This Zucchini Noodle Recipe is an easy side dish that comes together in one pan and only takes a few minutes to prepare! It's a great way to use up extra zucchini and proof that sometimes keeping things simple tastes best.
As a dietitian, I love creating recipes using seasonal ingredients. And this zucchini noodles recipe is a great way to use up the abundance of zucchini you can find at the farmer's market and grocery stores in the summer months. Spiralized zucchini soaks up all the flavors of anything you cook it in. It's an excellent way to cook zucchini with little effort! I hope you love this low-maintenance vegetarian option to pair with a healthy dinner. 😊
Serve this recipe as with Turkey Meatballs and Simple Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce or Vibrant Green Pasta Sauce and a slice of crusty sourdough bread! Or enjoy it as a simple side dish with your favorite protein and whole grain for an easy weeknight meal.
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Video of How to Make Zucchini Noodles
Below is a video of how to make this recipe that I hope is helpful! Don't forget to check out the recipe card at the bottom for the full recipe.
Key Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
These Zucchini Noodles are made with simple ingredients. Below are some ingredient notes.
- Zucchini Squash - you can find fresh zucchini any time of year, but it's in season and abundant at the grocery store and farmer's market in the summer months. Look for smaller zucchini - they are more tender than large zucchinis.
- Lemon Juice - fresh lemon juice is an easy way to brighten up a recipe and add flavor without needing a lot of extra salt.
- Parmesan Cheese - parmesan pairs beautifully with the flavors of lemon and zucchini. You can use shredded or grated parmesan here.
- Salt & Black pepper - to tie all the flavors together.
- Optional: garlic powder & extra-virgin olive oil - if you want to add extra flavor add a half teaspoon of garlic powder and drizzle of olive oil.
How to Make Zucchini Noodles
Below are the instructions for how to make this easy recipe with some visuals that I hope are helpful!
- Step 1 - using either a veggie spiralizer or vegetable peeler, spiralize your zucchini.
- Step 2 - Heat a skillet or pan on medium heat on the stovetop. Add the zucchini noodles to your pan and give them a stir. Let them heat until they start to release some juice. Tip: If you aren't using a nonstick pan, drizzle a bit of olive oil in the pan first.
- Step 3 - Add fresh lemon juice, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, and continue to cook the zoodles to your desired tenderness. They will take 2-3 minutes to cook. If you prefer them al dente, cut the cooking time a bit.
- Step 4 - top with more parmesan and salt and pepper if needed.
Hint: if there is excess water, soak up the extra with a paper towel.
Dietitian Tip
Zucchini squash is a source of many important nutrients including vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants! One of the best things about making zucchini this way is that it cooks so quickly! It's a great option for when you want a vegetarian side dish that's on the table in minutes.
Variations
One of the best things about these zucchini noodles is there are so many ways to customize them to your taste. Below are some examples of optional mix-ins, but feel free to get creative!
- Spicy - add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to give this recipe a little kick of spice!
- Deluxe - this is a very simple recipe. If you want to up-level it a bit, mix yellow summer squash with these zoodles and add fresh garlic and basil for more flavor.
How to Serve These Zucchini Noodles
The great thing about this zucchini spaghetti is that there are so many different ways to serve it. The best way to serve this recipe is the way that you love the most!
- As a Side Dish - my favorite way to enjoy these healthy zucchini noodles is as a simple side dish in the summer!
- In Tomato Sauce - if you're looking for a low carb dinner, turn this zucchini pasta recipe into your main dish by serving it with turkey meatballs in your favorite spaghetti sauce or with my favorite sauce - a simple homemade burst cherry tomatoes pasta sauce made with fresh tomatoes!
- With Green Pasta Sauce - mix zucchini noodles with regular pasta and top it with this vibrant and flavorful green pasta sauce to get in some extra veggies!
- Make a Healthy Shrimp Scampi - add fresh minced garlic, white wine, olive oil, and fresh parsley while the zucchini strands cook and add cooked garlic shrimp on top!
Storage
- Refrigerator - store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Expert Tips
- It's worth it to use a vegetable spiralizer for this recipe to get your zucchini noodles into thin strips easily! I use this one.
- You can serve zucchini noodles warm or cold!
- Cooking zucchini noodles takes less time than regular pasta noodles. Be sure to keep an eye on them.
- For more flavor, add more salt & pepper and your favorite sauce.
FAQ
While healthy means something different to everyone, these are a nutrient-rich option. Zucchini provides several important vitamins and minerals including dietary fiber for a healthy gut, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that help support brain health and overall health.
Use a large pan to prevent overcrowding the zucchini noodles and don't overcook them! They will cook quickly in just a few minutes. If there is excess fluid, drain it off or soak it up with a paper towel.
There are so many easy ways to create zoodles. I use this handheld spiralizer from Veggetti! If you have more counter space, the Paderno spiralizer is a good option! If you don't mind wider noodles, you can use a vegetable peeler or mandoline slicer instead. Here are some instructions for how to use a vegetable peeler to make zucchini noodles.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Zucchini Noodles:
Want to Learn About Nutrition?
Here are some educational articles from a dietitian!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! I would love to hear from you! If you made this recipe, please leave me a review below or tag me in a photo or story on Instagram. Your reviews help support me and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love.🙂 IG: @mallorythedietitian.
📖 Recipe
Simple Zucchini Noodles Recipe with Lemon & Parmesan
Equipment
- 1 vegetable spiralizer or vegetable slicer
Ingredients
- 2 zucchini
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated or shredded
- 1 lemon, juiced
- salt & black pepper to taste
Optional
- 1 drizzle extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Using either a veggie spiralizer or vegetable peeler, spiralize your zucchini.
- Heat a skillet or pan on medium heat on the stovetop. Add the zucchini noodles to your pan and give them a stir. Let them heat until they start to release some juice. Tip: If you aren't using a nonstick pan, drizzle a bit of olive oil in the pan first.
- Add fresh lemon juice, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, and continue to cook the zoodles to your desired tenderness. They will take 2-3 minutes to cook. If you prefer them al dente, cut the cooking time a bit.
- Top with more parmesan and salt and pepper if needed.
Video
Notes
- It's worth it to use a vegetable spiralizer for this recipe to get your zucchini noodles into thin strips easily! I use this one.
- You can serve zucchini noodles warm or cold!
- Cooking zucchini noodles takes less time than regular pasta noodles. Be sure to keep an eye on them!
- Refrigerator - store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
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