Pin It Light, fresh zucchini noodles (zoodles) provide a healthy, gluten-free base for a variety of sauces and toppings. Perfect as a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, these variations are quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable.
Pin It Zucchini noodles are incredibly versatile, allowing you to enjoy a nutrient-dense meal that feels both light and satisfying. Whether you crave the brightness of fresh tomatoes or the richness of avocado, these recipes deliver bold flavors in every spiral.
Ingredients
- Zucchini Noodles: 2 large zucchini, spiralized; 1 tbsp olive oil; salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
- Classic Tomato Basil Sauce: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; salt and pepper, to taste.
- Creamy Avocado Pesto: 1 ripe avocado; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; 2 tbsp pine nuts or walnuts; 1 clove garlic; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 3 tbsp olive oil; salt and pepper, to taste.
- Toppings (Choose as desired): 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; red pepper flakes, to taste.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Noodles
- Spiralize the zucchini into noodles. Place in a colander, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: Sauté the Zoodles
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2–3 minutes, just until slightly tender but not mushy. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 3: Classic Tomato Basil Sauce
- In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add cherry tomatoes, cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Stir in chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4: Creamy Avocado Pesto
- In a food processor, combine avocado, basil, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Assemble
- Toss the sautéed zucchini noodles with your choice of sauce (Tomato Basil or Avocado Pesto). Divide between plates.
- Step 6: Add Toppings
- Top with your preferred toppings: Parmesan, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Step 7: Serve
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To prevent sogginess, it is crucial to avoid overcooking the zoodles. Sautéing them for just a few minutes ensures they retain a pleasant bite. Always remember to pat the spiralized zucchini dry after they have sat with salt to remove as much water as possible.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Customize your meal by adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. For those with nut allergies, swap the pine nuts in the pesto for sunflower seeds. You can also experiment with other sauces such as classic marinara, peanut sauce, or a simple garlic-lemon drizzle.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these bowls immediately for the best taste. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat. This dish is best enjoyed right after assembly to maintain the crisp texture of the zucchini.
Pin It Enjoy this healthy, international-inspired dish that is both vegetarian and gluten-free. Per serving with the tomato basil sauce and Parmesan, this meal contains approximately 260 calories, 19g of total fat, 17g of carbohydrates, and 7g of protein.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent zucchini noodles from becoming soggy?
Salt the spiralized zucchini and let it drain in a colander for 10 minutes to release excess moisture, then pat dry with paper towels. Sauté briefly for only 2-3 minutes over medium heat, keeping them slightly tender but firm. Serve immediately after tossing with sauce.
- → Can I make the avocado pesto ahead of time?
Yes, but prepare it close to serving time. Avocado oxidizes quickly, so store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface. You can prepare it up to 2 hours ahead and squeeze fresh lemon juice on top to slow browning.
- → What are good protein additions to this dish?
Grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas work wonderfully. For heartier portions, add sautéed lean ground turkey, pan-seared tofu, or white fish. These proteins complement both sauce variations beautifully.
- → How do I make this nut-free?
For the pesto, substitute pine nuts and walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. For toppings, skip the pine nuts and use sunflower seeds instead. All other ingredients remain the same, and the flavor remains delicious.
- → What other sauces work well with zucchini noodles?
Try classic marinara, fresh peanut sauce, simple garlic-lemon drizzle, or sesame ginger sauce. You can also use store-bought pesto, curry sauce, or buffalo sauce. Keep sauces light to honor the delicate texture of the zoodles.
- → Can I spiralize zucchini the day before?
Yes, spiralize and store in a colander or lined container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, salt and drain them the morning of or just before cooking to minimize moisture buildup. Fresh use provides the best texture.