Zucchini Noodles: How to Make Them

One thing that’s never in short supply this time of year is zucchini. From farmer’s markets to supermarket produce aisles to backyard gardens, vegetable bins overflow with the delectable summer squash. And thanks to an ingenious tool, the handheld spiral vegetable cutter, you can turn those zucchini into “noodles” that make the perfect side dish to any Nutrisystem meal, one that pairs especially well with our classic Italian-style Meatballs in Marinara Sauce.

And the best thing about #VeggieSexy zucchini noodles? They’re an unlimited item on the Nutrisystem weight loss program. Zucchini is high in antioxidants, potassium and folic acid, an important nutrient for pregnant women. In this installment of our #VeggieSexy series, Nutrisystem dietitian Mandi Knowles demonstrates how to make the perfect summer side dish. So break out the kitchen gadgets, noodle away the afternoon and enjoy this great recipe.

Recipe:
–Purchase a Handheld Spiral Vegetable Cutter ($10-15 online or in grocery stores or houseware stores);
–Spiral cut two zucchinis;
–Place the spirals in boiling water or sauté in a pan for about 5 minutes.

Transcript

[0:00:07]

Check this out. You can turn zucchini into noodles, also known as zoodles. And all you need is one of these little veggie spiralers that you can get at the grocery store or online.

[0:00:17]

First what you need to do is cut off the ends of the zucchini. And then, just place it in the spiraler and just turn. And you can see the zucchini becoming noodles.

[0:00:30]

Take your zoodles and place them into some boiling water for about three to five minutes. When they’re done, the zoodles have the same consistency as spaghetti. So of course we paired them with the meatballs and marinara.

[0:00:42]

To make the meatballs marinara, tear the pouch one inch to make a bend. Put it in the microwave on high for 30-40 seconds. Then open the pouch the whole way and put it on your plate.

[0:00:51]

Share your veggie sexy Nutrisystem recipes with us on Facebook and Twitter. For Nutrisystem, I’m Mandi Knowles.

[0:00:58]