Have you ever heard of zoodles? They are noodles made from zucchini, and they serve as a great low-carb substitute for regular pasta noodles. Zucchini isn’t the only vegetable that you can turn into noodles; summer squash and spaghetti squash also make great “noodles.” Squash are low in calories and high in nutrition. It is recommended that we consume 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, so using veggies as a noodle option can absolutely make it easier reach that daily goal!
These “noodles” have a similar shape and texture compared to regular noodles, especially if a spiralizer is used to make them. A spiralizer is a unique kitchen tool that has become quite popular in recent years. It is meant specifically to be used for turning squash and other vegetables into noodles very much like spaghetti noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can still make zoodles! You can cut zucchini or summer squash length-wise in thin strips to create noodles similar to fettuccine. Note that using a vegetable peeler would be able to help you achieve thinner slices of squash noodles and may be safer than using a knife if using this vegetable noodle method.
One other simple way to make vegetable noodles would be to roast a spaghetti squash (check out this recipe). As the name implies, this squash resembles spaghetti. When a spaghetti squash is de-seeded and roasted, its flesh shreds into strands that look very similar to spaghetti and can be used as such, no spiralizer or vegetable peeler needed! You can even leave the shredded squash in the spaghetti squash rind for a no-waste bowl option; just top the “noodles” with your favorite spaghetti sauce and any other toppings.
Zucchini and summer squash are still in season in September, as they are considered Summertime squash. Spaghetti squash is considered a winter squash and will be in season during the Fall as well. Check out how to select a ripe zucchini, spaghetti squash, and summer squash: https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/4257e/. Now is the perfect time of year to try to make some zoodles and lighten up some of your comforting Fall and Winter meals.
Let us know what some of your favorite recipes with zoodles are!
