For an easy low carb staple to replace pasta noodles, try this homemade zoodles recipe!
Fresh zucchini squash are sliced into narrow strips or spirals and seasoned with butter, olive oil, and garlic powder.
This healthy keto alternative is an easy and delicious way to cut calories while improving your family’s nutrition!
What are Zoodles?
Zoodles are the keto substitute for noodles and pasta, made with a spiral vegetable cutter. They’re lightly steamed or sautéed and served as a veggie side, or an ingredient added to other dishes.
Best Low Carb Side!
- Versatile zoodles can easily fit into any recipe that calls for pasta. Serve them drenched in sauce or tuck them into cheesy casseroles or soups with meat and vegetables.
- Zoodles are so much fun to make using a spiralizer! This is a sharp tool and not for little fingers, but children will get a kick out watching as you spin out a tangle of zucchini noodles.
- Mild tasting zoodles are light & low in calories, so go ahead and have a second helping. You’ll feel satisfied and nourished without feeling stuffed!
4 Ingredient Recipe
Zucchini – Look for dark green, waxy zucchini that have no spots. Mix with yellow squash zoodles for a pop of color.
Olive oil & butter – The combination of olive oil and butter gives outstanding flavor to zoodles. Experiment with other flavorful oils, such as toasted sesame or truffle oil, or rosemary infused olive oil.
Garlic powder – Garlic powder is easy to add, and mess free, but for optimal flavor, substitute or combine the powder with chopped garlic cloves sautéed in olive oil.
Variations – There are so many seasoning options for giving different spins and twists to zoodles. Give them a drizzle of savory soy sauce or spicy sriracha, and add in some caramelized onions or sundried tomatoes. Sprinkle in Italian or Greek herbs for a Mediterranean meal, or spice them up with taco or Southwest spice blends. Make zoodle pesto or creamy cheesy Alfredo.
How to Make Zoodles
- Wash and cut the ends off the zucchini.
- Cut into curly strings using a spiralizer, or slice into narrow strips using a knife or vegetable peeler.
- In a skillet, toss with olive oil and garlic powder and sauté for 2-3 minutes, as per recipe below. Do not overcook.
- Serve with butter or sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions for Zoodles
Make a zoodle version of spaghetti and meatballs or serve them smothered in an easy tomato meat sauce. Make a zoodles mac and cheese with this creamy keto cheese sauce or this pesto with almonds recipe. Serve zoodles with avocado lime dressing or avocado pesto for a light lunch or side with pork tenderloin. Zoodles taste great alongside chicken parmesan, or with this tasty pesto chicken.
Storing Zoodles
- Store cooked zoodles in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be aware that moisture will continue to seep out, so consider lining your container with paper towels.
- Freeze uncooked zoodles by salting them well to draw out moisture, and allowing them to rest for 20-30 minutes, and then squeezing them in a towel. Allow them to air dry and then divide them into meal-size portions in small zip bags. Squeeze out the air, and store flat in the freezer for up to a year.
Recipes for Zoodles to Try!
Did you love this recipe for Homemade Zoodles? Be sure to leave a comment and rating below!
Homemade Zoodles Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 small zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash zucchini and cut off the ends. Place the zucchini on the spiralizer and spiralize into desired shape.
- Place zucchini in a pan and toss with olive oil and garlic powder. Cook 2-3 minutes or until slightly softened (do not overcook).
- Top with pasta sauce, salt, pepper & butter, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Notes
- No spiralizer? No problem! With a sharp knife, cut zucchini into oblong slices. Try to cut as thinly as possible, no more than ¼ inch thick, but thinner if possible. Then turn each slice over and lay it flat. Cut each slice into oblong square “noodles.”
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
©Easy Low Carb. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
