Zucchini noodles are a gluten-free alternative to regular pasta, made by cutting this delicious summer squash into long strings. While they are fairly easy to come by when shopping, nothing quite beats the taste of freshly cut "zoodles." This healthy substitute may sound daunting to create but the truth is that with a few simple tools, you can quickly learn how to make zucchini noodles yourself. So keep reading to find out more about adding this pasta-free pasta to your life.

How to Make Zucchini Noodles

There are a few ways to make zucchini noodles. Depending on your skill level and what tools you own we are here to teach you how to make zucchini noodles by hand.
For every method, you should start by rinsing off the summer squash to get rid of any dirt and then cut and remove both ends to create nice clean noodles.

1. How to Make Zucchini Noodles With a Spiralizer

Using a spiralizer is probably one of the fastest and easiest ways to make long spaghetti-like zucchini noodles. These tools take mere seconds to create perfect spirals with little effort. Begin by selecting and inserting the blade you want to create the spiral thickness you are after.

• Depending on the type of spiralizer you are using, you may need to suction or clamp it to the countertop or simply place it on a flat surface.
• Prepare by cutting both ends off the zucchini.
• You may need to half the length off to fit it into the device depending on what is needed.
• Insert the zucchini by skewering one end onto the handle-side of the spiralizer.
• Poke the center of the other end into the blade-side.
• Crank the handle continuously while applying forward pressure on the zucchini towards the blade.
• Continue until complete.

Tip!

Read How to Use a Spiralizerfor additional step-by-step instructions.

2. How to Make Zucchini Noodles With a Peeler

If you prefer to learn how to make zucchini noodles without a spiralizer, there are a few additional options available to you. This first method is more labor-intensive and requires the use of a vegetable peeler and a sharp knife to create pappardelle noodles.

• Start by cutting both ends off the zucchini.
• Hold the peeler in your dominant hand and the zucchini in the other.
• Carefully pull the peeler along the length of the squash to create long thin strips.
• Alternatively, you can first slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and place the cut half facing down on a chopping board before peeling for strips.
• Then take your knife and cut them into thick noodles.
• Stack them on top of one another to make the task easier and get more even slices.

Tip!

Julienne peelers are designed to cut fruits and vegetables as you peel/slice them, allowing you to make angel hair pasta. Simply run it across the length of the zucchini and pull the strands apart to create thin straight noodles.

3. How to Make Zucchini Noodles With a Mandoline

The mandoline is a kitchen favorite that makes speedy work of cutting and slicing. Not only can it be used to create thin and consistently sized fettuccine zoodles but also zucchini chips depending on the method you use.

• Start by placing your mandoline on its thinnest setting (1/8" is ideal).
• Mandoline blades are extremely sharp, so you should either wear cut-proof gloves or use the plastic holder that accompanies this tool to prevent injury.
• Cut the zucchini ends off and then in half or as needed to make it easier to handle.
• Run the zucchini lengthwise down the mandoline to create long strips.
• Then use your chef's knife to slice them into fat noodles.

Tip!

To create zucchini chips, run the squash with the circular side down across the blade to create medallions.

4. How to Make Zucchini Noodles With a Mixer Attachment

For the most low-effort way to create zucchini spaghetti, use a stand mixer. Many of these appliances come with a specific attachment designed to create spirals out of fruit and vegetables. Since it is automated, this method requires very little work

• Begin by connecting the spiralizer attachment to your stand mixer.
• These typically work similarly to a spiralizer, with the difference being this does the work for you.
• Cut the ends off and, if need be, into halves and quarters.
• Insert the zucchini as you would with a regular spiralizer (or as your device requires).
• Make sure everything is secure and turn the mixer on.
• Since this device automatically slices the zucchini, not only will the spirals be thin and even, but it can also be used to cut the tough skin of sweet potatoes and butternut noodles.

5. How to Make Zucchini Noodles With a Chef's knife

Using the chef's knife is a method that takes the most time and skill to make zucchini noodles. You will need a sharp blade and steady hand to manually slice your zoodles.

• Trim the top and bottom off.
• Cut the zucchini to size depending on the technique you choose.
• Whether you cut lengthwise or in half, place the cut side on the chopping board.
• Run the knife over the zucchini as you would the peeler to it into 1/8 inch thin strips lengthwise to create long planks.
• You can use these strips to layer in lasagna or cut them into thinner noodles if you prefer.

How to Cook Zucchini Noodles

When it comes to zoodles, the biggest thing to bear in mind, no matter what recipe you choose, is that you don't want to actually cook them. Since zucchinis are 95% water, any extended cooking will render the noodles mushy. So all you really want to do is heat them through. This can be done by a quick pan saute, placing them in the microwave, or if you prefer – eating them raw is also perfectly fine. From there, you can use them in your pasta, as lasagne, in soups, or even in salads.

No matter which method you prefer, now you know how to make zucchini noodles, you can begin eating your very own gluten-free pasta.

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