Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles)

Written By: The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors The Almanac Editors and Staff
Category
Course
Special Considerations
Preparation Method

Ever made zoodles? They’re a fun way to use zucchini and a healthy, fresh alternative to pasta! You can just enjoy zoodles lighted sautéed, but also here is a delicious recipe that was a hit at my community garden potluck.

I discovered this last year and planted several zucchini seeds this year in order to harvest large (thigh-size!) squash expressly to make zoodle dishes.

See more delicious Zucchini Recipes!

Ingredients
1 to 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
2 ounces regular or herbed goat cheese
1 to 2 tablespoons pesto
4 to 5 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 to 2 large zucchini
1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
Parmesan cheese, to taste
Optional: Pepper

Instructions

Combine avocado, goat cheese, pesto, and 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil in a food processor. Mixture will be thick. Set aside.

Using a spiralizer or serrated peeler, twist or peel your zucchini into noodles, or zoodles. Process only the firm flesh, not the seeded portion. Set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet or pot. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add zucchini noodles and cook, turning frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until soft and they have sweated several tablespoons of liquid.

Remove pan from heat. Drain liquid, saving 1 to 2 tablespoons.

Add avocado mixture and stir to coat zucchini noodles. Add zucchini liquid, ½ tablespoon at a time, if desired, to thin the avocado mixture. Add Parmesan cheese and stir to blend. Serve, with Parmesan cheese to pass around.

Makes about 4 servings.

Variations: Cook zoodles as directed, but skip the avocado mixture. Instead top with tomato sauce. Or, cook as directed, and add zest and juice of 1/2 lemon during the last minute of cooking. Remove zoodles from pan, reserving the liquid. Return the liquid to the pan and add 1/2 pound raw, peeled, and cleaned shrimp. Cook until shrimp are pink, adding 1/4 cup white wine, if desired. Serve shrimp over zoodles, sprinkled with grated Parmesan.

Optional: Add pepper or other seasoning and herbs. Make it your own!

About The Author
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Almanac Editors and Staff

Under the guiding hand of its first editor, Robert B. Thomas, the premiere issue of The Old Farmer’s Almanac was published in 1792 during George Washington’s first term as president.Today, the Almanac...