I’ve followed a strict Grain-Free Diet since 2001 and went on a Ketogenic Diet in 2014. Still, I eat pasta every week. How’s that possible? I know how to make zucchini noodles, otherwise known as zoodles.
Healthy Low-Carb Swaps
There’s nothing like Spaghetti with Meatballs, or Bolognese Sauce. When you know how to make zucchini noodles, there’s no need to be deprived of such classic dishes! Trading processed food (high-carb pasta) for another serving of healthy low-carb vegetables? Now that’s nutritious. It’s a great way to eat whether you’re grain-free or not. Zoodles rule.
How to Make Zoodles 2-Ways
In our house, we make zoodles two ways. The first way requires little effort. We cut the stem off the zucchini then use the handy dandy julienne peeler in the photo above to turn the zucchini into noodles. Nothing more. No prepping or cooking of any kind. The second way requires a little work. Again, I remove the tips from the zucchini and use the tool above to make the zoodles. Next, I saute the zucchini noodles in a pan with olive oil and seasoning as described in the recipe below.
Wondering how to make zucchini noodles? I hope I’ve shown you that they’re not only healthy but easier to make than regular pasta!
How to Make Zucchini Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound zucchini
- 1 teaspoon all purpose chef's shake
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet
- Add zucchini noodles and seasoning to pan
- Stir for 3-5 minutes until noodles are tender
- Serve
Equipment
Make Zoodles, Save Money
Some people use a spiralizer to make zoodles. I prefer the julienne peeler for a couple of reasons. First, it’s half the price of a spiralizer. Second, it takes up about a tenth of the space. So if you’re wondering how to make zoodles, my advice is to do so with the julienne slicer! It’s a breeze.
Low-Carb Noodle Recipes
Here are some of my other low-carb vegetable noodle recipes for you!
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- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Meatballs with Zucchini Pasta
- How to Make Spaghetti Squash Noodles
- Sesame Kelp Noodles
- Spaghetti with Meatballs
This post is an oldie but goodie from the archives, I first published this recipe in 2014.
Marilyn says
I decided to try the zucchini noodles with spaghetti sauce. Really didn’t expect to like it. It was very good! After a few bites I decided to play a little and sprinkled some grated mozzarella cheese on it, it tasted like lasagna! Thank you!!!
Aileen Clarkson says
What do you suggest for use during the winter, when zucchini is hard to find? Spaghetti squash?
Elana says
Aileen, we make spaghetti squash noodles and they’re delicious!
https://elanaspantry.com/how-to-cook-spaghetti-squash/
Enjoy!
Elana
Suzanne Burnell says
I couldn’t even wrap my mind around the spiralizer (complicated looking with parts!) so I bought the very simple julienne slicer and love it. I enjoyed a bowl of zoodles, sauteed in butter, from fresh squash and zukes ala today’s farmers’ market…very delicious.
Thank you, Elana, for sharing your simple and delicious recipes.
Jessica Poulson says
can you cut them into noodles and then freeze them that way before cooking in the oil? or would it be best to freeze after cooking?
aakanksha soni says
what a presentation. i loved the way you used zucchini :)
Seth says
Can’t wait to give this a try Elana. Love zucchini and I am always looking for a good grain free noodle substitution.
Sam says
A really awesome and fast way to make and enjoy my vegetables. Thanks for the recipe, Elana. I like to try out options. Will be trying this with some sauce
http://spiralvegetableslicer-review.com
Marta says
Wow, never thought of making zucchini noodles, Great idea. Need to try that one ;)
As far as for zucchini I love it stuffed with ground meat, fresh tomatoes, little bit of garlic onion and some herbs- if you interested http://www.littlecrazyworld.com/food-2/cooking-drama-and-a-stuffed-zucchini/
Tabitha T says
Zoodles were the gateway noodle for me. I started out with a tool like you recommend and eventually succumbed to the lure of the unitasker. The spiralizer is one of two unitaskers allowed in our home but only so I can spiralize sweet potatoes and squash. I hate yellow squash but it makes a good noodle. More veggies and variety=good, right? You are such a great influence, Elana. Thank you
Heather says
Unitaskers! Yes! Love me some Alton Brown. Elana, what other veggies could you suggest noodling for pasta, casseroles, soup, ect? Signed, a sad italian diabetic. ?
Elana says
Hi Heather, it’s not a noodle, but you might like my Paleo Shepherd’s Pie made with cauliflower in place of potatoes:
https://elanaspantry.com/paleo-shepherds-pie/
Enjoy!
Elana
Joanie says
Oh my, am in love with zodles, in your tweet you said that the tool to make them was so expensive but there is a great spirilizer ( not too expensive) brand GEFU hand held and magical
Carolyn says
Hi,
You mentioned Gefu spiralizer: You are satisfied? It seemed like a well-made product from YouTube video.