How to Make Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) (2024)

Learn how to make healthy zucchini noodles with this easy 15-minute recipe! A step-by-step guide to the process of spiralizing and cooking zoodles to create a tasty gluten-free pasta.

Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, arepacked with nutrientsand is a great way to make healthy all-vegetable pasta. With only 5 ingredients, the recipe is easy to prepare, and the result is also gluten-free for those with specific dietary restrictions.

There are multiple ways to cut the zucchini, no matter if you have a chef’s knife or a fancy spiralizer. There should be no excuse for why you can’t enjoy a big bowl of zucchini noodles! Just a quick saute in olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkling of salt & pepper adds the perfect pop of flavor to make each bite irresistible and satisfying.

How to make zucchini noodles

Zucchini is an incredibly versatile ingredient with its tender flesh and neutral and subtly sweet flavor. Not only does it taste good, butthe nutritional benefits of zucchini are also impressive. There’s no need to peel the zucchini before cooking, as the dark green skin is very thin and helps it hold its shape.

The right way to select zucchini

• Make sure that the flesh is firm and the surface is free from significant defects like large indents.
• Select large-sized zucchini for maximum yield, but not too much flesh. Zucchini is high in moisture content, so overly large zucchini has a lot of flesh and can become soggier after cooking when not connected to the skin. This is more of an issue with homegrown zucchini.
• Don’t limit yourself, yellow summer squash and Mexican squash work well too!

Different ways to create zucchini noodles

• Chefs Knife: Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut long thin strips of zucchini noodles. About 1/4-inch wide or smaller is recommended.
• Vegetable Peeler: Run a vegetable peeler down the length of the zucchini to create thin ribbons. A Y-peeler works great!
• Julienne Peeler:Particular julienne peelers that have smaller teeth to create thin strips of vegetables, about 1/8-inch thick, and work well for zucchini noodles.
• Handheld Spiralizer: Cut both ends off the zucchini and use a twisting motion to create zucchini noodles, just like a big pencil sharpener.
• Countertop Spiralizer: These handy larger units give more noodle size and shape options. Cut off both ends, position in the spiralizer, select the cut type and turn the crank. It’s easy to learn how to use a spiralizer, for fast, and curly noodles!

Not only do I use these methods for zucchini, but they are also great for sweet potato noodles too! Now that the noodles are ready, it’s time to get cooking!

How to cook zucchini noodles

When zucchini is cut into thin strips, it makes cooking the vegetable very quick! However, cooking time will increase slightly if more extensive pieces or larger shapes are used, especially in the spiralizer.

To infuse more flavor into the recipe, garlic is cooked briefly in olive oil to enhance the aromatics and taste. All you need is 30 seconds in the pan, and you can instantly smell the wonderful savory aromas.

The zoodles are then added to the skillet and cooked over medium heat, and sauteed until tender.Just like pasta, the zucchini noodles should be al dente. Take a bite to check for doneness.

I like to keep the recipe simple, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, and garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and minced parsley. However, you can add ripe tomatoes, chicken, shrimp, plant-based proteins, or toss them in a pesto sauce for variety.

I’d love to hear your experience in making zucchini noodles and what other ingredients you add to jazz them up!

More vegetarian recipes

• Broccoli Rice
• Glazed Carrots
• Sweet Potato Fries