Zucchini might just be the most versatile squash in the produce aisle, capturing the hearts of veggie lovers everywhere for its ability to step in for other ingredients in favorite recipes. Fresh zucchini can be used as a homemade pizza topper, summer squash pancakes or as zucchini noodles ( a.k.a. zoodles!). Like traditional pasta, these easy-to-cook strands of deliciousness can stand up to rich sauces, bakes and toppings galore. But unlike most pastas, they pack in a hearty serving of nutrients.
The naturally gluten-free noodles clock in at just about 20 calories per cup, making them a great choice for pasta lovers who are looking to cut calories. Each cup also packs in dietary fiber, as well as potassium and vitamin C, helping a plate of these noodles feel oh so satisfying. Plus, zoodles really only need to be heated instead of cooked, so they’re a time-saver too! In fact, it’s best not to overcook them or they might get soggy. Your zucchini noodles can be sautéed, simmered, baked or even eaten raw for an easy weeknight dinner or healthy salad in no time.
The options are endless when it comes to making your zoodles. You can always pick up a pre-spiralized package from the refrigerated or frozen aisle of your supermarket, but our best spiralizers make easy work of creating zingy strands of zoodles or thin, luxe ribbons of shaved zucchini for all your favorite pasta recipes. You may also be wondering if you can make zucchini noodles without a spiralizer? No problem! A mandolin, vegetable peeler or box grater can all be used to create tasty zoodle variations. And don’t stop at zoodles — butternut squash, beets, apples, potatoes, cucumbers and broccoli stems can all be swirled into spaghetti-like strands, too! However you prepare them, digging into a delicious zoodle recipe has never been easier (or tastier!).
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1
Asian Sesame Zucchini Noodles
An updated take on a classic pasta salad, this plate of toothy noodles contains a mere 85 calories per serving (feel free to heap on the seconds!). It's ready in under 20 minutes flat, and requires zero stove time.
Get the Asian Sesame Zucchini Noodles recipe.
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2
Creamy Spaghetti and Zoodles
If you have a bonafide hankering for pasta, that's okay! You can cut the carb-heavy noodles with a handful of fresh zoodles, and marvel at how much better dinner tastes.
Get the Creamy Spaghetti and Zoodles recipe.
RELATED: 30 Healthy Pasta Recipes That Will Keep You Full All Night
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3
Veggie Rolls
Use zucchini ribbons to make these sushi-inspired veggie rolls, perfect for summer snacking.
Get the Veggie Rolls recipe.
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4
Keto Pesto Zucchini Noodles
Hello, keto dieters! This is the faux pasta option you've been searching for. The best part? You can freely pile on the shredded parmesan.
Get the Keto Pesto Zucchini Noodles recipe.
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5
Zucchini "Pasta" Caprese
The most refreshing plate of noodles you'll have this season! This Caprese calls for the zucchini to be softened in a hot pan — but served immediately to those at your dinner table.
Get the Zucchini "Pasta" Caprese recipe.
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6
Marinated Summer Squash Salad
Pair marinated zucchini with quinoa for a refreshing and filling salad option.
Get the Marinated Summer Squash Salad recipe from Woman's Day.
RELATED: 40 Easy Summer Salads That Pack in the Best Seasonal Flavors
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7
Spiralized Zucchini and Carrot Salad
Zucchini and carrots work together in this Asian-flavored salad with peanuts for an added crunch!
Get the Spiralized Zucchini and Carrot Salad recipe from Woman's Day.
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8
Shrimp Scampi With Zoodles
Another Italian classic reimagined, the zucchini linguine in this scampi blends into the pan sauce perfectly. You can play with the pasta to zucchini ratio — or leave pasta out entirely!
Get the Shrimp Scampi With Zoodles recipe from Woman's Day.
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9
Roasted Shrimp Scampi
Zoodles and shrimp are tossed with garlic, chile and scallions in this one-pan dinner perfect for weeknights.
Get the Roasted Shrimp Scampi recipe from Redbook.
RELATED: 40 Savory and Delicious Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes for Any Occasion
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10
Grilled Chicken With Zucchini Noodles
This easy, low-carb dinner is sure to become a weeknight staple.
Get the Grilled Chicken With Zucchini Noodles recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
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11
Seared Tilapia With Spiralized Zucchini
Charring your zucchini noodles in the oven adds an extra oomph (crunch!) that you'll enjoy. Paired with flaky tilapia, it's a weeknight dinner you'll want to add to your regular routine.
Get the Seared Tilapia With Spiralized Zucchini recipe from Woman's Day.
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12
Turkey Meatballs Over Zucchini Noodles
Lighten up classic meatballs and spaghetti with ground turkey and simply dressed zoodles.
Get the Turkey Meatballs Over Zucchini Noodles recipe from Country Living.
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13
Zoodle Ramen
Rich, umami bone broth is made even better with fresh zoodles in place of ramen. You'll enjoy tender mushrooms, zesty ginger, and the salty zing of a soy sauce base.
Get the Zoodle Ramen recipe from Delish.
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14
Zoodle Alfredo With Bacon
Just as creamy and cheesy as the original, you'll love how the crispy bits of bacon cut through soft noodles in this Alfredo.
Get the Zoodle Alfredo With Bacon recipe from Delish.
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15
Burrito Zoodles
Zucchini stands up well to spices and sauteed veggies just as well as corn chips or tortillas.
Get the Burrito Zoodles recipe from Delish.
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16
Spring Vegetable Primavera
Shaved parmesan cheese ties everything together in Dishing Out Health's updated version of this seasonal delight. Jamie Vespa, MS, RD, drafted the recipe to be perfected in just 15 minutes.
Get the Spring Vegetable Primavera recipe from Dishing Out Health.
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17
Zucchini Lasagna
Ditching the beef doesn't mean this meal lacks any flavor; you'll layer regular lasagna noodles with zoodle variations to lighten this classic comfort dish.
Get the Zucchini Lasagna recipe from Love and Lemons.
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18
Zoodle Egg Nests
So simple, and such a delicious way to incorporate leftover zoodles into a hearty breakfast the next morning! You can add more toppings as you wish.
Get the Zoodle Egg Nests recipe from Fit Foodie Finds.
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19
Spinach Parmesan Zucchini Noodles
Perfect for weeknight dinners, plus the recipe only requires five ingredients!
Get the Spinach Parmesan Zucchini Noodles from Two Peas & Their Pod.
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20
Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles
These garlic-parmesan zoodles fold in a bunch of fresh veggies, but the dish only takes 20 minutes to prepare.
Get the Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles from Inspired Taste.
