Some words are just fun to say. Zoodles is without a doubt one of them.

Say it with me now… Zoodles.

OK OK so it’s not a real word per say (I mean, you won’t find it in Webster’s dictionary) but here’s a quick definition for you:

Zoo·dle |zo͞odl|

Noun. Plural noun: zoodles.

A strip, ring, or tube of zucchini. A real food, healthy alternative to pasta.

Zoodles are a staple in our real food home.

They open up an entirely new world of possibilities when it comes to cooking and serving veggies.

This is oh so necessary when you have kids, or just want to mix things up a bit.

Best of all, zoodles are incredibly easy to make.

You either need a spiralizer or a julienne peeler. Most spiralizers have an attachment to give you curly peels, while a julienne peeler will give you straight strips.

As you’ll see below, both methods allow you to make zoodles in less than 5 minutes (apart from bringing the water to a boil), giving you a quick and easy, healthy side dish for any meal!

5-minute zoodles

Using a spiralizer

1. Cut the ends off your zucchini.

2. Peel the skin your zucchini (optional depending you your preference)

3. Situate your zucchini in the spiralizer with the “shredder” blade in place.

4. Crank the handle while lightly pushing the zucchini towards the blade.

5. Collect your zoodles and discard (or eat!) the zucchini core.

6. Place your zoodles in a pot of boiled water for 2 minutes.

7. After cooking for 2 minutes, strain your zoodles. Be sure to get as much excess water out as possible — I actually place mine on a clean tea towel to help absorb the water.

8. Last but not least, add any desired spices or sauces, serve and enjoy!

Using a julienne peeler:

1. Cut the ends off your zucchini.

2. Peel the skin off your zucchini using a regular peeler (optional depending you your preference)

3. Peel the zucchini from end to end in one long lotion, and continue all around the zucchini until you reach the seeds in the middle.

4. Collect your zoodles and discard (or eat!) the zucchini core.

6. Place your zoodles in a pot of boiled water for 2 minutes.

7. After cooking for 2 minutes, strain your zoodles. Be sure to get as much excess water out as possible — I actually place mine on a clean tea towel to help absorb the water.

8. Last but not least, add any desired spices or sauces, serve and enjoy!

Enjoy!