Zoodle Recipes (3-Ways!!) (2024)

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(updated December 19, 2022)

5 from 6 votes

By Dani Spies

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Zoodle Recipes (3-Ways!!) (1)

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As you guys know by now, I have become a huge fan of zoodles (aka zucchini noodles)!

They’re an easy, delicious, low-calorie, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional pasta and if you haven’t tried them yet, I highly recommend you do.

If you want to learn more about them, you can watch my Zoodle 101, that’s where I cover all of the basics plus I share my favorite tool for making them (hint: it’s the Veggetti).

And for the of you who are ready to jump in,I wanted to be sure you hadsome ideas to get you started, so here are 3 very simple,extremely delicious zoodle recipes!

1. Zoodle Puttanesca

Zoodle Recipes (3-Ways!!) (2)

I love puttanesca sauce because it’s salty, spicy and has a lot of sass (some of my favorite traits). Plus,most of the ingredients come from the pantry so it’s a great option when you are running low on groceries.

This recipe makes enough for 2-3 servings so be sure to make enough zoodles!

Zoodle Puttanesca Recipe

  • 1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove chopped garlic
  • 3 anchovies, chopped up
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup chopped kalamata olives
  • 1 tbsp. capers
  • Sprinkle of dried oregano

Heat extra virgin olive oil in a medium sized pot then add garlic, anchovies and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté everything for 1-2 minutes or until the anchovies disintegrates and the garlic smells amazing. Next add in a 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, ½ cup of chopped kalamata olives, a tbsp. of capers, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.

Let it all simmer for 10-15 minutes. (This sauce will make enough for 2-3 zucchinis, so you will have leftovers if you are making a single serving.)

Serve over some zoodles and enjoy!

Nutrients for ½ recipe: Calories: 135; Total Fat: 9.6g; Saturated Fat: 0.6g; Cholesterol: 5mg; Carbohydrate: 10g; Dietary Fiber: 0.3g; Sugars: 0g; Protein: 4.8g

2. Raw Zoodle Caprese Salad

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If you are looking for something light and fresh that screams summer, this is the recipe for you! The zoodles are eaten raw so there is no cooking involved (perfect for a hot day!).

Raw Zoodle Caprese Salad Recipe

  • 1 medium to large zucchini
  • 1/3 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 ounce fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
  • 2 tbsp. fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 clove of garlic, crushed
  • 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Use your Veggetti (or your favorite tool) to make your zoodles.

Place raw uncooked zoodles in a medium sized bowl. Add in 1/3 cup diced tomatoes, 1 ounce of fresh chopped mozzarella cheese and 2 tbsp. of fresh chopped basil.

In a separate bowl combine crushed garlic, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the zoodles and gently toss. Enjoy!

Calories: 185; Total Fat: 17.2g; Saturated Fat: 3.7g; Cholesterol: 10mg; Carbohydrate: 8.5g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugars: 4.3g; Protein: 1.1g

3. Creamy Avocado Pesto Zoodles

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If comfort food is your thing, then you are going to LOVE this dish. It’s super rich and creamyplus it’sloaded with healthy fats because the base of the sauce comes from avocado.

Creamy Avocado Pesto Zoodles Recipe

  • 1 medium to large zucchini
  • 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp. basil, roughly chopped
  • ½ avocado
  • 1 tbsp. Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp. water
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Use your veggetti (or whatever tool you like) to turn your zucchini into zoodles. Place in a microwave safe bowl along with a splash of water and microwave for two minutes (or until tender). Drain excess water.

Pop garlic and basil in the food processor and pulse a few times just to get it started. Add in avocado, lemon juice, water, salt and pepper. Pulse until smooth and creamy. Add extra water if the sauce seems too thick.

Pour the sauce over hot zoodles and toss until the zoodles are coated with sauce. Adjust seasonings and enjoy!!

Calories: 149; Total Fat: 12.6g; Saturated Fat: 2.5g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Carbohydrate: 10.5g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugars: 0.4g; Protein: 3.2g

Zoodle Recipes (3-Ways!!) (5)

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5 from 6 votes

Zoodle Recipes (3-Ways!!)

Course: DIET, DINNER, LUNCH, salad + dressing, sides, VIDEO

Cuisine: American, gluten free, low carb + keto, vegetarian

Author: Dani Spies

Calories:

About Dani Spies

Dani Spies is the founder and host of Clean & Delicious; a weekly cooking show on YouTube and a healthy eating blog that celebrates real, whole foods! She takes a holistic approach to health and wellness and is loved for her approachable, down to earth style both in and out of the kitchen.

Learn MoreWork With Me

Reader Interactions

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    Comments

  1. Patricia says

    Zoodle Recipes (3-Ways!!) (6)
    Hi Dani: thanks for the zoodles 101. I had a spiralizer but I wasn’t using it but now I use it everyday. The first try was the basics and it was delicious. Second choice is the zoodles with pesto and avocado. Usually, I can’t choose so I make them both. (Just kidding!) Patricia

    Reply

  2. Ann says

    Zoodle Recipes (3-Ways!!) (7)
    Hi Dani,
    Zoodles! I’m a fan! What a great way to enjoy zucchini! Tried the simple sauté on your video and loved it!
    I used a peeler and knife to create the zoodles. Worked just fine.
    Easy, Healthy and Delicious………Thanks!

    Reply

  3. Susan, another Jersey girl says

    Zoodle Recipes (3-Ways!!) (8)
    Hey Dani! We are now huge zoodles fans. The puttanesca is our favorite. Love the contrast between the salty, spicy ingredients and the fresh zucchini. So quick to make after work!

    Today we saute’d some mild italian turkey sausage crumbles (removed from the casings) in a large non-stick skillet with a little bit of minced garlic and a small squeeze of tomato paste from a tube. Added zoodles just until heated through. Voila. De-lish. Thanks for all your great recipes.

    Reply

    • Dani says

      Zoodle Recipes (3-Ways!!) (9)
      Ok – that sounds so good! I love sausage (so much so that when I was a little girl that was my nickname!) I may have to try your recipe. Thanks for sharing:)

      Reply

  4. Tracee says

    Zoodle Recipes (3-Ways!!) (10)
    I made the Raw Zoodle Caprese Salad today. I used shredded mozzarella cheese instead of cubed which gave me cheese mixed in with every bite. It was very yummy and easy to make. I am glad I found this website, looking forward to trying other recipes!

    Reply

    • Dani says

      Zoodle Recipes (3-Ways!!) (11)
      Shredded mozzarella sounds like a really good idea!

      Reply

Zoodle Recipes (3-Ways!!) (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook zoodles so they are not mushy? ›

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.

What's the difference between a noodle and a zoodle? ›

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.

How to spiral zucchini by hand? ›

How to Make Zoodles with a Vegetable Peeler
  1. Rinse and dry small or medium zucchini, and trim the ends.
  2. Cut a zucchini in half lengthwise, and place cut-side down on a cutting board.
  3. Run the peeler lengthwise across the zucchini to create strands or noodles. ...
  4. Repeat these steps with the other zucchini half.
Jul 9, 2021

How do you keep zucchini from getting soggy when sauteed? ›

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.

How to remove moisture from 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.

Can you use a grater to make zucchini noodles? ›

Instructions. Take a box grater and place it on its side with the side with the largest grating holes on it face up. Cut the ends off the zucchini, then push along the top of grater, in long strokes in order to create long, thin ribbons of zucchini (see the animated . gif in the post).

Can you make zoodles with a knife? ›

kitchen knife is always a good option for making zucchini noodles at home, especially if you're not looking to buy any specialized gadgets. To make zucchini noodles with a kitchen knife, slice off each end of the zucchini and then slice it lengthwise into thin planks.

What is a zoodle maker called? ›

Spiral vegetable slicers (also known as spiralizers) are kitchen appliances used for cutting vegetables, such as zucchinis (to make zoodles), potatoes, cucumbers, carrots, apples, parsnips, and beetroots, into linguine-like strands which can be used as an alternative to pasta.

Can you make zoodles without a zoodle maker? ›

Yes, you can make zucchini noodles without a spiralizer using household kitchen tools. Here are two more easy ways to make zoodles: Mandoline: If you have a mandoline, set it to thinly slice lengthwise. Vegetable peeler: Use your trusty veggie peeler to make long ribbons of zucchini.

What is a zoodle used for? ›

Zoodles AKA zucchini noodles can be used in place of regular pasta. Zucchini noodles are low calorie, low carb, and high in fiber, which means they'll leave you feeling full without all the calories.

How to make zoodles not mushy? ›

Salt and wrap your zoodles.

Let them sit for about 10–15 minutes — just enough time for the salt to extract the moisture. You may have to change the paper towels depending on how damp they get, but a gentle squeeze at the end will drain any leftover water before you sauté.

What can I use instead of a spiralizer? ›

Spiralize your zucchini using an official spiralizer, a mandoline (using the julienne blade), a handheld spiralizer, or a potato peeler or julienne peeler. Or a box grater if you are desperate. (You can also just slice thin strips of zucchini with a sharp knife.)

Do you cook zoodles or eat them raw? ›

One of the most beautiful things about spiralizing is that it makes raw veggies into edible pasta! Save yourself the headache of cooking and toss them in a dressing or sauce raw! One of my favorite ways to eat zucchini noodles raw is in a pesto. The pesto is creamy, flavorful, and coats the zucchini well.

How do you keep zucchini from getting soft? ›

Zucchini thrives in a dry environment, so pop it into the crisper drawer whole, preferably in a plastic or paper bag with one end open for ventilation. The minimal humidity will keep it from going bad. Stored properly, it'll last one or two weeks, though you'll probably see the skin shrivel as the days pass.

How do you firm up zucchini? ›

Liberally sprinkle salt over the towel and place your cut vegetables on top, making sure to arrange them in an even, single layer. Sprinkle salt over top of the vegetables. Allow them to sit for at least 20 minutes, but up to 30-40 minutes if your vegetable pieces are thick.

How long to salt zucchini to remove moisture? ›

If you do not have kosher salt on hand, use a teaspoon or so of regular table salt. 1. Place zucchini slices in colander and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons salt. Set colander over bowl until about 1/3 cup water drains from zucchini, about 30 minutes.

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