How To Make Zoodles, Plus the Best Zoodle Recipes

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Oodles of Zoodles

Been hearing a lot about zoodles lately? Not sure what they are or how to make them? You’re not alone, and we’ve got your back. Here’s our complete guide to zoodles, from how to cook them with and without a spiralizer to the most delicious zoodle recipes out there.

Photo credit: zoodles with tofu and broccoli by Tony Webster (CC BY)

What Are Zoodles?

Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” have taken a podium spot in the last few years when it comes to cutting carbs and gluten. Using a spiralizer, you can slice beautiful, curly noodles of zucchini that very much mimic spaghetti. Done right, you can substitute zoodles for thin pasta in a variety of situations.

How To Make Zoodles Without a Spiralizer

While zoodles are frequently made with a spiralizer, you can still create them if you don’t have a spiralizer in your kitchen. If you’re some sort of secret master chef, you can probably thinly julienne the zucchini yourself. If not, cheese graters, mandolines, and julienne peelers are helpful. Who says your zoodles can’t be pappardelle-shaped?

But If You Do Want To Buy a Spiralizer …

Here are some cheap options if you’d rather make this whole thing easy on yourself.

Prices are subject to change.

Veggetti Spiral Vegetable Slicer - $10 from Amazon
OXO Handheld Spiralizer — $18 from Target
8-in-1 Fullstar Vegetable Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer — $20 from Walmart

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Can You Freeze Zoodles?

You sure can! Once cooked, zoodles will last for a very long time in the freezer — though as with many frozen foods, it’s recommended to eat them within two to three months.

How To Cook Zoodles

There are a few different methods to cook zucchini noodles, depending on the type of dish you’re going for. Zoodles can be used in everything from cold, bright salads to warm, saucy entrées. If you nail it, you’ll have tons of healthy, gluten-free meal ideas on your hands.

Are you using it for pasta? Coat the zoodles in sauce on medium heat; you’ll warm them up and keep that nice al dente crunch. In a recent Reddit thread about the best ways to cook zoodles, one user recommends salting and patting them dry with paper towels before cooking.

Baked zucchini is delicious too, and you can always roast them in the oven on a baking sheet with salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese for tasty parmesan zucchini noodles.

Maybe you want to eat your zucchini noodles raw. Shave them thin and flat, like carpaccio, and toss them with some olive oil and lemon juice. You’ve got yourself a perfect summer snack.

Sautée them. Fry them. Bake them. Notice an overarching theme here? There’s no wrong way to make zoodles. Go experiment and have some fun.