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Vibrant Veggie Noodles with Citrus Sesame Dressing

This dish features spiralized vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers tossed in a bright, zingy sesame-lime dressing. The vegetables are lightly sautéed to tender-crisp perfection, resulting in a colorful, fresh, and satisfying meal with a glossy appearance and crunchy texture. It’s a quick, healthy alternative to traditional pasta that emphasizes vibrant flavors and textures.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Healthy, Vegan
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchini spiralized
  • 2 large carrots spiralized
  • 1 large bell pepper spiralized, choose your color
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil for sautéing and dressing
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari gluten-free if needed
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave optional for sweetness
  • 1/4 cup cilantro or mint chopped, for fresh flavor
  • to taste toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for garnish

Equipment

  • Spiralizer
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Use a spiralizer to create long, even noodles from the zucchini, carrots, and bell pepper, then place them in a large bowl. Pat dry with a paper towel if there's excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add a splash of sesame oil. Once hot, add the carrots and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some crunch.
  3. Next, add the zucchini and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the zucchini turns slightly translucent and the peppers stay crisp. The vegetables should be tender but vibrant.
  4. While the vegetables cook, whisk together lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, maple syrup, and chopped herbs in a small bowl to make the dressing.
  5. Pour the dressing over the hot vegetables in the skillet. Toss everything together with tongs for about a minute, allowing the flavors to coat the noodles evenly and for the vegetables to lightly wilt.
  6. Transfer the veggie noodles to serving bowls. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added crunch and richness.
  7. Serve immediately while warm and fresh, enjoying the bright, crisp textures and flavorful dressing. For leftovers, store in an airtight container and reheat gently or enjoy cold to preserve the crunch.

Notes

Feel free to swap in other crunchy vegetables like daikon or jicama for variation. Adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste for more acidity or sweetness. For extra protein, add tofu or edamame.