Zucchini Zoodles- A Fix to the Zucchini Abundance!
It’s zucchini season here and it’s overflowing! Do you have that problem, too? Hayco Farms brings me lovely zucchini in my weekly CSA boxes and I was in search of easy and great ways to feed my family. This is such an easy solution for a delicious and healthy way to solve that problem, that I had to share it with you. If you haven’t tried zucchini zoodles, you are missing out! It’s wonderful for my WW plan, too!
So…what are zucchini zoodles?
They are zucchini cut by a spiralizer in different shapes that are a great alternative and low carb version of “pasta”. I have a hand spiralizer that I used for today’s dish since it was just lunch for one…but, I also have an electric one that is perfect for a family dinner. Here are a few that are similar to what I use:
This is SO EASY and perfect for a fast easy lunch or dinner that I had to share it.
The Bella electric spiralizer is the one that I have and it has lots of options for different types of shapes.
(I have attached affiliate links for your shopping convenience in case you need one of these! It costs you no more to shop from these links, just saves you time and helps me to grow here!)
Seriously.
I simply wash my zucchini and remove the ends. I leave the peeling on since most of nutrients in veggies are near the skin. They add fiber and so much more healthy benefits to leave them on, and it saves time in preparing them. too.
I used my hand spiralizer and simply turned the zucchini to get these great “pasta” looking strands of raw zucchini zoodles.
I love to steam mine and just add them to a steamer for my microwave and microwave for about three minutes, drain the liquid and they are ready to add sauce, fresh herbs, and a fresh grated parmesan cheese to the top!
Brilliant!
Zucchini Zoodles
Equipment
- spiralizer, either hand or electric
- steamer or microwave safe covered dish
- Saute' pan.
Ingredients
- Zucchini I estimate one per serving, depending on size and portion
- Marinara
- olive oil
- minced garlic
- onion or shallots, minced
- cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- lemon zest
- Grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil, oregano, thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- Wash one zucchini per serving, and depending on zucchini size. Remove ends from zucchini.
- Place zucchini in spiralizer and if hand held, turn zucchini so that the spiralizer cuts into long strands of "spaghetti" looking zucchini. My spiralizer has a holder on the top so that you can push down and get all of the zucchini to push through.My electric spiralizer is fast and easy with great instructions and 4 versions from ribbons to zoodles to use for pasta replacement, soups and other great recipes.
- Place the zucchini in a microwave steamer or microwave safe covered dish and microwave for about 3 minutes. Drain liquid from zoodles. ***TIP: You may steam these on the stove, too, if you'd prefer.
- Slice fresh cherry tomatoes in half. Mince garlic and finely chop onion or shallots.
- Add garlic, shallots or onion, and cherry tomatoes to a bit of olive oil to caramelize tomatoes and saute ingredients together.
- Heat your favorite marinara sauce and add in the sauteed vegetables.
- Place zoodles on your serving dish or plate.
- Pour sauce over the top of the zoodles.
- Sprinkle with your favorite herbs and lemon zest.
- Top with freshly grated parmesan. Serve!
Notes
Here’s the finished product! For those looking to have a great way to handle the overflow of zucchini…this is a great solution! It is fresh, delicious and a low carb solution when you want a “pasta” fix!
TIP: I spiralize before a gathering and tuck the spiralized zucchini zoodles in ziploc bags ahead of time. Another time saver for summer gatherings!
Zucchini overflow problem solved!
Meanwhile, I am over here also making a great new zucchini bread recipe, zucchini gratin, zucchini soup and a new dish with a lovely garlic and herb oil infusion! Stay tuned! Seriously….I have a LOT of zucchini!
31 Comments
Cindy
This is such a great recipe for the summer. Especially if you grow vegetables.
I’m going to have to give this a try.
Leslie J Watkins
I am enjoying the zoodles in place of pasta for a fresh summer take. Hope you will love it!
Paula
This is a great way to enjoy Zucchini!
Martha Wallace
Delicious!!! I may need to purchase the electric spiral gadget. I only have the hand held one.
I love this served with grilled fish!
Thanks for sharing! Wonderful!
Leslie J Watkins
Oh, friend! That electric one is the answer. I’ve linked the Bella one which is the one I have to make four different types of zoodles. I am in love with it! Soooo much faster and easier than the hand held!
Libbie@alifeunfolding
Love this recipe that also solves a problem!!! I know what we are having for dinner this week. 🙂
Leslie J Watkins
I know, right?! Enjoy!
Juliet
I can’t spell it, but I love using zuccini in various recipes. This looks delicious.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you! I hope you will give them a try. I’ve even sauteed those zoodles with a bit of butter or olive oil with the minced onion before adding sauce instead of steaming. Enjoy!
Vickie Ramey
We love zucchini! Will need to try!
Leslie J Watkins
This is SO fast and easy! I think you guys will love it. You can even saute those zoodles with the onion and a bit of butter or olive oil instead of steaming them. Enjoy!
Cindy Rust
This pasta-lovin’ woman loves zoodles!! Your sauce looks so good too – the idea of adding lemon zest is brilliant! Pinning!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Cindy! I think the beauty is adding in the herbs and produce that make that sauce perfect for you. Enjoy!
Renaem
Delicious! And so easy. Perfect for summer
Leslie J Watkins
I know, right?! I’m a zoodle fan!
Missy
I’m a huge zoodle fan! Definitely going to try your sauce recipe! Yummy!
Lynn Vogeler
Love zoodles! Can’t wait to try this recipe and can’t for your other variations!
Leslie J Watkins
Thanks, Lynn. It is just so healthy and quick! So many zucchini recipes are in process!
Leslie J Watkins
That sauce can be made for what you have on hand. I have used fresh green onions, shallots or vidalia onions to saute’ and add! So many variations. Enjoy!
Kim
That looks so good!! I pinned that recipe.
Marie
Yummy! I haven’t had zoodles in a while. I bet these taste amazing and fresh.
Carol Karl
Thanks for sharing this Lesley. I make zoodles all the time so it’s always good to have another recipe to try. Pinned for later.
Barbara at Mantel and Table
Those look fabulous Leslie! And great for the diet! 🙂 Thanks for the instructions and the recipe – can’t wait to try it out! Happy Sunday!
Linda Johnston
One way and healthy to eat up all the zucchini that will be ready from our garden soon!
Jayne
I’ve been thinking of getting a spiralizer and after this recipe, I’m going to have to! It looks and sounds too tasty to resist!
Danielle
This looks delicous! I love zucchini!!!
Leslie J Watkins
I have done more with zucchini than ever before. I’m learning to love it more and more! In all of it’s abundance!
Tammy
Leslie,
This looks amazing! A recipe for eating healthy.
Leslie J Watkins
Thanks, Tammy! It has been a perfect pasta replacement for me! Loving it!
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