I am now completely in love with zucchini noodles. I use “Zoodles” as a substitute for pasta. You can eat two cups of zoodles for 58 calories versus two cups of regular pasta for 364 calories.
I make zoodles using a Native Spring spiral slicer that I found online. You can get it at Amazon at this link: Spiral Vegetable Slicer, Hand Held with Cleaning Brush. Zucchini and Carrot Veggie Pasta Maker . It may not work anymore, but I also had a discount code so maybe you can use it: SSPURC15.
Sweating is an important part of the process when you plan to prepare a dish with zucchini noodles in it, even if consuming them raw. It is the most effective way to remove moisture from the noodles. If you do not remove as much moisture as possible before use, the noodles could cause your final dish to become watery. You need to sweat the noodles by placing them inside a colander and letting them drip dry for 15 to 20 minutes. When done, wrap the noodles in paper towels and squeeze gently to absorb as much excess moisture as possible.
Zucchini noodles can be enjoyed raw in salads or on their own, but you can also boil, sauté, and microwave them to make them tenderer and more reminiscent of actual pasta. I have discovered that I now love them raw with just salt and pepper or dressed up like a “pasta” salad.
I have also discovered an awesome new salad dressing brand to use on my zoodles. It is called OPA by Lighthouse. OPA is helping me enjoy my salads even more and I actually use it on everything! I suggest trying it on a sandwich: Two slices of lite bread, fried egg, and two tsp (only 16 calories) of the dressing = amazing!! And only 166 calories of awesomeness!! The Jalapeño one is my favorite and only 166 calories of awesomeness!! Did I mention its awesome?
It can be found in the produce section of the grocery store. I know they have it at BI-LO and Harris Teeter.
Nutrition Information: one serving (2 Tbsp)
Calories – 50
Fat – 5 g
Sodium – 240 mg
Carbs – 2 g
Fiber – 0 g
Protein – 2 g
Try it all! I promise, you will be in food love!!