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!
Free exclusive eBook, plus recipes and health tips, delivered to your inbox.
- 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.
Sara says
How do you keep the noodles from being watery? I just made some pre packaged ones but they formed alot of liquid. Any suggestions?
Sara
Elana says
Sara, I haven’t used the pre-packaged noodles, I don’t have any issue with the homemade noodles being too watery :-)
Silvia says
I had the same problem. Now I cook them in the pan with olive oil, salt and garlic powder. Then I let the zoodles drain in a colander while Make the sauce. When the sauce is done I add the drained zoodles!!! Problem solved! Delish!
Dawn says
Don’t use salt when cooking….season after
Catherine says
Place noodles in a cheese bag to drain for 30 min prior to cooking
Shari Nichols says
I used your recipe for this first time to make zucchini noodles. My daughter, who I have struggles with to eat vegetables, absolutely loved them! I too have a hard time with healthy eating but I got the veggie strip maker for free as a consultant gift from PC and never used it because I thought for sure it was going to be a dud because it looked like a flimsy piece of plastic. It was sooo absolutely effortless and quick! I’m totally sharing it with my VIP group tomorrow and since it is all plastic, my 3 year old daughter even helped make them! ❤️ Thank you for the easy recipe to go with my experience! I’ll probably share your recipe in my VIP group to go with it if you don’t mind.
Elana says
Thanks Shari!
Colleen says
I have read to put them in over on cookie sheet salted with paper towels under them to absorb water.
Elana says
Colleen, I cook them as directed in the recipe above and the water totally evaporates. It’s so simple!
Rachel says
PC?
Helen says
Pampered Chef
Hanna says
Hi!
Love this site! Thanks so much for taking the time to share with all of us! It is making me (the foodie who can never do a diet!) excited to be on the SCD diet now that I see there are so many options!
I was wondering if the Chefs Shake Blend is SCD legal?
Wishing you a happy and healthy sweet new year!
Elana says
Hanna, I believe it is SCD legal. I’m so happy to hear that my site is helping you eat well. I want everyone in the world to have healthy food that’s easy to make. Happy New Year :-)
Julia says
Hi! I was wondering how much of the zucchini you julienne, all of it or leaving the more “soggy” middle part with seeds? If the latter, can that be used to something else? Thanks!
Elana says
Hi Julia, I use the entire squash, but if the seeds are too big I just toss them into our compost bin :-)
Terissa says
I clicked on the link for the wrought iron pan, as I’m looking to invest in a 12 ” one, & thought Lodge was a good brand. I was a bit concerned when reading about the skillet on the Amazon link as it said they seasoned it with a soy based oil, & all of us are trying to avoid soy products. How did you get around this issue, Elana, or have you used the skillet with no problems from the soy ? Thank you.
Elana says
Terissa, thanks for your comment! I wash my cast iron pans when I get them and then I re-season them myself :-)
Terissa says
What oil did you re-season your pan with ? Thank you.
Elana says
Terissa, we use olive oil which creates an impermeable hard surface when baked on :-)
Hazel says
Just discovered this little noodle maker at Walmart for $4 and was looking for recipes. Love your site. We’ve always preferred spaghetti squash, now we can enjoy a variety of squash noodles. We’ve frozen them and tried them in various ways with no problem. I’m a keep it simple type so haven’ t bothered to give them a salt bath etc. My husband likes to fry them for a quick snack. Appreciate the julienne peeler tip, will do that with the larger zuchinnis as well as butternut and acorn. Now why hadn’t I thought of that! Thanks for sharing.
Elana says
Hazel, you’re very welcome!
Nancy says
Hi! Just a quick question before I try this for the first time… Is there any reason to peel the zucchini first, or any reason not to peel it? Looking for feedback on taste and texture. :-)
Elana says
Nancy, I don’t peel the zucchini for two reasons. First, it’s more work, second it creates more waste. I hope you enjoy the noodles as much as we do :-)
Diane says
We have tried shredded cabbage in place of noodles, even if you do not like cabbage it is a good meal. My husband is diabetic so we have looked for carb replacements.
Elana says
Thanks Diane!
Amy says
I am trying this tonight! Is there a different seasoning I could use besides chef’s shake ( I don’t have any handy) ?
Elana says
Amy, I haven’t tried that so not sure, if you do please let us know how it goes :-)
cindy Altman says
When you make the zoodles can they sit for a,while or do they need to be used right away?
Love your recipes!
Elana says
Cindy, I often store mine in a glass jar in the fridge for 24 hours and they’re still delicious!
Sarah zias says
Elana i tried the zoodles tonight on my hard to feed husband. and he said it’s a winner! Thank you so much for all your hatd work. By the way, i got your reply about the crispy cookies that went soft in the container. All i nred do is keep them out! I’ll let you know how it worked out. Thank you so much and shalom!
Elana says
Sarah, glad to hear these were a winner and so nice to chat with you here! Shalom :-)