Switch Up Your Pasta Game – How to Use Spiralized Veggies as Noodles!

Hey, pasta lovers: we feel ya. Pasta is freakin’ delicious. It’s filling, comforting and bound to please most everyone at the table. We love it, too! However, some people may want to cut down on all the bread and pasta they consume for health or weight reasons. If we want to give up gluten or cut back on regular pasta for other reasons, do we have to give up the enjoyment of the pasta dishes we love? Nope; we can make healthier alternatives! In honor of National Pasta Day, here are some veggies that can be made into delicious noodle dishes.

1. Carrots

Carrots are tough with a nice crunch, making them perfect for creating noodles that will hold their shape. Color wise, this Purple Cauliflower Thai Green Coconut Curry With Carrot Noodles dish is stunning!

2. Beets

If you like the taste of roasted beets, then you should try roasted beet noodles. Check out this Roasted Beet Noodles With Crispy Shallots recipe. It would pair well with steamed veggies.

3. Butternut Squash

It’s hard NOT to want to go gluten-free when we’re tempted with delicious-sounding dishes like this. Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Noodles? Delicious and colorful!

4. Zucchini

If you’re a ramen fan, you know the dish can really pack on the sodium. For a lighter version, look to zucchini and try these Zucchini Ramen Noodles. Don’t forget the chopsticks!

5. Kelp

Try these Chili Thai Kelp Noodles, and don’t knock ’em till you try ’em. To make this leap of faith easier on yourself, you can find pre-made, packaged kelp noodles at specialty grocery stores.

6. Cucumber

Cucumber slices are known for being a super light snack. By using them in this Sesame-Ginger Cucumber Noodles With Mint and Edamame recipe, you’re helping your stomach leave more room for the healthy protein, rather than being stuffed off of wheat.

7. Eggplant

Next up: eggplant! For this Vegan Eggplant Noodles recipe, you’ll also want chickpeas, sun dried tomatoes, oregano and raisins.

8. Broccoli

If you have had bad experiences with broccoli (ie being forced to eat it as a child but absolutely hating it), then you should experience this green veggie in a totally new way. Try this Tofu Scramble With Broccoli Noodles.

9. Yams

For this Sweet Raw Yam Noodles with Mushrooms and Sesame Seeds recipe, you’ll make a sweet miso sauce with nutritional yeast, miso, maple syrup, garlic and mustard, and sesame seeds.

10. Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are not just for roasting and eating whole (though we love that method, too). This veggie can also be transformed into noodles. Try them in this Quinoa and Sweet Potato Noodle Bolognese With Toasted Crushed Almonds.

Lead image source: Sweet Raw Yam Noodles with Mushrooms and Sesame Seeds