12 Must-Try Recipes Made With Zoodles (2024)

Go against the grain and replace standard pasta with this brilliant veggie substitute!

12 Must-Try Recipes Made With Zoodles (1)

Breaking news: two highly acclaimed foods have merged to create a killer combo they call zoodles. If the name has you scratching your head, no worries! They have only recently made their debut, so we understand if it sounds foreign. We’re going to explain what Zoodles are, and then give you 12 must-try recipes made with zoodles!

What are Zoodles?

You may have feasted on zucchini fries or crunched on zucchini chips, but have you twirled your fork in zucchini noodles? This revolutionary fad known as “zoodles” has made its way to dinner plates far and wide. It’s a virtually carb-free and nutrient-dense alternative to regular noodles. With zoodles, you can reduce your starch consumption without sacrificing that mouthwatering, noodley taste.

Zoodles will teleport you to a world where diving into yummy pasta is a guilt-free, low-calorie adventure. Gadgets like spiralizers can crank zucchini into thin, noodle-shaped strands and make this world possible. Check out these 12 Must Try Recipes Made With Zoodles to discover why people go oodles for zoodles!

12 Must Try Recipes Made With Zoodles

1.Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Red Pepper Sauce

When suffering from crazy carb cravings, bust out that spiral slicer and get your fix in a carb-free way! With this zoodle recipe, you get savory strands of zucchini spaghetti that taste even better than the real thing. Top your veggie pasta with a mouthwatering red pepper sauce and crunchy pine nuts, and prepare to take your taste buds on a deliciously guilt-free ride.

2. Creamy Gochujang Zoodles

You may be wondering, “what exactly is gochujang?” It’s a savory, sweet, and spicy sauce that pairs with the zoodles perfectly! If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s your chance!

12 Must-Try Recipes Made With Zoodles (2)

3.Zoodle Stir-Fry

Stir-fry is one of those dishes that we could literally eat several times per week, and with this recipe, you can! The majority of the ingredients are veggie-based, however you can feel free to throw in some chicken for some extra protein!

12 Must-Try Recipes Made With Zoodles (3)

4. Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Spicy Shrimp

This zoodle recipe spices things up by throwing some zesty lemon-garlic shrimp into the mix. The spiced seafood provides some feel-good, feel-full protein. The directions are incredibly simple to follow. When you’re finished preparing, step back and appreciate your picture-perfect creation, bursting with vibrant colors and 100% clean ingredients.

5. Zucchini Lasagna

This recipe replaces conventional lasagna noodles with long, thin slices of zucchini. Ditch processed carbs and replace them with nutrient-dense vegetable substitutes – we promise you won’t miss the real thing! Toss in some ricotta, egg, cheeses, and herbs. You’ll cherish each mouthwatering bite of this satisfyingmeal.

6. Lightened Up Chicken Kale Zoodle Soup

Sure, chicken noodle soup soothes the soul. But can the comforting meal have the same effect on your body? This lightened version gives the classic soup anutritiousmakeover byreplacing high-glycemic empty-calorie noodles with zoodles. It also has an array of nutrient-rich vegetables like kale. Fresh herbs add a delicate sweetness.

7. Shrimp Zoodles Parmesan for Two

This rainbow-colored recipe has a breathtaking presentation and tastes just as good as it looks. The crunchy, parmesan-coated shrimp pairs pleasantly with the cheesy noodles and rich tomato sauce.Althoughthe instructions have you preparing enough for two, youcan easily modify the measurements to cook as much as your heart desires.

8. Quick Spiralized Zucchini and Grape Tomatoes

This luscious low-cal recipe calls for nothing but simple ingredientsand shines the spotlight on juicy grape tomatoes. Tomatoes and zucchini make a perfect pair, which is no surprise considering the garden buddies grow together. This vegetarian-friendly dish has a satisfying lightness by itself, but if you prefer something heartier,top the pasta with some grilled chicken or shrimp.

9. Zucchini Noodles Aglio et Olio

These zoodles bathe in a scrumptious mixture of olive oil, garlic, and almond-flour breadcrumbs. The delectable sauce disguises the fact that these noodles are a vegetable. On those days when you’re feeling down in the dumps, this pasta makes the perfect guilt-free comfort food. It calls for wholesome herbs that add a refreshing top note.

10. Creamy Chicken Zucchini Fettuccine

If you’re controlling your weight, you might only dream about topping your pasta with creamy fettuccine sauce. This recipe makes an exception, granting you full access to the off-limits topping. How? The savory creaminess comes from cauliflower! The guilt-free dish includes a host of nutrient-dense vegetables and herbs you can feel good about serving.

11. Zucchini Spaghetti with Lentil Marinara

Lentil marinara adds a unique twist to the classic pasta sauce and provides more protein and fiber than the real thing. This exciting zucchini dish decorated with herbs, tomatoes, garlic, and lentils will never let you settle for boring carb-rich spaghetti again. It also tastes wonderful as leftovers. Simply pop in the fridge and enjoy for tomorrow’s lunch!

12. Spinach Ricotta-Stuffed Zucchini Ravioli

These wider, flatter zucchini noodles are made with a peeler and stuffed with a mouthwatering mixture of spinach, ricotta cheese, and spices. A great alternative to starchy, high-calorie ravioli, these “zaviolis” are a guilt-free veggie swap in this Italian meal. Top with tomato sauce and some salt and pepper to taste. Yum!

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12 Must-Try Recipes Made With Zoodles (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook zoodles so they're not soggy? ›

To avoid soggy and limp noodles, I recommend cooking for only 3-5 minutes (5 if you're cooking more than 1-2 spiralized zucchinis) and tossing frequently. You want a slightly al dente noodle.

Are zoodles unhealthy? ›

Zucchini is low in fat, sugar, and calories, and high in vitamin C and fiber, making it a great substitute for traditional pasta noodles. Fiber helps to regulate bowels and maintain good digestive health, and vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to protect cells.

How much healthier are zoodles? ›

Overall, zucchini noodles come out ahead in most of the nutritional categories, though pasta is higher in protein. While pasta also has a higher amount of dietary fiber, it is high in soluble fiber while zucchini is high in insoluble fiber. Both are important for a well-balanced diet.

Should you salt zoodles before cooking? ›

Add zucchini noodles. Toss with tongs and let the zucchini cook for just a minute or two. Remove from heat and add to sauce or add some salt and eat as is. Note: Don't salt the zucchini before you saute it; the noodles will release more water and they'll end up limp.

How do you make zucchini not rubbery? ›

All you have to do is slice the zucchini into your desired shape, drizzle with oil, season, place on a baking sheet cut-side down, and pop it in the oven until it's nicely browned and tender. This can take 15 to 35 minutes, depending on the size of the zucchini.

What is healthier, spaghetti, squash, or zucchini noodles? ›

A look into essential Vitamins & Minerals, shows that Zucchini Pasta outdoes Spaghetti Squash on every one, except for Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium and Selenium. Information found from SELF's Nutrition Data calculator.

What are the disadvantages of zucchini? ›

Potential Side Effects of Eating Zucchini

“Zucchini is generally healthy and without significant risks, although it can cause gastrointestinal issues” in people with existing digestive conditions, says Gillespie. “Additionally, eating zucchini raw can cause bloating in certain individuals because of the fiber content.”

Are zoodles good for weight loss? ›

They are low-calorie.

Part of any good weight loss or maintenance diet is watching your calorie intake. When a cup of zoodles contains only 19 calories, and one cup of spaghetti contains 200 calories, which would you rather eat?

Are zoodles worth it? ›

Zoodles or zucchini noodles have become a popular pasta substitute for those looking to reduce carbohydrates or calories, but the real benefit is the fun way to increase vegetables in your diet.

How long do zucchini noodles last in the fridge? ›

Meal prep: I love, love zucchini noodles for meal prep! You can spiralize them ahead of time and keep them in the fridge uncooked. Pat dry and cook right before eating. They last 1-2 days normally, but I use these vacuum glass containers to make them last 3-4 days.

How many calories are in 2 cups of zucchini noodles? ›

Compare two cups of pasta weighing in at 480 calories, 90 grams of carbs, and two grams of fiber with two cups of zucchini zoodles at 66 calories, twelve grams of carbs, and four grams of fiber.

How do you make zoodles not watery? ›

Tips For Avoiding Watery, Soggy Zoodles
  1. Squeeze them out before cooking – ring them out in some paper towels or a lightweight dish towel.
  2. Don't overcook them – stick to the cook times and methods above.
  3. Add them into soups and sauces at the very end – they'll get cooked just being in the warm soup or sauce.
Jun 9, 2022

Can I freeze fresh zucchini zoodles? ›

Freezing Zucchini Noodles, or “Zoodles”

Zoodles freeze perfectly, and I think they are better frozen-thawed than fresh! The process of blanching wilts and softens the zucchini, and once thawed, all they need is a quick sauté. Use zucchini noodles as a vegetable alternative to traditional pasta.

How do you cook zucchini so it doesn't get mushy? ›

Salt and drain zucchini

Salting and draining ensures the zucchini doesn't turn into a soggy mess while frying. This method also works for roasted zucchini, grilled zucchini, or baked zucchini if you're looking to remove as much water as possible.

How do you get the moisture out of zoodles? ›

Place the julienned zucchini in a colander or wire strainer and toss generously with salt until the strands are lightly coated. Allow the zucchini to sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse with running water, drain well, and squeeze dry in a clean dish towel.

How do you make zucchini less wet? ›

Slice and salt zucchini in advance of cooking to draw out some of the vegetable's excess moisture (while also seasoning it more thoroughly). To do this, cut up a pound of zucchini and toss it with ½ teaspoon of table salt. Let it drain in a colander for about 30 minutes before patting it dry and cooking it.

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