Zucchini Noodle Variations (Printable Version)

Light, fresh zucchini noodles with customizable sauces and toppings. Gluten-free, low-carb, and ready in just 20 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Zucchini Noodles

01 - 2 large zucchini, spiralized into noodles
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Classic Tomato Basil Sauce

04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
08 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Creamy Avocado Pesto

09 - 1 ripe avocado
10 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
11 - 2 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts
12 - 1 clove garlic
13 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
14 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
15 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Toppings

16 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
18 - 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
19 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
20 - Red pepper flakes to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Spiralize zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer. Place in a colander, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
04 - Combine avocado, basil, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Toss sautéed zucchini noodles with your choice of sauce. Divide between serving plates. Top with preferred toppings: grated Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These zoodles trick your brain into thinking youre eating pasta while keeping things light enough that you wont need a nap afterward.
  • The two sauce options mean you can match your mood – bright tomato basil when youre craving something familiar or creamy avocado pesto when youre feeling adventurous.
02 -
  • Never skip the step of removing excess moisture from your zucchini – I once served what can only be described as zucchini soup when I rushed this part.
  • The zoodles will continue to release water as they sit, so serve immediately or prepare components ahead and assemble right before eating.
03 -
  • Keep your spiralizer blade ultra-sharp by never putting it in the dishwasher – hand wash immediately after use to prevent dulling.
  • For zoodles with more structure and less water content, try yellow summer squash which has slightly firmer flesh than green zucchini.
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