Sesame zoodles are new version of an old favorite, Asian-style noodles. No cooking is required for a lighter, healthier and veggie-filled version of peanut noodles that’s also gluten free, low carb, and vegan. Your new summer salad favorite will be these Sesame Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles).
Sesame Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
The things we parents resort to in order to get kids to eat certain foods. Sometimes it’s bribery, other times it’s sneaking veggie purees into recipes or making green smoothies (that don’t actually look green). People have thanked me to no end for Cauli-Tots.
My kids like a wide variety of food, but even they have their limits, and I have to resort to mama tactics. King Stuff loves all things tomato, so slather anything it ketchup or tomato sauce, and he is all over it. With The Bug, since he is older, I do try to be upfront about what I am serving him as opposed to being sneaky, but I am not above scrambling the “undesirables” into eggs or covering them in cheese. Of course, King Stuff is not a fan of eggs or cheese.
Unless they’re covered in ketchup.
I can’t win.
I’ve mentioned many times that The Bug loathes two things – tomatoes and zucchini. The only way I’ve gotten him to eat zucchini is when I’ve combined it with, you guessed it, eggs and cheese, like in these tots or this hodge podge. But the kid loves noodles, so I figured, a-ha, ZOODLES. Yeah, not so much. Obviously topping the with tomato sauce isn’t happening, and the Greek version didn’t work for him either (although the rest of us loved them). Maybe it was those dang tomatoes again.
So what next? Well, besides eggs and cheese, The Bug is also a ginormous fan of peanut butter. So why not slather peanut butter on zucchini?
Huh?
Bear with me on this one…
I took the classic Asian-inspired sauce of soy and peanut butter, maybe a little garlic or ginger – there are tons of variations out there – and tossed some zoodles in it to make these Sesame Zucchini Noodles. I personally love this version of the sauce. It is basically the same sauce that I used on these Sesame Noodles from Katie Workman’s The Mom 100 Cookbook, and just requires tossing some ingredients in a blender and whizzing it up. Then pour it over your zoodles and toss. Not one iota of cooking time is required.
This sesame peanut sauce really packs a huge punch! You can serve the zoodles right away, but letting them “marinate” for a while helps the flavor really soak in and slightly tenderizes the zucchini. And if the amazing taste isn’t enough to convince you, this recipe is also super healthy – ton of veggies, great protein, gluten free, low carb, vegan.
Too bad I still can’t get The Bug on Team Zucchini. Well, epic fail with him, but personally, I’ll take a big plateful of Sesame Zucchini Noodles everyday. And despite the lack of tomatoes, even King Stuff polished off, oh, about three servings. And The Hubby was a huge fan as well.
Oh well, The Bug’s loss. More for me…
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Still buried in summer squash or looking forward to fall and winter squash? You’ll get ideas and inspiration with al of the amazing #SundaySupper Squash Fest recipes at the bottom of this post.
Which squash is your favorite?
Sesame Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
A vegetable-filled, healthy, gluten free, vegan version of this Asian-inspired favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 piece (2 inches) peeled fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha or other hot sauce
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable or coconut oil
- 1 Tablespoon Asian (dark) sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
- Two medium to large zucchini, spiralized
- Chives, scallions, carrots, or additional sesame seeds for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Combine the ginger, garlic, peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, hot sauce, vegetable or coconut oil, and sesame oil in a food processor or a blender and puree until smooth.
- Place the spiralized zucchini noodles in a large bowl, pour the sauce over the top and add the sesame seeds. Toss until the sauce is evenly distributed.
- Serve immediately, or place in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to soak into and slightly tenderize the noodles.
- Garnish with chives, scallions, shaved carrots, and/or sesame seeds, if desired.
Enjoy!
I’ve got some more squash recipes for you…
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- Healthier Carrot & Zucchini Mini Muffins
- Thai Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup
- Fettuccine Pumpkin Cauli-Fredo
Plus here is the rest of the #SundaySupper Squash Fest Menu…
Starters – Appetizers & Cocktails:
- Bourbon Pumpkin Pie in a Glass from Confessions of a Culinary Diva
- Spaghetti Squash and Zucchini Pancakes from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Zucchini Pizza Bites from Mommas Meals
- Zucchini Tomato Focaccia Bread with Pretzel Salt from Family Foodie
Pickles & Relish:
- Zucchini Pickles from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Zucchini Relish from Magnolia Days
Soups & Salads:
- Creamy Dairyfree Zucchini Soup from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Easy Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli e Zucchini from Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
- Pumpkin Soup with Bacon and Persimmon from Culinary Adventures with Camillia
- Tofu Vegetable Soup from What Smells So Good?
- Zucchini Cheese Soup from Noshing with the Nolands
- Zucchini Noodles with Basil Vinaigrette from Ruffles and Truffles
Main Dishes
- Acorn Squash Ramen from Ninja Baking
- Beef, Butternut & Potato Pie from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Beef Ragu over Spaghetti Squash from The Texan New Yorker
- Black Bean, Butternut Squash & Millet Stuffed Poblano Peppers with Ancho-Guajillo Chile Sauce from Simply Healthy Family
- Chorizo-Stuffed Zucchini from La Cocina de Leslie
- Gluten Free Zucchini Noodles & Meatballs from Gluten Free Crumbley
- Italian Sausage Zucchini Lasagna from Curious Cuisiniere
- Risotto with Butternut Squash, Chicken and Sage from Cooking Chat
- Sausage and Farro Stuffed Acorn Squash from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Cups from Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Spaghetti Squash Casserole from Shockingly Delicious
- Spinach and Mushroom Quiche with Spaghetti Squash Crust from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Stuffed Red Kuri Squash from Food Lust People Love
- Zucchini-Corn Pancakes from The Weekend Gourmet
Side Dishes:
- Cheesy Thyme Baked Acorn Squash from An Appealing Plan
- Creamy Baked Acorn Squash from Simply Gourmet
- Grilled Zucchini and Corn Succotash from Take a Bite Out of Boca
- Kabocha no Nimono (Simmered Acorn Squash) from A Mama, Baby and Shar Pei in the Kitchen
- Roasted Kabocha Squash from Peaceful Cooking
- Roasted Zucchini and Yellow Squash Galette from Rhubarb and Honey
- Spaghetti Squash Fritters from Nosh My Way
- Sweet and Savory Roasted Delicata Squash and Pear from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Zucchini Succotash Cobbler with Cornbread Topping from The Wimpy Vegetarian
Sweets to Start or End the Day:
- Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cake from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Chocolate Zucchini Coffeecake with Chocolate Crumb from Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
- Chocolate Zucchini Pancakes from Brunch with Joy
- Granny’s Zucchini Bread from Pies and Plots
- Pumpkin Cheesecake French Toast Roll Ups with Pumpkin Spice Dipping Sauce from Chocolate Moosey
- Pumpkin Cookie Butter Cinnamon Buns with Cookie Butter Glaze from Grumpy’s Honey Bunch
- Pumpkin Pie Layer Cheesecake Bars from Wallflour Girl
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes from The Foodie Army Wife
- Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies from Killer Bunnies Inc.
- Zucchini Brownies from Eat, Drink and Be Tracy
- Zucchini Lemon Ginger Bread from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Want to see lots more yummy food from me and my friends, and cute pictures of my kids?
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Your zoodles is truly inspired, Brianne…One of these days your little Bug will see what he’s been missing all these years =) Thank you for the keeper recipe!
I hope so!
And I just got some spicy peanut butter and I can see exactly what I’m making with it. Now just to get one of those veggie spiralizers…
Ooh, spicy peanut butter would be perfect!
What a nice light dish and the dressing you made sounds amazing! Beautiful recipe.
It is so good! Next I think I have to use it on some chicken!
I love using spaghetti squash as a healthier option to pasta, but now need to start utilizing zucchini, too! Delicious dish, Brianne!
I adore spaghetti squash too, but I love the zucchini for more like a pasta salad or cold dish.
I have a spiralizer I’ve been meaning to try. Two, actually. I think I should try them out on your recipe! YUM! #Pinned
Oh, you have to! It is so fun!
What a fun and healthy way to enjoy sesame noodles!
Thanks Christy!
Love love love this! I have got to try it. Asian flavors are my favorite, and now that I’ve got my spiralizer I’m looking for alllll the zoodle recipes I can find!
Yes, I’m trying to find new ways to make them instead of just tomato sauce.
LOL, well maybe the Bugs will warm up to the idea of zoodles eventually – the tastebuds will change sooner or later! ; ) how fun is this though! Can one cook the zoodles if they wanted? Would that be ideal?
I have both sauteed and blanched zoodles when I am eating them with sauce or juts some olive oil and parmesan, but in a “salad” like this, I prefer them uncooked since the sauce or dressing soaks in better.
Those zoodles look so good, too bad you couldn’t get everyone on side for them but with kids you just have to keep on trying!!
And if not, I’ll just keep making them for myselg!
I will happily devour these zoodles! We all have our food preferences, though. I am not super picky, but I have not liked cooked tomatoes since I was a kid and I don’t think I’ll ever change my mind. No pizza sauce or pasta sauce or anything like that. Crazy!
You and my little guy would get along well 🙂 Though he will eat sauce on pizza, as long as it isn’t too much.
Ok I keep seeing zoodles everywhere, but yours is the first I want to make because it reminds me of pad thai!
They are! Except it’s pad thai where you can eat a giant bowl and not say, “Ugh, I just ate a giant bowl of pad thai.”
Oh I’m putting this dish on my MUST make list. I just got a spiralizer thingy too! Can’t wait to give it a shot!
The spiralizer is so fun! You will love it!
I think this just became dinner tonight!
Haha, awesome!
I am loving these zucchini noodle recipes!! This is wonderful, Brianne!!
This looks delicious! I would love for you share it on my Tasty Tuesday recipe link up here! Everything gets pinned and I would love to have you!
I’m LOVING zoodles right now and this is a great way to eat them!
Thanks Sarah!
I LOVE this!! Thanks for linking up with Show Stopper Saturday! 🙂
Thanks Taylor!9
This looks delicious! I’ve been looking for some Asian inspired recipes to to with zucchini noodles.
I hope you enjoy the recipe, Anne!