Savory Avocado-Zucchini Noodles with Fermented Kimchi
A gut-friendly, anti-inflammatory meal using fermented veggies to support skin health and minimize breakouts during Whole30 transitions. This korean-inspired whole30 ready in about 15 minutes pairs large, sliced avocado, drained kimchi, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 medium, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 1 large, sliced avocado
- 1/2 cup, drained kimchi
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 4 medium spiralized zucchini noodles in a large bowl, then drizzle with 1 tsp sesame oil and 1/4 tsp sea salt, tossing gently until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Let the noodles sit for 5 minutes to soften slightly, then gently fold in 1/2 cup drained kimchi and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro until combined, ensuring no kimchi pieces break apart.
- Step 3: Top with 1 sliced large avocado just before serving, allowing the cool avocado to balance the kimchi's tang without overmixing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Savory Avocado-Zucchini Noodles with Fermented Kimchi take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Savory Avocado-Zucchini Noodles with Fermented Kimchi?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large, sliced avocado from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Avocado-Zucchini Noodles with Fermented Kimchi?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Savory Avocado-Zucchini Noodles with Fermented Kimchi for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Savory Avocado-Zucchini Noodles with Fermented Kimchi?
Korean whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
