Save My spiralizer sat untouched in the cupboard for nearly a year before I pulled it out on a restless Sunday afternoon. I'd bought it on impulse, lured by visions of effortless veggie noodles, but intimidated by the contraption itself. That day, I spiralized a zucchini and a sweet potato, tossed them with whatever I had in the fridge, and drizzled tahini sauce on top. The colors alone made me smile, and the first bite was crisp, creamy, and exactly what I needed.
I made this bowl for a friend who swore she didn't like zucchini. She eyed the spirals with suspicion, took a cautious forkful, then quietly finished the entire thing without looking up. By the time she set her fork down, she asked if I could teach her how to use a spiralizer. I handed her mine the next day, and she never gave it back.
Ingredients
- Zucchini: Spiralizes beautifully and stays crisp if you don't overcook it, just a quick sauté or leave it raw for crunch.
- Sweet potato: Adds natural sweetness and a gorgeous orange swirl, but needs a minute or two longer in the pan than zucchini to soften.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved tomatoes add little bursts of juice and acidity that balance the creamy tahini perfectly.
- Baby spinach: Wilts slightly under the warm noodles and sauce, adding color and a hint of earthiness without any effort.
- Carrot: Optional but worth it for extra texture and a pop of color if you have one lying around.
- Grilled chicken breast or firm tofu: Either one works, just make sure the tofu is pressed well so it doesn't water down your bowl.
- Tahini: The backbone of the sauce, nutty and rich, it clings to every spiral and makes everything taste cohesive.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the tahini and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy or one note.
- Olive oil: Helps the sauce come together smoothly and adds a fruity undertone that rounds out the garlic.
- Garlic clove: Minced fine, it gives the sauce a gentle bite without overpowering the vegetables.
- Maple syrup or honey: Just a teaspoon balances the tang and makes the sauce taste more complete.
- Water: Thins the tahini to a drizzle, you'll need to adjust this based on how thick your tahini is.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro: A handful of herbs on top makes the whole bowl feel fresh and alive.
- Toasted sesame seeds: A little crunch and nuttiness that ties back to the tahini beautifully.
Instructions
- Spiralize the Vegetables:
- Run the zucchini and sweet potato through your spiralizer, keeping the noodles long and loose. If you want them softer, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a nonstick skillet and sauté each type separately for two to three minutes until just tender.
- Make the Tahini Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, maple syrup or honey, and water until smooth and pourable. Season with salt and pepper, and add more water if it's too thick to drizzle.
- Build the Bowls:
- Divide the spiralized zucchini, sweet potato, halved cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and carrot if using between two serving bowls. Arrange them in loose piles so each ingredient stands out.
- Add the Protein:
- Lay the sliced grilled chicken or tofu on top of the vegetables, centering it so it looks intentional and inviting.
- Drizzle and Garnish:
- Pour the tahini sauce evenly over both bowls, then sprinkle with fresh herbs and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately and toss gently so every bite gets a little sauce.
Save One evening, I made this bowl after a long day and ate it sitting on the floor with my back against the couch. The tahini dripped onto my shirt, the sesame seeds scattered everywhere, and I didn't care. It was exactly the kind of messy, colorful, nourishing meal that reminded me why I love cooking in the first place.
How to Store and Reheat
Keep the spiralized vegetables, protein, and sauce in separate containers in the fridge for up to two days. The noodles will release some water as they sit, so drain them before assembling a fresh bowl. Reheat the sweet potato noodles gently in a skillet, but leave the zucchini raw or just barely warmed to keep it from turning mushy.
Swaps and Substitutions
If you don't have tahini, peanut or almond butter works just as well and adds a slightly sweeter, richer flavor. Swap the chicken for shrimp, chickpeas, or even a soft boiled egg if that's what you have. Spiralized beets or cucumber can replace the carrot, and a handful of arugula can stand in for spinach.
Serving Suggestions
This bowl is complete on its own, but a few avocado slices or a sprinkle of crumbled feta adds richness and makes it feel even more indulgent. Pair it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon, and serve it in wide, shallow bowls so all the colors show.
- Add a squeeze of lime right before eating for extra brightness.
- Toss in a handful of fresh mint or basil if you want a different herbal note.
- Keep extra tahini sauce in a jar in the fridge for salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables.
Save This bowl has become my go to whenever I need something that feels like a reset, bright and nourishing without any fuss. I hope it does the same for you.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and sauce in advance. Store spiralized vegetables and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss everything together just before serving to maintain the best texture and freshness.
- → What vegetables work best for spiralizing?
Zucchini, sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and cucumbers spiralize beautifully. Firmer vegetables like sweet potato hold their shape well, while softer vegetables like zucchini create delicate noodles. Experiment with different combinations for variety.
- → How do I prevent the zucchini noodles from becoming watery?
Lightly sauté the zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes to remove excess moisture, or pat them dry with paper towels before assembling. If serving raw, toss them with a small amount of salt and let sit for 10 minutes, then drain any liquid.
- → Can I use a different sauce?
Absolutely. Pesto, peanut sauce, avocado dressing, or a simple vinaigrette all work wonderfully. The tahini sauce provides a creamy, nutty element, but feel free to substitute based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this bowl is excellent for meal prep. Store components separately in airtight containers: spiralized vegetables, protein, sauce, and garnishes. Reheat the noodles and protein if desired, then assemble with fresh sauce and toppings when ready to eat.