How To Make Zucchini Noodles (+40 awesome recipes)
- Updated on Aug 26, 2022
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Zoodles are awesome. We’re well impressed.
Zucchini noodles (sometimes known as Zucchini Pasta or Zucchini Spaghetti) weigh in at around ⅛ the carbs and ⅛ the calories of regular noodles, spaghetti or pasta.
They also have a unique flavour that opens up a whole new range of taste options, meaning they’re an incredibly versatile lunch or dinner option.
The fact that they can be eaten raw or cooked allows for further different meal styles too, and they’re really quick to make. Just grab a spiraliser and off you go!
How to make zucchini noodles (zoodles)
So the fastest and easiest way to make zoodles is to use a spiraliser. All you do is cut off the ends of a zucchini, place it near the blade and spin until you get to the seedy part.
Another great way to get thin and delicate noodles is to use a julienne peeler. It takes longer to slice but it’s a very compact and inexpensive kitchen tool.
You can also try creating slightly thicker zucchini pasta with a mandoline slicer. It usually has different blade options and cuts vegetables very easily.
But if you don’t have the right tools in your kitchen and want your zoodles asap, you can make some thin strips with a standard vegetable peeler.
After getting your perfect slices you either keep them raw or cook them by sautéing, boiling, microwaving or baking. The last step is to add your favorite pasta sauce and toppings.
To give you a bit of a head start, here’s a compilation of awesome vegan and vegetarian zoodle recipes (zucchini noodle recipes)
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) with Exquisite Hazelnut-Carrot Sauce (30 Mins, Vegetarian)
Check out the recipe hereBonus: filling and healthy ingredients
Zucchini Noodles Recipe (Zoodles) with Exquisite Hazelnut and Carrot Sauce. Deliciously creamy with ⅛ the calories and carbs of regular pasta! Try it now 😉
Ingredients
For the Zoodles
- 1 large zucchini
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the sauce:
- ⅔ cup hazelnuts (buying already chopped/crushed is easiest)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 1 onion
- 3 carrot
- 1 tbsp tomato purée (or paste, depending where you live. The thick stuff!)
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt (a light version also works well)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- 1 sprig basil, fresh (to garnish)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice if you like a little sourness. Always taste test your food :))
Instructions
- Use a spiral maker to make the zoodles or if you don’t have one just simply dice up the zucchini.
- Peel and grate the carrots (if you buy organic carrots then you don’t really need to peel), dice the onion.
- Put the zoodles in a big frying pan with oil and cook them on medium heat.
- Crush the hazelnuts (or just buy crushed hazelnuts to save time!) in a different frying pan and toast them first (without oil) until just browned. They smell awesome so don’t be tempted to let them burn while you’re inhaling the delicious aroma 😉
- Add the oil, onion and carrot mix to the hazelnuts and fry gently on a medium heat until soft but not browned.
- Turn the heat off and mix in the tomato purée and Greek yogurt and stir ‘til everything is mixed well (make sure it doesn’t boil or burn!). Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- And last but not least add the sauce to the zoodles and mix in.
- If you want you can garnish it with a sprig of fresh basil.
- Mmmmhhh yummy!!! Enjoy!!!
Nutrition
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Low Carb High Taste Zoodles
Check out the recipe hereBonus: easy to prepare even for the busiest anti cook
Low Carb High Taste Zoodles. Italian style spiralized zucchini noodles ready in just 15 minutes, excellent for a quick lunch or dinner.
Protein: 7g
Calories: 228kcal
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: FamilyStyleFood
Bonus: fresh and minimalistic
Parmesan Zucchini Noodles : A no-cook gluten-free and low-carb recipe for raw zucchini noodle salad with lemon juice, zest, walnuts, and chili flakes that tastes like fresh Italian pasta. It’s unbelievably quick, delicious and healthy!
Protein: 12g
Calories: 257kcal
Ready in: 55 minutes
Recipe by: Inspiralized
Bonus: amazing flavors and textures
Delicious zucchini pasta recipe with tomato basil sauce, goat Cheese and Asparagus. This pasta is one of those ones that has a rich, creamy taste without that heavy feeling that comes with it.
Protein: 16g
Calories: 445kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: VanillaAndBean
Bonus: vegetarian or vegan + gluten free
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes recipe: quick to pull together and packed with late summer veggies. A healthy pasta alternative when zucchini is in season!
Protein: 6g
Calories: 205kcal
Ready in: 23 minutes
Recipe by: Inspiralized
Bonus: super simple and flavorful
Whether using a fork, chopsticks or fopsticks, you’re going to love this japchae. Japchae has one of those universally delicious flavorings that goes well with any protein.
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: GreenKitchenStories
Bonus: fresh and fruity flavor, easy cooking process
Here we have created something that reminds of a delicious creamy Italian pasta, without using neither cream nor pasta. These spaghetti zucchini noodles have got a fresh fruity flavor and take only a few minutes to make.
Protein: 15g
Calories: 308kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: Inspiralized
Bonus: crisp and vibrant
Make a healthy dinner of Vegetarian Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai: a low-carb, vegetable-packed Thai-inspired noodle dish with spiralized zoodles, lime, peanuts and chili sauce.
Protein: 12g
Calories: 160kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: LemonsAndBasil
Bonus: creamy texture and rich flavor
This lightened up fettuccine Alfredo is Gluten-Free, Grain-Free and could easily be Dairy-Free, yet with all the flavor of your favorite creamy Alfredo sauce!
Protein: 15g
Calories: 297kcal
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: CookAtHomeMom
Bonus: low carb and perfect for summertime
A simple and flavorful gluten free & vegetarian dish, made using fresh mozzarella cheese, spiralized zucchini, garden tomatoes, pesto, and roasted garlic.
Protein: 4g
Calories: 117kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: SkinnyTaste
Bonus: can be served as a side or main dish
Quick Spiralized Zucchini and Grape Tomatoes is a delicious, low-carb summer side dish. Ready in less than 15 minutes.
Protein: 5.5g
Calories: 116kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: FatFreeVeganKitchen
Bonus: light and flavorful
Spiralized zucchini stands in for pasta in this ultra-lite dish, while peanut butter, minced garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil create a burst of flavor. Make it more filling by adding a legume such as edamame or chickpeas or cubes of baked tofu.
Protein: 9g
Calories: 305kcal
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: TheStingyVegan
Bonus: delicious derived hot or cold
This spring vegetable zoodle pasta with garlicy lemon sauce is light and fresh and the perfect way to take advantage of the season’s vegetables. Lightly blanched asparagus and snow peas are tossed with zucchini noodles and whole wheat pasta and topped with crispy radishes and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Protein: 14g
Calories: 422kcal
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: Chisel&Fork
Bonus: you can use different pesto variations
With spiralized zucchini, pesto and tomatoes, these zoodles are a great healthier option if you’re craving pasta.
Protein: 10.5g
Calories: 273kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: GetInspiredEveryday
Bonus: an easy and versatile sauce
These Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Zucchini Noodles are a big bowl of comfort food, but with loads of veggies! Served with freshly chopped parsley, grated parmesan, extra goat cheese, and freshly ground black pepper. This recipe has been a long time favorite with the sauce being extra versatile!
Protein: 16g
Calories: 520kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: TheForkedSpoon
Bonus: simple and nutritious
Ginger Garlic Miso Ramen Noodles with Poached Egg is a quick and easy vegetarian dinner made with zucchini and ramen noodles, miso, your favorite chili sauce, and runny eggs. Comforting, healthy, and ready in just 20 minutes!
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: Fitnessista
Bonus: creamy vegan sauce
A creamy, savory summer salad using zucchinis as the noodles (if you like summer salads, try these). Feel free to customize with any mix-ins! Cashews provide the texture for the dressing, and this recipe is gluten-free and vegan.
Protein: 5g
Calories: 379kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: TheRoastedRoot
Bonus: flavor-blasted ingredients and a fun sauce
Vibrant, flavorful and healthy zucchini noodle recipe loaded with Mediterranean flavor will bring spunk to any meal (like the sound of this? Try our top vegan Mediterranean meal ideas now!)! Perfect for any time of year and easy to prepare in less than 30 minutes!
Protein: 5g
Calories: 285kcal
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: RunningToTheKitchen
Bonus: you can use the sauce as a base for many things
Zucchini noodles with avocado cream sauce makes a perfect vegetarian side dish for summer. Or, top it with your favorite grilled protein for a quick and healthy meal.
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: WithSaltAndWit
Bonus: fresh, crunchy and smokey
Grilled, charred corn is paired with spiraled zucchini, crisp red onion and tossed with a simple chili lime vinaigrette for a fresh, make ahead, summer salad!
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: TheKitchn
Bonus: a nice twist on a summer salad
Served as a first course, side dish, or a light lunch, you can shave slivers of Parmesan cheese over the top or leave it unadorned for a vegan option. Either way, this trompe-l’oeil salad is as pretty as it is delicious.
Protein: 18g
Calories: 405kcal
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: AsEasyAsApplePie
Bonus: easy to prepare ahead
Make these zoodles with kale pesto and edamame for an easy, light and healthy lunch or dinner! They are low-carb, low calories, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free.
Protein: 12g
Calories: 282kcal
Ready in: 55 minutes
Recipe by: ThisHealthyKitchen
Bonus: low in calories, gluten-free
Hearty, rich and incredibly delicious veggie Bolognese sauce topped over a bed of spiralized vegan zucchini noodles for the ultimate, guilt-free comfort dish!
Protein: 10g
Calories: 226kcal
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: AVirtualVegan
Bonus: fresh and tasty
Summery, light, healthy & delicious Miso Zucchini Noodles. Ready from start to finish in under 15 minutes & no cooking required!
Protein: 17g
Calories: 410kcal
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: Cooktoria
Bonus: flavorful, yummy and convenient
These 15-minute Cashew Zucchini Noodles are so flavorful! Cooking in a sauce that’s a complex mix of salty, nutty, and umami, with just a touch of heat, it’s utterly addictive.
Protein: 6g
Calories: 209kcal
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: RunningToTheKitchen
Bonus: creamy, fresh and summery
These zucchini noodles with creamy roasted tomato basil sauce are the perfect way to enjoy fresh summer produce. The secret to the creaminess in the this tomato basil sauce is a little bit of cream cheese!
Protein: 9g
Calories: 216kcal
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: ProfussionCurry
Bonus: kid friendly recipe
Vegan Thai Zucchini Noodles tossed in a medley of fresh, crunchy veggies and drizzled with delicious peanut sauce. This beautiful recipe is GF Keto-Paleo friendly.
Protein: 22.7g
Calories: 364kcal
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: LemonsAndBasil
Bonus: flavourful and high protein marinara sauce
This Zucchini Spaghetti with Lentil Marinara is the perfect dish to use up the last of those lingering zucchini in your fridge. Lightened up in calories, but definitely not lacking in flavor!
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: TastingPage
Bonus: complete protein from edamame
Enjoy edamame tossed zoodles with honey walnut vinaigrette at your next Meatless Monday meal. It’s gluten free, dairy free, and paleo. Perfect for all your summer picnics!
Protein: 3g
Calories: 91kcal
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: TheDevilWearsSalad
Bonus: fresh, uncomplicated and healthy
Dust off that zoodle maker to create the quickest vegan zucchini noodle salad in under 10 minutes. No, seriously, it’s that easy. Chop, scoop and mix, and you’ll have yourself a flavourful salad to add to your dinner party menu.
Protein: 2g
Calories: 230kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: OfficiallyGlutenFree
Bonus: can switch it up by adding more protein or vegetables
These Keto Zucchini Noodles with Peanut Sauce are tossed in a creamy, savory and slightly spicy Thai curry and coconut milk sauce. It’s one of the simplest recipes to make and it’s full of delicious flavor.
Protein: 10g
Calories: 419kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: InTheKitch
Bonus: wholesome and easy to customize
Let’s take a look at our recipe for keto zucchini noodles with creamy tomato sauce to show that substituting pasta doesn’t mean substituting flavor (same goes for all our favorite veggie keto recipes!).
Protein: 2g
Calories: 253kcal
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: EatMoveMake
Bonus: a great option for quick lunch or dinner
Light and refreshing zoodle salad – a loaded zucchini salad with fresh vegetables and tossed in a simple but flavorful dressing.
Protein: 14g
Calories: 330kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: Kalyn’sKitchen
Bonus: perfect when it’s too hot to cook
This Zucchini Noodle Bowl with Peanut Sauce is a delicious meatless dinner, and this low-carb bowl meal is perfect for summer! This vegan recipe features zucchini noodles tossed with a tasty sauce that’s flavored with Sriracha (liked this? Try our other vegan zucchini meal ideas here!)!
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: SustainingThePowers
Bonus: super quick and easy to make
A healthy, gluten-free greek noodle dish made from squash. Feel free to add a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of tomato sauce if you like.
Ready in: 5 minutes
Recipe by: NutritionStripped
Bonus: great figs and basil combination
Fig Zucchini Pasta with Hemp Seed Crumble is fun and simple to make, loaded with fresh zucchini, sweet figs, creamy avocado, and a special topping that you’re all going to start putting on everything – I promise it’s that good.
Protein: 26g
Calories: 552kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: SulaAndSpice
Bonus: fresh veggie flavors and tons of protein
A delicious veggie bowl made with zucchini noodles. This recipe combines two of the best flavors of summer: fresh, in-season corn and tomatoes.
Ready in: 35-40 minutes
Recipe by: NoshAndNourish
Bonus: perfectly cheesy and comforting
These “zoodles” are sooooo much better for you than regular pasta!! They are packed with vitamin C, phytonutrients, and minerals like manganese and potassium.
Protein: 6g
Calories: 202kcal
Ready in: 5 minutes
Recipe by: CorrieCooks
Bonus: different sauce suggestions
These noodles are a perfect low-carb substitute for spaghetti pasta with a mild flavor. The zoodles are delicious, healthy and you can add your favorite sauces and make them in your Instant Pot pressure cooker in only 5 minutes!
Protein: 20g
Calories: 447kcal
Ready in: 35-40 minutes
Recipe by: OneGreenPlanet
Bonus: spicy, tangy, and full of healthy veggies
If you’ve been looking for a go-to vegan green curry recipe – you’ve come to the right place. This vegan lemongrass Thai green curry soup with zucchini noodles is the ideal light meal for days when you’ve had a heavy breakfast and lunch or you don’t want to sacrifice having dessert.
Zucchini Noodles FAQ
Do zucchini noodles taste like pasta?
Zucchini noodles don’t have a specific taste, except for a mild sweetness, and usually just take on the flavors of other ingredients in the recipe.
They don’t taste exactly like pasta but mimic the experience of eating real spaghetti very well.
How do you cook zucchini noodles so they don’t get soggy?
To avoid noodles with too much moisture, you always have an option to serve them raw. You can simply dry them with paper towels to remove excess water.
But if your zoodles require cooking, the simplest way to keep them al dente is to NOT overcook them. A couple of minutes over medium-high heat should be enough!
Another good option is to avoid cooking zoodles in the sauce. Cook them separately and then mix, just like in this recipe.
And serve them right away!
Are zucchini noodles healthier than pasta?
Zucchini noodles are a gluten-free and more nutritionally-dense alternative to pasta. Compared to pasta, they contain:
- fewer calories – one cup of sliced zucchini has about 19kcal while one cup of whole-wheat spaghetti has 174 kcal. You can eat large portions of zoodles with no guilt!
- fewer carbs – 3.5g per cup vs 35g per cup.
- no gluten – no wheat, flour or grains.
- more vitamins and minerals – vitamin A, vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium.
- a good amount of dietary fiber.
But traditional pasta is higher in protein than zucchini so you’d have to look for other protein sources in your zucchini noodles recipes.
And if protein is what you’re looking for, you can check out our weekly high protein meal plans!
Are zucchini noodles carbs?
No, zoodles aren’t carbs. They’re actually low on carbs and keto-friendly. For instance, one cup of sliced zucchini contains just 3.5g of carbs.
Compared to one cup of whole-wheat spaghetti containing 35g of carbs, zucchini noodles make a great pasta substitute for carb lovers.
How did you like these vegetarian and vegan zoodle recipes? Share your thoughts in the comments 😊
Hauke Fox
I’m always on the lookout for these damn smart recipes. You know, those that only take a few minutes to put together and taste delicious. Vegetarian Cooking at home is a way to take back control over what I eat. I don’t like what many companies do to animals and the environment with their products.
Comments
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61 comments
I LOVE my spiralizer! so many great ideas here, I will definitely have to try…
They’re great! Let us know how you get on 🙂
Which spiralizer do you have? I don’t like mine. Is there an electric spiralizer that you would recommend?
Hi Shosh! I use just a simple spiralizer (one that looks like a pencil sharpener) and it’s fine for me. But maybe someone else has a recommendation 🙂
I use the Kithcen Aid attachment, works great. I’ve tried using a Mandolin with so-so results, tricky to master
I use a potato peeler?
Could work! Maybe just for smaller zucchini though 🙂
I have an electric one from Starfit (from Walmart) and it’s wonderful! I love it 🙂
I use the Starfit one as well and it works amazing
I LOVE this roundup!!! What a great idea. Zoodles are the best, and these are some fabulous ways to use them!
Thanks Sophia 🙂 it was fun to put it (and eat) together!
I need to get a spiralizer! These all look so good!
Do it! They’re only a few bucks and you can make some really great meals with one!
Wow, what an amazing collection! All the pictures look fantastic and now I’m craving zoodles, haha! Great roundup!
Haha, they definitely get the mouth watering don’t they??
I can never get enough zoodles in my life, so thanks for all the great recipes that are sure to last me a while!
You’re welcome Kelly! There’s at least 4 weeks worth here to keep you going 😉
I haven’t tried zoodles before (because i dont have a spiralizer), but i’m concerned they would be like my cauliflower pizza crust… I just LOVE MY CARBS. I dont know if they can be replaced!! Although some of these recipes look pretty amazing, so awesome job on the round up haha.
I’m also an absolute carb nut (arf arf) but zoodles really impressed me! Somehow they kinda ‘taste’ carby…but aren’t. Deffo more than worth giving a go!
I thought I would really miss the carbs as well, but not anymore! These are amazing, so much so that my kiddos, age 17, 13 and 7, love them. Thanks!
I really need to get on the zoodle kick
I love zoodles and these recipes look fab! I especially like the look of the Hazelnut Carrot Sauce one. It is now on my ‘to make’ list!
Hahaa, thanks!! Kat’s creation is very tasty indeed 😀
Spiralizing veggies is so much fun. Thanks for the awesome collection!
You’re welcome!! 🙂
I had no idea there were so many zoodle recipes out there! This is a great round up.
Thanks a lot, Noel!!!
That’s a ton of awesome zoodleness! Makes me want to get a spiralizer pronto.
YUM! Love all of these! Thanks for including my recipe <3
You’re very welcome!! Thanks for stopping by, Steph! 🙂
I actually PREFER zoodles over noodles or pasta. For real. It tastes fresher and lighter but can absorb plenty of flavor. LOVE the collection of zoodle recipes you put together! And the ad at the end of the post too 😉 Thanks bud! Amazing blog of amazing recipes.
Cheers, you’re welcome, buddy!! 😀
I love zoodles! So many delicious recipes! I don’t even know where to start. I just wanna try all of them! 🙂
Thank you for sharing my greek zucchini noodles recipe!! All of these look amazing. I love the name of your blog too.
Hi Stephanie!
Thanks for stopping by! You’re more than welcome, your recipe looked just too good, I had to add it 🙂
Hope many people will try it out!
I wanted to stop by and say that your adding my post to this round up has pretty much blown it up around the web! I’m getting a few hundred referrals from you per day. So thank you again!
Hi Stephanie! Wow, that is so cool to hear!!! But you gotta admit your Greek Zoodles are pretty awesome and deserve the visits! 😀
Thank you so much for sharing my recipe!!!
Hi Cassie,
you’re more than welcome!! Hope many people will try it out! 😀
Every time I see delicious zoodle recipes I feel guilty I haven’t joined that party yet. Going to order a spiralizer ASAP so I can try these amazing recipes.
Some great zoodles recipes here that have been bookmarked for later zoodle inspiration! Thanks so much.
After looking at this fantabulous collection – I’m gonna have to go get me a spiralizer!
Wow – what an amazing assortment of recipes – Thanks so much for all the inspiring ideas and recipes!
You’re welcome, Nancy!
Glad you like them 😀
What an amazing collection! Thank you for including my recipe 🙂
Thanks!
You’re more than welcome, Elena 😀
RE: 9. Zucchini Noodle Japchae (NOT Vegan)
Please be advised that this recipe has honey in it, so is NOT vegan.
Uuugh! Will change it right away, thanks for pointing this out, Kat!
Oh how fantastic! I’ve been on such a zoodle kick, I can’t wait to try some of these!
I’ve been obsessed with zoodles ever since they became popular, and I haven’t even tried them yet! My spiralizer just came in and I’ve been saving recipes like these for so long I don’t know if I will ever get to make them all!
Thank you so much for including my recipe! Can’t wait to make the rest on this list 🙂
I have never liked zuchinni! But lo and behold I read about this recipe using asiago cheese and parmesan cheese. So I figured what the heck! I got my Zoodle slicer about 7 days ago and have used it three time and all three times it included zuchinni. This is great for me as I don’t eat enough veggies and need to for health reasons. My Zoodle Slicer was purchased on Amazon for about $9.00 and it was the best investment I have made yet.
I recommend you give it a try. You spend $9.00 on most fast food meals. And this money will last a long while and is so much healthier too.
Jan (thump2)
Hi Jan,
thanks for sharing your experience with us! Man, it was very similar to me. I wanted to try those zoodles and thought ‘what the heck – I invest $9 now.’
Well, and then I found myself tangled in a zoodle-craze trying out all sorts of recipes. I also started sprializing carrots with that thing as well 🙂
Have a good one!
Hauke
I used to hate zucchini but I am really making an effort to try to lose weight. I just purchased my zoodler and tried my first meal. OMG. It was delicious and satisfying. Thank you for all of the wonderful ideas. I will certainly be trying them really soon
so cool you like these ideas 😀
Yeah, its quite impressive what you can do with zucchini, isn’t it? 😀
This is an awesome list of zoodle recipes! Zucchini noodles never get boring because there are a million ways to prepare them. And the best part is that they fit into almost every diet – vegan, raw, paleo, low carb, gluten free, etc. It makes it easy to prepare meals for the whole family even if they whole family is on different eating plans.
OMG!!! How great and these recipes look?? FANTASTIC. So nourishing and healthy.
I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never had zoodles with Creamy avocado dressing! This recipe looks great though so hopefully that will change! Thanks for posting it, Hauke!
There’s always time for change, Bella! 😀
wow beautiful! so cute and great pics.
Dying to try. Looks amazing