recipes by: Charlotte Samuel, H-E-B Culinary Nutritionist
Much like her culinary creations, Charlotte's philosophy is simple ‑ healthy meals don't have to be expensive or bland. Eating well is all about finding the right balance between smart nutrition and great taste.
Zucchini noodles are low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta noodles. You can purchase pre-made zucchini nooodles or learn how to make these healthier noodles with the tips below.
Use a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles easy to prepare. Place whole washed, firm zucchini into spiralizer and twist. Use like a pencil sharpener to shave off your noodles. Discard stem end. |
Raw zucchini noodles work well in cold salads and spring rolls. |
Substitute out zucchini noodles for traditional noodles in stir fry recipes or dishes like pad thai. |
To saute, place skillet on medium-high heat, add a tablespoon olive oil. Toss in zucchini noodles gently with tongs and cook 3 to 5 minutes or until al dente. To cook more than one spiralized zucchini, cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid adding salt and overcooking to prevent zucchini from becoming soggy. |
For pasta dishes, prepare the sauce first, then add hot sauce directly on top of sauteed or raw zucchini. |
For baked dishes like mac and cheese, drop noodles in boiling water for 45 seconds before placing in a baking dishes. This will help the noodles retain moisture and keep their color. Follow normally cooking instructions for baking process. |