10 Best Sauces for Zucchini Noodles

Have you ever tried zucchini noodles?

If not, you’re missing out!

This delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta is becoming increasingly popular.

But what makes zucchini noodles even better?

The right sauce!

From light and creamy to thick and savory, the perfect sauce can take your dish from good to great.

That’s why I’ve compiled this list of 10 of the best sauces for zucchini noodles.

Whether you’re looking for a classic tomato-based sauce or something more unique, I’m sure you’ll find something that suits your taste buds here.

So let’s get started!

Read Also: Zucchini Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Zucchini Meals

What Are Zucchini Noodles?

Zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, are a popular alternative to traditional pasta.

They are made from spiralized zucchini and can be used in place of regular noodles in many dishes.

Zucchini noodles have become increasingly popular due to their low-carbohydrate content and high nutritional value.

Zucchini noodles can be cooked just like regular pasta—boiled or sautéed with your favorite sauce or ingredients.

They are best served al dente, which means they should still have some crunch when you bite into them.

You can also use them raw in salads or cold noodle dishes such as pad thai.

When shopping for zucchini noodles, look for firm, bright green squash that is free of blemishes and soft spots.

If you don’t want to buy pre-made zoodles, you can make your own using a spiralizer tool or julienne peeler at home.

10 Best Sauces for Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta.

Whether you’re making them from scratch or using pre-made zoodles, it’s important to top them with the right sauce.

Here are ten sauces that will bring out the best in your zucchini noodles:

1. Browned Butter Sauce

Browned butter sauce is a simple yet flavorful sauce made by browning butter in a skillet until it turns golden-brown and fragrant.

The resulting nutty flavor of the browned butter pairs perfectly with many dishes, including zucchini noodles.

• Taste: Browned butter has a rich, nutty flavor that adds depth to any dish. It also has an unmistakable aroma that will fill your kitchen as you cook it.
• Texture: The texture of the sauce is smooth and creamy, with a slight hint of crunch from the bits of browned milk solids in the butter.
• Common Uses: Browned Butter Sauce can be used to dress up all kinds of pasta dishes, vegetables, fish, and poultry. It’s especially delicious when served over zucchini noodles or other vegetable-based pastas for a light but flavorful meal.

2. Italian Tomato Sauce

Italian tomato sauce is a type of sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil.

It is commonly used in Italian cuisine to accompany pasta dishes such as spaghetti or lasagna.

• Taste: The flavor of Italian tomato sauce varies depending on the ingredients used and how long it has been cooked for. Generally speaking, it has a sweet-tart taste with hints of garlic and herbs like oregano or basil.
• Texture: The texture of Italian tomato sauce can range from smooth to chunky depending on how much the tomatoes are cooked down and whether they are pureed or left whole.
• Common Uses: In addition to being served over zucchini noodles, Italian tomato sauce is often served over other types of pasta such as spaghetti or penne. It can also be used as a base for pizza sauces or added to soups and stews for extra flavor.

3. Avocado Sauce or Avocado Crema

Avocado crema is a creamy, Mexican-style condiment made from avocados, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro.

It’s similar to guacamole but with a thinner consistency that makes it perfect for drizzling over tacos or salads.

• Taste: Avocado crema has a mild flavor that combines the creamy texture of avocado with the tanginess of sour cream and the zing of lime juice. The garlic adds an extra layer of flavor while the cilantro provides a hint of freshness.
• Texture: Avocado crema has a smooth and creamy texture that is slightly thicker than regular guacamole but still thin enough to be used as a sauce or dressing.
• Common Uses: Avocado crema can be used in place of traditional guacamole on tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and other Mexican dishes. It also makes an excellent topping for salads or grilled vegetables and can even be used as a dip for chips or crudités.

4. Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo sauce is a creamy white sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.

It was created in Rome by chef Alfredo di Lelio in the early 1900s as a way to make his wife’s pregnancy cravings more palatable.

• Taste: Alfredo sauce has a rich, creamy flavor with hints of garlic and nutmeg. The Parmesan cheese adds an umami flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• Texture: The texture of Alfredo sauce is smooth and velvety due to the combination of butter and cream. It should be thick enough to coat noodles without being too runny or watery.
• Common Uses: Alfredo sauce is most commonly used as a topping for pasta dishes such as fettuccine alfredo or zucchini noodles. It can also be used as a dip for vegetables or breadsticks, or as an ingredient in casseroles and soups.

5. Arrabbiata Sauce

Arrabbiata sauce is a spicy Italian tomato sauce made with garlic, tomatoes, and red chili peppers.

The name of the sauce literally translates to ‘angry’ in Italian, referring to its spiciness.

• Taste: Arrabbiata sauce has a bold flavor that is both sweet and spicy. It has a deep tomato flavor with hints of garlic and chili pepper heat.
• Texture: The texture of arrabbiata sauce is smooth and creamy due to the addition of olive oil or butter.
• Common Uses: Arrabbiata sauce is commonly used as a topping for pasta dishes such as spaghetti or zucchini noodles. It can also be used as an ingredient in other dishes such as lasagna or pizza.

6. Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese sauce is a rich, meat-based Italian sauce that originated in the city of Bologna.

It is made with ground beef or pork, tomatoes, onions, celery, carrots, and garlic.

The sauce is simmered for several hours to allow the flavors to meld together and create a thick and hearty texture.

• Taste: Bolognese sauce has a deep flavor from the combination of meats and vegetables. The tomato adds sweetness while the herbs add an earthy note. The slow cooking process allows all of these flavors to blend together into one delicious dish.
• Texture: Bolognese sauce has a thick consistency due to its long simmering time which breaks down the proteins in the meat and vegetables creating a smooth texture.
• Common Uses: Bolognese sauce is most commonly served over pasta such as spaghetti or linguine but can also be used as a topping for pizza or lasagna. It can also be used as an ingredient in other dishes such as stuffed peppers or eggplant parmesan.

7. Pesto Sauce

Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and salt.

It originated in the Liguria region of Italy and has become popular all over the world.

The name pesto comes from the Italian word pestare which means to pound or crush.

• Taste: Pesto has a bright flavor with notes of garlic and nuttiness from the pine nuts. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty umami flavor while the olive oil gives it a smooth texture.
• Texture: Pesto is thick and creamy due to its high fat content from the olive oil and Parmesan cheese. It can be used as a spread on sandwiches or as a dip for vegetables or chips.
• Common Uses: Pesto is most commonly used as an accompaniment to pasta dishes such as spaghetti or linguine but it can also be used in other dishes such as pizza, salads, soups, stews and casseroles. It can also be used as a marinade for meats or fish before cooking them on the grill or oven.

8. Creamy Garlic Sauce

Creamy garlic sauce is a creamy, garlicky condiment made from butter, cream, and garlic.

It has a rich flavor and can be used as a dip or spread for sandwiches and wraps.

• Taste: Creamy garlic sauce has a strong garlicky flavor with hints of butter and cream. The taste is not overly pungent but still packs quite the punch.
• Texture: The texture of creamy garlic sauce is smooth and creamy, with no chunks or lumps. It’s thick enough to coat noodles or vegetables without being too runny.
• Common Uses: Creamy garlic sauce is commonly used as a dip for zucchini noodles, roasted vegetables, chicken wings, french fries, and more. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or wraps for added flavor.

9. Thai Peanut Sauce

Thai peanut sauce is a creamy, nutty condiment made from peanuts, coconut milk, and other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, chili peppers, fish sauce, lime juice and sugar.

It is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine to add flavor to dishes such as noodles and salads.

• Taste: Thai peanut sauce has a rich nutty flavor with hints of sweetness from the coconut milk and sugar. The addition of garlic and ginger adds depth of flavor while the chili peppers give it a spicy kick.
• Texture: Thai peanut sauce has a thick consistency that coats noodles or vegetables nicely without being too heavy or overpowering.
• Common Uses: Thai peanut sauce is most commonly used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or egg rolls but can also be used as an ingredient in stir-fries or noodle dishes like pad thai. It can also be served over grilled meats or vegetables for added flavor.

10. Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki sauce is a traditional Greek condiment made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and herbs.

It is typically served as an accompaniment to grilled meats or vegetables.

• Taste: Tzatziki has a creamy texture with a refreshing flavor that comes from the combination of yogurt and cucumber. The garlic adds a subtle pungency while the herbs provide an earthy note.
• Texture: The texture of tzatziki sauce can vary depending on how much liquid is strained out of the yogurt before it’s mixed with the other ingredients. If all of the liquid is removed, then it will be thick and spreadable like hummus; if some liquid remains in the mixture, then it will be thinner and more pourable like ranch dressing.
• Common Uses: Tzatziki sauce is most commonly used as a dip for raw vegetables or pita bread but can also be used as a topping for gyros or falafel sandwiches. It can also be used as a marinade for grilled meats such as chicken or lamb kebabs or as a sauce for roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

In conclusion, zucchini noodles are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta noodles and can be dressed up with a variety of sauces.

The best sauces for zucchini noodles are butter sauce, tomato sauce, avocado sauce, alfredo sauce, arrabbiata sauce, bolognese sauce, pesto sauce, creamy garlic sauce, Thai peanut sauce, and tzatziki sauce.

These sauces can be used to create a variety of dishes, ranging from creamy and cheesy, to light and refreshing.

With so many options, it’s easy to find the perfect sauce to pair with your zucchini noodles.

So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta, try out some zucchini noodles with one of these sauces and enjoy!