Best Zoodles Sauce Recipe Vegan for Delicious Healthy Meals

Updated On: October 7, 2025

If you’re looking for a fresh, light, and utterly delicious way to enjoy your veggies, zoodles (zucchini noodles) are a fantastic choice. But what truly makes zoodles shine is the sauce you pair them with.

Today, I’m sharing the best vegan sauce recipe that perfectly complements the crisp, tender texture of zoodles. This sauce is creamy, packed with flavor, and made entirely from wholesome, plant-based ingredients.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plants to your diet, this zoodles sauce will satisfy your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.

Not only is this sauce quick and easy to whip up, but it’s also versatile enough to be paired with other dishes like pasta, roasted vegetables, or even as a dip. Plus, it’s free from dairy, nuts, and gluten, making it perfect for a variety of dietary needs.

Let’s dive into this flavorful vegan sauce that will turn your zoodles into a mouthwatering meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sauce is a game-changer for anyone who loves vibrant, healthy meals. It’s creamy without any dairy, thanks to the magic of cashews and nutritional yeast, and it has a lovely tang from lemon juice that brightens every bite.

The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice makes it incredibly satisfying and flavorful.

What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to make—no cooking required! Just blend the ingredients together and toss with your zoodles.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something refreshing and light. It’s also an excellent way to sneak in extra nutrients while keeping the meal low in calories and carbs.

If you enjoy this sauce, you might also love my Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or the sweet treat of Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe—both great additions to your culinary repertoire!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours or boiled for 10 minutes)
  • 1/2 cup water (more for desired consistency)
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (packed)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves

Equipment

  • High-speed blender or food processor
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spiralizer or julienne peeler (for making zoodles)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs or salad servers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cashews: Soak the raw cashews in water for at least 2 hours or boil them for 10 minutes until soft. Drain before using.
  2. Blend the sauce: In your high-speed blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, water, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Add fresh herbs: Toss in the fresh basil and parsley leaves to infuse the sauce with vibrant, herbal notes.
  4. Blend until smooth: Pulse and blend the mixture until it becomes creamy and completely smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. Season and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice, if desired. For a smoky flavor, blend in the smoked paprika.
  6. Prepare the zoodles: Using a spiralizer or julienne peeler, make zucchini noodles from 3-4 medium zucchini. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  7. Toss the zoodles with sauce: Pour the creamy vegan sauce over the zoodles and gently toss with tongs until evenly coated.
  8. Serve immediately: For the best texture, serve the zoodles right away, garnished with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, if you like.

Tips & Variations

“To keep zoodles from getting soggy, avoid cooking them too long. Tossing with sauce right after spiralizing keeps them fresh and crisp.”

  • Make it nut-free: Substitute soaked sunflower seeds or cooked white beans for cashews for a nut-free version.
  • Add heat: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
  • Blend in roasted red peppers: For a sweeter, smoky flavor, add 1/4 cup roasted red peppers while blending the sauce.
  • Use different herbs: Swap basil and parsley for cilantro or dill to change up the flavor profile.
  • Try other veggies: This sauce works beautifully over spiralized carrots, sweet potatoes, or even whole wheat pasta.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 220
Protein 6g
Fat 15g
Carbohydrates 14g
Fiber 3g
Sugar 3g
Calcium 40mg
Iron 1.5mg

Serving Suggestions

This creamy vegan sauce over zoodles is satisfying on its own, but you can elevate the dish with a few simple additions. Serve with a side of roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled mushrooms for added umami.

For protein, toss in some pan-fried tofu cubes or chickpeas.

For a refreshing crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds on top. A squeeze of extra lemon juice and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving add a bright, finishing touch.

If you crave more vegan noodle recipes, check out my Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe for a hearty alternative or try the light and tasty Collard Green Casserole Recipes for something different.

Conclusion

Embracing a vegan lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, and this zoodles sauce recipe proves just that. It’s creamy, tangy, and rich with plant-based goodness, making it the perfect pairing for fresh zucchini noodles or any other dish you want to brighten up.

The ease of preparation and versatility means you can whip it up anytime for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this sauce is a delicious way to keep your meals exciting and nourishing. Don’t forget to experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own.

For more inspiring recipes, be sure to explore my other creations like the Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe or the indulgent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Zoodles Sauce Recipe Vegan

Description: A creamy, flavorful vegan sauce perfect for zucchini noodles. Quick to make and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse soaked cashews.
  2. Add cashews, water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to a blender.
  3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Stir in fresh basil leaves.
  5. Toss sauce with spiralized zucchini noodles.
  6. Serve immediately or chilled.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 7g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 10g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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