It’s raining zucchini this season, and if you planted (or bought) some, your fridge is presumably overflowing with these green beauties. But after you’ve grilled, sautéed, and spiralized to your heart’s content, you might find yourself asking, “What now?”
Summer squashes can make some pretty wonderful hearty main dishes, delicious desserts, or even appetizers. Zucchini has more uses than you might think (and you can also freeze it!).
The low-calorie, nutrient-packed veggie adds moisture, texture, and flavor to a variety of dishes. Get creative with it to tempt your kids to eat their veggies without complaining much. Here are fantastic zucchini recipes that’ll make you fall in love with this green gem again.
1. Zucchini Burgers
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Forget beef—zucchini burgers are likely to be your new favorite. These veggie-packed patties are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a healthy dinner option.
Grate your zucchini, squeeze out the excess moisture, and mix it with breadcrumbs, eggs, and your favorite spices. Form the mixture into patties and cook them in a skillet until golden brown. Serve with your favorite burger toppings and a side of sweet potato fries for a meal that is perfect even for the pickiest eaters.
2. Zucchini Meatballs
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Looking for a vegetarian twist on a classic meal? Zucchini meatballs are your answer. They’re easy to make and pair perfectly with spaghetti or as a party appetizer.
Grate and drain your zucchini, then mix it with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs. Roll the mixture into balls and bake until crispy. Serve them with marinara sauce or your favorite dip. These meatballs are so tasty that you might forget there’s no meat involved.
3. Zucchini Frittatas
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Zucchini frittatas are an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Start by sautéing chopped zucchini with onions and garlic until tender. Add beaten eggs, a splash of milk, and cheese to the pan, and cook until the edges are set.
Finish it off in the oven until the top is golden and puffy. Slice and serve with a side salad or some toast.
4. Zucchini Cake
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A zucchini cake is the perfect excuse to eat cake and still feel healthy. With its moisture and subtle flavor, zucchini makes an irresistible, delicious dessert.
Combine grated zucchini with flour, sugar, eggs, and your favorite spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Top with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.
5. Braised Zucchini
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Braised zucchini is a quick and flavorful side dish ideal for any meal. Slice your zucchini into rounds and sauté with garlic and olive oil until they start to soften.
Add a splash of broth or wine, cover, and simmer until the zucchini is tender and infused with flavor. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
6. Zucchini Puree
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Zucchini puree is a must-try if you have a baby at home or love smooth, creamy textures. Steam or boil chopped zucchini until tender, then blend until smooth.
You can serve it as is for babies or mix it into soups, sauces, or even mashed potatoes for an extra nutritional boost.
7. Zucchini Lasagna
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Swap out the pasta for zucchini in this low-carb, gluten-free lasagna. Thinly slice zucchini lengthwise and use it in place of lasagna noodles. Layer with ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and your favorite toppings like spinach or mushrooms.
Bake until bubbly and golden. This dish is comforting and cheesy without the carb overload, making it perfect for a healthy family dinner.
8. Stuffed Zucchini Boats
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Stuffed zucchini boats are as fun to make as they are to eat. Halve your zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create boats.
Fill the zucchini halves with a mixture of cooked rice, ground meat, tomatoes, and cheese. Bake until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted. This should take less than 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick-fix meal.
9. Zucchini Noodles
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Zoodles, anyone? Zucchini noodles are a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Use a spiralizer to create long, thin noodles, then sauté them briefly in olive oil.
Top with your favorite sauce—like pesto, marinara, or Alfredo—and enjoy a light, refreshing meal. They’re quick to make and perfect for those hot summer days when you want something easy and healthy.
10. Zucchini Pizza
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Why not add some zucchini to your pizza night? Slice zucchini thinly and layer it on your pizza crust with other favorite toppings like tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni.
Bake until the crust is crispy and the cheese is bubbly. Zucchini adds a fresh twist and a bit of extra nutrition to your pizza, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
11. Zucchini Fries
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If you’re craving a crunchy snack that satisfies without guilt, look no further than zucchini fries. These tasty bites are easy to prepare and perfect for dipping.
Start by cutting your zucchini into long, thin strips to resemble fries. Dip each strip into a mixture of beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs mixed with your choice of seasonings. Arrange the coated zucchini on a baking sheet and bake until golden and crispy.
12. Zucchini Butter Spread
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Zucchini butter spread is a delightful, creamy addition to your toast or sandwiches. To make this easy spread, start by sautéing grated zucchini in a little olive oil with minced garlic, salt, and pepper until it becomes soft.
Allow it to cool slightly, then combine it with softened cream cheese and a sprinkle of lemon juice for brightness. Blend until smooth, adding a bit of fresh herbs like chives or basil for an extra layer of flavour.
13. Zucchini Smoothie
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Zucchini isn’t just for solid meals—it’s also fantastic in drinks! A zucchini smoothie can be a refreshing and nutritious option, perfect for breakfast or a midday snack.
Start by blending chopped zucchini with a banana, a handful of spinach, and your choice of milk or yogurt until smooth. For extra sweetness, you can add a scoop of protein powder or a drizzle of honey.
14. Pickled Zucchini
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When you can’t eat it all, pickle it. To create your own pickled zucchini, start by slicing the zucchini into thin rounds or strips, depending on your preference. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once dissolved, pour this hot brine over the zucchini in a jar, adding garlic, herbs, or spices for added flavor. Allow the mixture to cool, then refrigerate it for at least a few hours or overnight.