How To Make Curly Zucchini

To make curly zucchini, you first need to understand what it actually is because the name can be a little misleading.
 
Curly zucchini isn’t a special variety that grows in loops and spirals on the vine.
 
Instead, it’s regular zucchini that’s been cut into fun, curly, spiral shapes.
 
So when people ask how to make curly zucchini, they’re really asking how to turn an ordinary squash into those playful, twirly strands.
 
This is usually done with a spiralizer, but you can also pull it off with a julienne peeler or a sharp knife if you’re feeling patient.
 
The result is a bowl of curly zucchini that works as a low-carb pasta swap, a crunchy salad topper, or a quick stir-fry base.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make curly zucchini at home without fancy equipment, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make curly zucchini, the tools that help, the prep steps, and a few tasty ways to use it.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Make Curly Zucchini (The Simple Way)

Learning how to make curly zucchini is honestly easier than you’d think.
 
Here’s the whole process broken down:
 

1. Pick the Right Zucchini

The best zucchini for making curly zucchini are firm, medium-sized ones.
 
Look for squash that’s about 6 to 8 inches long and feels heavy for its size.
 
Smaller zucchini hold their shape better once they’re cut into curls.
 
Oversized zucchini tend to be watery and seedy, which makes them mushy when you try to make curly zucchini out of them.
 
Also, skip any zucchini with soft spots or wrinkled skin.
 
Freshness matters because firm flesh is what gives you clean, bouncy curls instead of a soggy mess.
 

2. Wash and Trim

Rinse your zucchini under cool water and pat it dry.
 
Then cut off both ends so you have flat surfaces on each side.
 
You don’t need to peel zucchini when you make curly zucchini, and in fact, leaving the skin on adds color, fiber, and a bit of structure.
 
Just make sure the skin is clean since you’re eating it.
 

3. Choose Your Tool

The easiest way to make curly zucchini is with a spiralizer.
 
A basic countertop spiralizer will turn your zucchini into long, curly noodles in seconds.
 
If you don’t own one, a julienne peeler works too, though your curls will be shorter.
 
And if you’re working with just a knife, you can slice thin planks and then cut them into ribbons for a looser, more rustic curl.
 

4. Spiralize or Cut Into Curls

If you’re using a spiralizer, secure the zucchini on the prongs and crank it through.
 
You’ll end up with long, curly zucchini strands that look a lot like spaghetti or linguine.
 
For a julienne peeler, just drag it down the length of the zucchini to create thin strips.
 
With a knife, slice the zucchini lengthwise into very thin planks, then stack and cut them into skinny strips.
 
That’s really all there is to how to make curly zucchini.
 

5. Pat Dry to Avoid Sogginess

This step is easy to skip but matters a lot.
 
Fresh curly zucchini release water, especially when they’re salted or cooked.
 
Lay your curly zucchini on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently blot them dry.
 
For extra-crisp curls, sprinkle a little salt on them, let them sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out the excess moisture.
 
This keeps your curly zucchini from turning into a puddle in the pan.
 

Ways to Use Curly Zucchini

Once you know how to make curly zucchini, the fun part is figuring out what to do with it.
 

1. As a Pasta Swap

Toss curly zucchini with warm marinara or pesto for a lighter take on pasta.
 
Just don’t overcook them; a quick warm-through is enough.
 

2. In Salads

Raw curly zucchini add a fresh crunch to salads.
 
Pair them with cherry tomatoes, olives, and a lemon vinaigrette.
 

3. In Stir-Fries

Drop your curly zucchini into a hot pan for the last minute or two of a stir-fry.
 
They soak up sauce beautifully while keeping some bite.
 

So, How Do You Make Curly Zucchini?

You make curly zucchini by choosing firm squash, trimming the ends, and cutting the flesh into spirals or ribbons with a spiralizer, julienne peeler, or knife.
 
The key steps are picking the right zucchini, keeping the skin on, and patting the curls dry so they don’t get soggy.
 
Once you’ve got your curly zucchini, you can use them as pasta, in salads, or in quick stir-fries.
 
So grab a zucchini and give it a whirl, because now you know exactly how to make curly zucchini at home.