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? ›

You don't boil them that would make them soggy. To co*k zucchini noodles you toss them in a frying pan, with a little butter, oil or cooking spray, just long enough to heat. Add your sauce and it's done.

Are zoodles unhealthy? ›

Although like any vegetable, cooking zucchini noodles does strip the squash of some of its nutrients, they still make a great low-carb, low-calorie food that tastes great any way you serve it. I do recommend salting and draining your zucchini noodles on a paper towel or over a colander before cooking them.

Are zoodles healthier than pasta? ›

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.

What's the difference between zucchini noodles and zoodles? ›

The biggest difference most people notice when they eat zucchini noodles is the texture. The texture of zoodles can vary based on how long they are cooked and how they are made. Lightly cooked zoodles will be crunchier than pasta and well-done zoodles will be softer.

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.

Why is my sauteed zucchini mushy? ›

Mushy veggies are also often the result of overcooking. When the interior is loaded with moisture, you have to cook it for much longer to evaporate all of the water and avoid the interior having the unappealing, spongy, raw texture that eggplant and zucchini are notorious for.

Do zucchini noodles make you gassy? ›

Another potential side effect of eating raw zucchini is bloating. This is caused by nutrients like cellulose, a structural component of plant cell walls, and soluble fiber, which is fermented by your healthy gut bacteria and produces gas as a side effect ( 4 ).

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.

Is it cheaper to make your own zoodles? ›

Plus, making your own zucchini noodles is cheaper than buying them at the store, and it's fun to transform a vegetable into your favorite pasta shapes. So grab a bunch of zucchini, and let's get started!

How many cups is 2 spiralized zucchini? ›

A note on serving size. We recommend spiralizing just about 1 pound of zucchini per serving (for a large, lunch or dinner-sized meal) – that equates to about two medium sized zucchinis or 2 cups, cooked.

How do you know if zucchini noodles have gone bad? ›

Zucchini will feel mushy, the skin will be wrinkled, brown or damaged spots may appear on the outside. If you cut into the zucchini the flesh will be stringy and seeds will be much larger than average.

How long do zucchini noodles last in the fridge? ›

After you've spiralized several zucchini, line a large plastic or glass storage container with a paper towel, add your noodles and place in the refrigerator. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 days. Larger zucchini are easier to spiralize and will yield more noodles. For serving sizes, plan on one medium zucchini per person.

Can you get zucchini noodles at Olive Garden? ›

The Zoodles Primavera, which is part of Olive Garden's lower calorie Tastes of the Mediterranean menu, is available as a lunch portion for $8.99 or as a dinner size for $14.99. You can add chicken for an extra two bucks and shrimp for $4.

Are zoodles soft or crunchy? ›

The zoodles will still mostly be crunchy, and it's an easy way to prepare pasta without the worry of overcooking them.

How do you firm up zoodles? ›

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

How do you firm up zucchini? ›

Arrange the zucchini pieces into a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (It will stick to the pan if you don't line it first!) Freeze the zucchini for about 1 hour, until it's firm to the touch, then transfer it to an airtight container to preserve the flavor as you store it.

How do you rescue soggy noodles? ›

Heat the olive oil in a skillet and add your overcooked pasta. Gently sauté over medium heat for a few minutes until the pasta's texture has firmed up. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes and you'll know it is done when the edges of the pasta have started to crisp and light browning has begun.

Why is my zucchini so slimy when I cook it? ›

This, the outlet asserts, is due to zucchini's high water content: If it cooks too slowly, it will release its moisture before it sears, becoming soggy and sodden. Over high heat, on the other hand, zucchini becomes caramelized on the outside but retains a meaty, firm texture within.

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