Let’s face it, we all want to eat healthier, but few of us want to say goodbye to our favourite bowl of pasta. Thankfully, there’s a new kitchen hero in town: veggie noodles. These ribbon-like spirals of zucchini, carrot, or cucumber are a low-carb, high-fun alternative to traditional pasta. They’re fresh, light, and made using a tool you probably already own: a vegetable peeler.
Whether you’re going full-on plant-based or just looking to sneak in more veg without the drama, learning how to make veggie noodles might be the smartest thing you do in the kitchen this week. And no, you don’t need any fancy machines to get started.
Why Choose Veggie Noodles?
Aside from the obvious they’re basically vegetables shaped like pasta perk; veggie noodles offer a lot more.
Health Benefits: Lower in carbs, calories, and processed ingredients than regular pasta. Plus, they’re packed with fiber and nutrients.
Versatility: Toss them into a stir-fry, serve them cold in a salad, or coat them with your go-to pasta sauce. They’re game for anything.
Quick Prep: No boiling water, no waiting. Just peel, season, and plate.
Less Guilt, More Fun: You’re eating noodles that grow in your fridge. What's not to love?
Veggie noodles also get bonus points for being colorful. Your plate ends up looking restaurant-level chic with almost zero effort.
Basic Tools Needed
No need for a spiralizer that takes up half your kitchen drawer. To start your journey into the world of how to make veggie noodles, all you really need are:
Vegetable Peeler: Go for a high-quality one with a comfortable grip and a sharp blade. The sharper the blade, the cleaner the ribbon.
Cutting Board: Keep things steady and safe.
Sharp Knife: Handy for trimming ends or slicing thicker pieces.
If you're using a smartly designed peeler like the Joseph Joseph Multi-Peel or Zyliss Smooth Glide, the job gets even easier and cleaner.
Best Vegetables for Peeling Noodles
The best veggie noodles start with the right vegetables. Think long, firm, and not too watery. Here are your go-to options:
Zucchini
Mild in flavour and soft in texture, zucchini is the undisputed champion of veggie noodles. It cooks quickly and takes on whatever flavour you throw at it.
Carrots
Sweet, crunchy, and full of colour. Carrot noodles hold their shape well and are great for raw salads or lightly sautéed dishes.
Cucumber
Perfect for cold dishes or quick pickling. Use seedless cucumbers to keep things crisp, not soggy.
Sweet Potatoes
Earthy and hearty, sweet potato noodles are ideal if you’re after a warm, filling dish. Bonus: they roast beautifully in the oven.
Other contenders include beetroot, daikon radish, and even squash. The ribboning possibilities are endless.
Step-by-Step Guide to Peeling Veggie Noodles
Making veggie noodles with a vegetable peeler is surprisingly simple. Here’s how to nail it on your first try:
Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Veg
Seems obvious, but damp vegetables can get slippery. Give them a quick pat down.
Step 2: Trim the Ends
Cut off the top and bottom of your vegetable to create a flat surface for stability.
Step 3: Hold It Steady
Place the veg on a chopping board or hold it upright in your palm like a carrot tower.
Step 4: Peel with Purpose
With your vegetable peeler, drag the blade firmly from top to bottom. Keep your strokes even and consistent.
Step 5: Rotate As You Go
Once one side becomes too thin, rotate and peel another side. You’re aiming for long, flexible ribbons.
Step 6: Don’t Discard the Core
You can chop it up and toss it in the pan or save it for soups and stocks. Nothing goes to waste.
If you’re after thinner, spaghetti-like strands, try a julienne peeler. It’ll turn your zucchini into noodles faster than you can say al dente.
Simple Veggie Noodle Recipe Ideas
You’ve got the ribbons. Now what?
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Toss raw zucchini ribbons with fresh pesto, cherry tomatoes, and pine nuts. Serve chilled or warmed in a pan for 1 to 2 minutes.
Carrot Noodle Stir-Fry
Sauté carrot ribbons with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Top with spring onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Cucumber Noodle Salad
Mix cucumber ribbons with lemon juice, dill, and Greek yogurt for a cooling summer side.
Sweet Potato Noodle Bowl
Roast sweet potato ribbons in the oven with olive oil, paprika, and sea salt. Serve over hummus or alongside grilled veggies.
Veggie Ribbon Wraps
Use a mix of ribbons like zucchini, beetroot, and radish and layer into a wrap with hummus and feta. Lunch sorted.
Once you get the hang of it, veggie noodles can become a staple in everything from Buddha bowls to brunch platters.
Learning how to make veggie noodles with a peeler is one of those small kitchen wins that pays off big time. It’s healthy, fun, and adds instant flair to your meals. And it doesn’t require a new appliance or hours of prep, just a sharp vegetable peeler and a bit of curiosity.
If your kitchen tools could use an upgrade, it’s worth checking out the peelers, slicers, and prep tools curated by thinKitchen. Their edit of clever, compact, and beautifully engineered products makes it easy to bring pro-level efficiency into everyday cooking.
Because sometimes, eating better really is as easy as peeling a carrot.