The list of reasons to swap your regular white pasta for zoodles, aka spiralized noodles, is a long one. Not only will they cut your calorie and carb intake, they will up your protein and fiber levels while curbing noodle cravings. Remember, regular white flour pasta is nothing more than empty calories. Alternatives like wheat, lentil or chickpea-based pastas are only marginally more nutritious and may cause bloating.
While zoodles are most often zucchini-based, you can opt for carrots, rutabaga, celery, beets, sweet potatoes, summer squash, turnips and jicama as well, as they’re all high in vitamins. If you’re particularly carb-conscious, however, make sure to stick with nonstarchy veggies and ones that mimic the look of traditional pasta (we eat with our eyes, so this is key for curbing spaghetti cravings).
Unfortunately, you can easily ruin a great thing like zoodles by tossing them with fatty, calorie-dense sauces, so we’ve rounded up 12 of the best zoodle recipes that swap high-fat ingredients for delicious, filling and nutrient-dense ones. Note that using a spiralizer will make all of these recipes exceedingly easier to whip up. (Paderno is considered the leader in the space, but you can buy a five-blade spiralizer for around $20.)
[ Next: 10 Mouthwatering Spiralized Dinner Ideas ]
12 Seriously Delicious Zoodle Recipes From Pinterest
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Zucchini Noodles With Creamy Avocado Pesto
If you want something rich and filling that won't leave you feeling lethargic or like you packed on a kilo, check out this creamy avocado-based zoodle recipe.
Image: Pinterest via Eat Yourself Skinny
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Spiralized Beetroot Noodle Salad With Orange Vinaigrette
Wear gloves for this one or you'll end up with red-stained hands! This fresh beet and arugula combo is a refreshing alternative to a traditional salad. The dressing calls for honey, but you can easily leave it out if you're watching calories as beets are sweet and flavorful as is.
Image: Pinterest via The Foodie Teen
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Spaghetti Squash With Vegan Tomato Basil Cream Sauce
The great thing about spaghetti squash is that it doesn't have much of a taste, so it will easily absorb the flavors of a fresh sauce. The dressing here is simple, but totally delicious. It's made with just five ingredients: diced fire roasted tomatoes, cashews, water, basil and salt.
Image: Pinterest via Hummusapien
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Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles
This protein-rich dish is perfect post-workout or if you have a long day planned. The recipe is also low carb, gluten-free and grain-free.
Image: Pinterest via The Iron You
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Colorful Jicama Noodle Salad With Creamy Tahini-Ginger Dressing
Jicama, like spaghetti squash, will easily absorb the flavors of the sauce you toss it with, making it a great base for your spiralized dish. This particular recipe is super low in calories while being loaded with nutritious ingredients, like peppers, scallions, purple cabbage, kale and cilantro.
Image: Pinterest via Blissful Basil
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Rutabaga Baked Ziti With Mushrooms and Kale
This recipe is one you'll want to save for when you're whipping up a meal for more than just yourself as it calls for a rather long list of ingredients. That said, it's hearty, protein-rich (22 grams per serving) and looks beautiful!
Image: Pinterest via A Beautiful Plate
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Salmon Red Coconut Curry With Turnip Noodles
Filling, packed with nutrients and easy to keep in the refrigerator, this recipe is also rich in lean protein. Plus, this dish allows you to enjoy curry without the usual cream.
Image: Pinterest via Inspiralized
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Blushing Rutabaga Noodles
Nothing goes better with a chilled glass of rosé than blushing noodles (Instagram would surely agree...). This recipe does call for some heavy cream, so it's not as waist-friendly as some of the others, but the cream is balanced by the fresh produce.
Image: Pinterest via Simple Seasonal
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Sesame Ginger Carrot Noodle Stir Fry With Bok Choy and Crispy Tofu
This recipe is quick to make, healthy, vegan and gluten-free. You can also easily swap out the tofu for another protein source.
Image: Pinterest via The Endless Meal
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Celery Root, Fennel and Grape Salad
There may be no truth to the myth that you burn more calories than you take in when you eat celery (there are no negative calorie foods), but this fresh celery zoodle salad will undoubtedly help rev up your metabolism and boost digestion with its clean list of ingredients and fiber content.
Image: Pinterest via Scaling Back
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Spiralized Root Vegetable Casserole With Vegan Shallot Alfredo Sauce
If you're looking for a unique take on a traditional casserole, check out this hearty spiralized root vegetable dish. It's made with spiralized turnips, rutabagas and sweet potatoes and topped with a vegan Alfredo sauce.
Image: Pinterest via Steph in Thyme
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Spiralized Rutabaga and Roasted Carrot Bowl With Hemp Seeds
Unlike most of the other recipes on this list, this dish is a bit tricky to make, mainly because it calls for a long list of ingredients. That said, if you're cooking for a few people, this is a filling and cost-effective option that's friendly on both the eyes and the waist.
Image: Pinterest via Inspiralized
