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When I flipĀ through a new cookbook, I usually look for recipes that call for only a handful of fresh ingredients and have a brief preparation. I don’t have the time or patience for anything complicated.Ā That’s why I love these Spiralized Summer Squash Noodles with fresh basil and mint.
This recipe comes from my friend Amie Valpone’s book, Eating Clean, which was released earlier this year. If you’re not familiar with Amie’s blog, The Healthy Apple, Amie shares recipes thatĀ meet herĀ detox anti-inflammatory criteria– no gluten, dairy, soy, refined sugar, eggs, corn, peanuts, white flour, or caffeine.
Her new bookĀ includes 200Ā recipes are simple,Ā yet rich and delicious made from wholesome unprocessed foods. Some of the creative recipe ideas in her book include:
- Honey Cinnamon Quinoa Granola
- Breadless Coconut Vanilla French Toast
- Multiseed Crackers
- Spicy Honeydew Melon and Cucumber Gazpacho
- Magical Peach Arugula Salad
- Cranberry Curry Waldorf Salad
- Coastal Carrot “Fettuccine” with Sun-dried Tomatoes and pumpkin seeds
- Fabulous Lemon Basil Millet Burgers with Mango Salsa
- Moroccan Chickpea Skillet Pizza
- Perfect Pumpkin Gelato
- Chocolate Almond Butter Banana Cookies
These Grain-Free Basil & Mint Summer Squash Noodles are a great example of how fresh and simple Amie’s recipes can be, letting the ingredients really shine. It features spiralized yellow squash “noodles” (thatĀ I made using the Inspiralizer), whichĀ areĀ loaded with vitamins A and C, along with magnesium, folate, and potassium.
Summer squash is particularly high in beta carotene and lutein, which are thought to promote eye health, and its also loaded with antioxidants to help protect you body fromĀ free radical damage. Paired with fresh lemon, another great source of vitamin C, fresh basil, which has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, and fresh mint, which can calm digestive issues, this quick noodle dish is loaded with nutrition and might need to be added to my regular lunch rotation.
She’s given me permission to share the recipe with you today,Ā which I love because it takes only 10 minutes to throw together. No cooking required! I hope you’ll enjoy it as a fun alternative to leafy green salads while meeting your #EatYourDaily10 goals.
Ingredients
- 3 large yellow summer squash , cut into thin strands with a vegetable peeler or spiral slicer (spiralizer) or julienned
- 1 large celery stalk , thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh mint
- 1 ā2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 ā4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients, toss to coat, and serve.
Nutrition
Per Serving: Calories: 80, Carbohydrates: 11g, Fat: 5g, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 1g
Text excerpted from EATING CLEAN, Ā© 2016 by AMIE VALPONE. Reproduced by permission of HoughtonĀ Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Note: Because the seasoning on these noodles is so light and refreshing, I’ve found that you can use any remaining leftovers in another dish, too. Waste not, want not! I’ve tossed these “noodles” with pesto sauce in a skillet, and have also used them as a salad topper the next day.
As always, if you make any modifications or substitutions, please let us know how it worked for you in the comments below!
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Reader Feedback: What’s your favorite way to dress up spiralized noodles?
This looks great. I have yet to buy a spiralizer but plan to soon. Any thoughts on brand or how much to spend?
Hi Jeanne, I highly recommend The Inspiralizer. It’s the one Megan linked and pictured in her blog. I originally bought the Paderno because it is highly rated on Amazon, but it doesn’t stick to my countertops, and “walks” when I try to spiralize anything. The Paderno is in my donate pile. The Inspiralizer is a dream to use, it locks in place, easy to switch blades, and there is less produce waste. It’s worth the extra money.
Thank you so much for this beautiful feature on my cookbook. You’re amazing and hope we can meet in person in the near future. Have a beautiful spring and thank you again for sharing. Big hugs! oxx
My pleasure! Congrats on the beautiful book– it’s amazing!! š
This looks so good! I love Amie’s book and all her work. Great recipe, Megan! š