When we go about our lives trying to take in as many veggies as can, it’s a magical realization to discover that we can use vegetables in place of something we used to label as a ‘treat’.
Behold, the cucumber’s cousin, the veggie master-of-disguise, the zucchini on-fleek; the zoodle. What are zoodles? Noodles that are made from zucchini using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler. They are an incredible advancement for veggie lovers everywhere with a pasta habit, as they present a super nutritious, less carb-y alternative to standard pasta noodles–and they actually taste legit! Zoodles will absorb the flavour of whatever sauces you coat or simmer them in, and fully take on an adequate noodle-y texture. I promise, you will be so amazed that you are eating a bowl full of vegetables instead of a bowl full of flour that you might just feel compelled to go out and do something else you thought was impossible.
Zucchinis are 95% water, and thus contain very few calories. However, that extra 5% of sustenance packs in an impressive amount of nutrition. One bowl of zoodles will load you up with potassium, which reduces blood pressure, folate, which breaks down amino acids, and magnesium, which is good for heart health. The high fibre content in zucchinis also helps to lower cholesterol. And finally, zucchinis are also said to promote healthy eyes, skin, hair, and bones.
So all of those pasta dishes that you previously reserved for ‘after the tough day at work’ are suddenly fair game with the zoodle.
It may feel like you’re getting away with something when your comfort food is so healthy, but zoodles really are the unicorn of health food. Enjoy!
Chicken Zoodle Soup
While it is unfortunately the season of runny noses, curling up with a warm bowl of chicken zoodle soup will be just the thing to zap away your cold!
Try the Chicken Zoodle Soup recipe by damndelicious.net
Thai Peanut Chicken Zoodle Bowl
Zoodles are the perfect complement to this protein-packed asian-inspired dish. Plus, you can feel better about all that peanut sauce when the base of your meal is green!
Try the One Skillet Thai Peanut Chicken Zoodle Bowl by almostsupermom.com
Sun dried Tomato and Parmesan Chicken Zoodles
Sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese are infused into a creamy sauce with crispy, pan-fried chicken, and a generous helping of zoodles? Now that’s a dinner!
Try the Creamy Sundried Tomato and Parmesan Chicken Zoodles by cafedelites.com
Rainbow Veggie Dragon Zoodles
This recipe runs zucchini, carrot, and a pepper through a spiralizer. The end product is an incredibly nutritious rainbow of veggie noodles. Perfect with a sweet and salty dressing, and a handful of nuts for crunch!
Try the Rainbow Veggie Dragon Noodles by getinspiredeveryday.com
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Zoodles
Nothing beats the sweet, caramelized goodness of roasted red peppers. Add a little goat cheese to really kick that creamy flavour up a notch.
Try the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Zucchini Noodles by getinspiredeveryday.com
Spicy Shrimp With Pesto Zoodles
Tasty green pesto on a bed of tasty green noodles. Once you’ve got your pesto prepared, this meal is incredibly easy to make, and can be cooked in a flash. A perfectly healthy, light dinner.
Try the 15 minute Spicy Shrimp with Pesto Noodles by pinchofyum.com
We’re so excited about veggie noodles that we may never go back. What’s your favourite way to serve zoodles?