zucchini Noodles:

Heat a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for about 3 minutes, until they are slightly tender and the edges turn a bold green.

For Microwaving Zucchini Noodles:

Get out a microwave-safe bowl and add the zucchini noodles. Cover with a silicone cover and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes (For thicker zucchini noodles I sometimes cook them up to 7 minutes…because I like them tender).
Transfer cooled zoodles in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 or 4 days.

Recommended Equipment

Spiralizer

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Notes

* You can sub ½ teaspoon dried, ground ginger.
** If you have trouble with garlic being too “hot”, remove the center green part of the garlic clove. That can help.

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a rating below then tag @namelymarly on Instagram and hashtag it #namelymarly. I love seeing your creations!