This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my Private Policy page.
Are you wondering what to make with lots of zucchini harvested from your garden? Worry not, I am here to suggest to you the best zucchini recipes that will match your dietary requirements. This list contains everything from low-carb, baked zucchini, zucchini pickles, to zucchini salad options.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a summer squash and is often used in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and European cuisines. Zucchini is harvested young, usually when it’s very tender and its seeds are not fully developed.
Zucchini is high in water content (95% water), and thus it helps keep the body cool during summer heat. Zucchini is low in calories and rich in nutrients, which makes it ideal for weight management and a source of vitamins (A, B6, C), minerals, and, most importantly, fiber.
In the summer season, the markets are full of zucchinis. Even if you have planted zucchini in your garden, then you must have harvested a lot.
The internet is full of varieties of zucchini recipes to try, and I am sharing 45+ zucchini recipes for light summer meals to keep your body hydrated as well as nourished with enough nutrients that zucchini provides.
ZUCCHINI NOODLES & LOW-CARB RECIPES
1. ZUCCHINI RAMEN BOWLS
Omit the traditional pasta noodles with these healthy zucchini noodles. Are you the person who thinks that the “college days are over”? Then this is the perfect way to spin to a healthy noodle version, and here is the recipe to create it, which is keto-friendly as well.
2. SUMMER SPINACH AND ZUCCHINI SOUP
Spinach, a very healthy option, and zucchini, rich in nutrients, make the soup really fulfilling and tasty. If you want a fast meal that gets ready in 15 minutes, then this recipe is the best, and here is the recipe for it.
3. SUMMER ZUCCHINI PASTA
Pasta with a healthy twist. It’s a very fresh summer meal that you can make in 30 minutes, and here is the recipe for it. This recipe is the best way to use the zucchini abundance in your kitchen.
4. ZUCCHINI LASAGNA
Zucchini lasagna is a low-carb and nutritious twist on traditional lasagna. You have to thinly slice the zucchinis and layer them with Bolognese sauce and a ricotta mix with some cheese. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, and it has rich flavors too.
5. SQUASH RIBBONS
A very quick and easy side dish that can be prepared in only 15 minutes. You will need a few ingredients, which are easily available in your kitchen, like zucchini, lemon, garlic cloves, olive oil, and for garnishing use basil ribbons, cherry tomatoes, feta, Parmesan cheese, etc.
6. SOFT ZUCCHINI TACO SHELLS
A very famous recipe is to create tacos with zucchini. Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible. This recipe can be ready with very few ingredients, and finally, serve it with your favorite taco stuffing, scrambled eggs, or eat it as a snack.
7. CHICKEN ZUCCHINI POPPERS
An amazing way to incorporate veggies into the meat is to create chicken zucchini poppers. Just mix minced chicken, grated zucchini, cumin, and sea salt. Now make round balls and bake them for 12 minutes, and there you go.
8. ZUCCHINI SPAGHETTI
Cut the zucchini into the shape of noodles (curly and long) using a spiralizer. Then toss the noodles into the homemade tomato sauce. You can enjoy these noodles either cooked or raw, as per your personal preferences.
ZUCCHINI BAKED GOODS & BREAKFAST
9. ZUCCHINI BREAD
A very tasty way to use summer veggies is to make zucchini bread, which comes out extra moist and flavorful. It can be created for kids by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or blueberries.
10. ZUCCHINI PANCAKES
Zucchini pancakes are a great summer side dish and can be made with fewer ingredients. They’re literally ready in 30 minutes. Serve these zucchini pancakes with tzatziki or a lemon-tahini sauce for dipping.
11. ZUCCHINI MUFFINS
Kids are gonna really love these zucchini muffins. Just create one batch and surprise your kids with lots of taste in this veggie. This dish is so tasty that even the picky vege-skeptics will love it.
12. CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI COOKIES
Another dish which your kids will love is these chocolate zucchini cookies. Surprise your kids with this dish, and they will never say no to zucchini again (if chocolates are involved).
13. ZUCCHINI SMOOTHIE
Zucchini smoothies really taste like milkshakes but are made with power foods like almond butter, dates, and zucchini. This dish is a healthy choice for breakfast if you are on a weight-loss program.
14. ZUCCHINI FRITTATA
Zucchini Frittata is the best brunch option and is usually made with eggs, vegetables, and cheeses. This dish is really fulfilling and protein-rich.
15. ZUCCHINI GRATIN WITH YELLOW SQUASH
Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash is a luscious, creamy, cheesy medley of zucchini and yellow squash. It is quick and easy to prepare with fewer ingredients like butter, onion, and garlic.
16. ZUCCHINI ONION PIE
Zucchini Onion Pie is a very easy and tasty dish. It’s really good for onion lovers and can be made within 20 minutes.
ZUCCHINI PRESERVED, PICKLED, & FERMENTED
17. ZUCCHINI PINEAPPLE JAM
When there is an abundance of zucchini in your kitchen, then the best possible option is to create recipes that can be used over a period of time, let’s say some months. Creating zucchini pineapple jam lets you enjoy the zucchini flavors for the various upcoming months. You can store this jam for 6 months, and it will be okay.
18. FERMENTED ZUCCHINI KIMCHI
Fermented zucchini kimchi is a lacto-fermented dish where zucchini is preserved with salt and seasonings, creating a tangy, probiotic-rich condiment. It’s a variation of traditional Korean kimchi, which often uses cabbage, and offers a quick and easy way to enjoy the benefits of fermentation.
19. ZUCCHINI SALSA
You must have tasted avocado salsa and smoked salsa. Believe me, this zucchini salsa can be the next favorite on your list during the summers. You just need roasted zucchini and blend it with jalapeño and serrano peppers, onion, cilantro, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and pepitas.
A key tip for making blended salsas is to avoid going above medium speeds. The lower the speed, the better. This prevents too much air from being incorporated into the salsa.
20. PEACH ZUCCHINI JELLY
Peach is a summer fruit, and so is zucchini. Combining both the summer flavors gets very interesting, and you can preserve it too for the next 5–6 months. It’s a common spread, often enjoyed on bread or toast.
21. ZUCCHINI RELISH
A tangy and sweet zucchini relish recipe that is the perfect way to use up excess zucchini or courgette from the garden and enjoy it all year long on burgers, cheese boards, and in sandwiches. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and a little bit spicy, and because this relish is suitable for canning, it will last the whole year.
22. PICKLED ZUCCHINI
Pickled Zucchini is an easily made condiment that will elevate the flavor of many dishes. It is a great way to make use of some of summer’s bounty, especially when zucchini is often abundant.
This pickled zucchini can be presented as an edible gift. Tie a pretty ribbon on a jar and give it to your loved ones.
ZUCCHINI SALAD OPTIONS
23. SUMMER SQUASH SALAD
This zucchini salad is a wonderful summer side dish. Serve it with your favorite protein, a simple Caprese sandwich, or homemade pizza. It’s also fantastic with pasta.
This zucchini salad recipe is a stunning summer side dish! Made with under 10 ingredients, it’s a fresh, delicious recipe that comes together in minutes.
24. SHAVED ZUCCHINI SALAD WITH PLUMS, HERBS AND ALMONDS
Create this dish using a vegetable peeler. Just shave the zucchini and add plums, herbs, and almonds. Sprinkle the chopped thyme and parsley over the top of the shaved zucchini salad. Evenly drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the top as well.
25. CORN AND ZUCCHINI SALAD WITH BASIL VINAIGRETTE
I am a big fan of fresh, vibrant salads that make the most of seasonal produce. Making zucchini salad with corn just ups the flavor game.
26. MARINATED ZUCCHINI AND RED ONIONS
This dish is really for those who are onion lovers. The marinated zucchini, soaked in flavors and added red onions, will blow your mind—that is for sure.
27. MEDITERRANEAN STYLE GRILLED ZUCCHINI SALAD
Simple grilled zucchini tossed in extra virgin olive oil and finished with fresh herbs and feta. This is perfect next to almost anything, from Souvlaki to Greek Baked Meatballs or pan-seared salmon. I love adding a little Tzatziki sauce along.
GLOBAL & FUSION ZUCCHINI DISHES
28. ZUCCHINI DOLMAS
A Middle Eastern delicacy wherein the humble zucchini acts as vessels for a special stuffing of spiced rice and ground beef with tomatoes and fresh herbs.
First, the zucchini are hollowed out using a vegetable corer. Then they are filled with a hearty, spiced filling of rice and ground beef or lamb. Finally, the stuffed zucchini are cooked in red sauce until the filling is cooked through and the zucchini is perfectly tender.
29. ZUCCHINI OKONOMIYAKI OR TEMPURA
Zucchini Tempura is really crunchy and involves deep-frying zucchini in a light batter, often along with other vegetables and seafood.
30. ZUCCHINI-WRAPPED CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
Swap the tortillas for thinly sliced zucchini and try these low-carb, keto-friendly Zucchini Enchiladas. They’re made with shredded chicken and sure to impress!
This dish is prepared in three steps: First, you’ll prepare the chicken filling. Next, you’ll prepare the zucchini so they can be used in place of tortillas. Finally, you’ll roll the zucchini with the mixture and bake.
31. SUMMER CORN AND ZUCCHINI CHOWDER
This Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder recipe isn’t the first thing I think of when it comes to summer, but since the weather cooled off a bit, I thought it was the perfect time to whip up a big pot of this hearty, veggie-packed chowder. This soup is creamy and filled with chunks of potatoes, fresh corn, zucchini, and yellow squash. This can be your party favorite.
32. ZUCCHINI AND GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE
Ground beef zucchini casserole is a delicious, hearty, and nutritious dish with ground beef and slices of zucchini, layered with tomatoes and lots of cheese. It’s a perfect low-carb meal for busy weeknights or meal prep, and one that the whole family will love.
33. GRILLED RATATOUILLE TARTINES
I love ratatouille—eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes all mingling together with flavors of fruity olive oil, thyme, oregano, and fresh basil… But it’s summer, and what I don’t love is standing over a hot stove. So, I came up with this simple GRILLED version of ratatouille that takes all of about 15 minutes to make. It’s not at all authentic, but I love how the char of the grill flavors these vegetables.
34. TILAPIA WITH ZUCCHINI NOODLES
Zucchini with fish can be a taste enhancer if you like fish dishes more. It’s easy to make, wherein cooked tilapia sits on zucchini noodles. This dish is protein-rich and acts perfect as a dinner.
35. SHRIMP LINGUINE WITH ZUCCHINI & TOMATOES
This is my absolute favorite pasta to make during the summer. I’ve been making it since I was a teenager. It is so easy, so flavorful, and absolutely perfect for a summer dinner out on the patio.
It is light yet filling. There is shrimp, red onion, tomatoes, zucchini, crushed red peppers, and loads of garlic. I could eat this pasta every day, friends. Seriously.
36. TURKEY STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS
Cut your zucchinis in half lengthwise and stuff them with turkey, then bake. It can be a good option for dinner or parties.
37. ZUCCHINI PATTIES WITH DILL DIP
Zucchini patties are themselves very flavorful, but the dill dip goes to the next level in flavor terms.
38. GARLIC BUTTER ZUCCHINI SKEWERS
Vegetable skewers are a fun, colorful way to easily serve a variety of vegetables together. Combining different types of vegetables on one skewer creates a collection of flavors and textures that celebrate how unique each vegetable really is.
39. OVEN ROASTED PARMESAN ZUCCHINI
We’re calling it—zucchini is the new cauliflower. A little crispy, super fast, and ultra-healthy, roasted zucchini with Parmesan really hits the spot. This recipe takes all of ten minutes, start to finish, and is going to save you from just giving up and composting (or tossing) all that squashy goodness.
ZUCCHINI SNACKS & HEALTHY SWAPS
40. GRILLED HALLOUMI SKEWERS WITH ZUCCHINI, PEPPERS AND TOMATOES
Zucchini in skewers is what I need in my summer cravings. Try these grilled halloumi skewers with zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes, which can be your next party-favorite thing.
41. ZUCCHINI CORN FRITTERS
The perfect brunch dish to make on the weekend is Zucchini Corn Fritters. They are light and fluffy, packed full of flavor, and are super healthy as they are baked in the oven.
42. ZUCCHINI FRIES
I had grand plans for our zucchini supply this year, but now that we’ve tasted Baked Zucchini Fries, I’m not sure if I’ll ever want to eat zucchini any other way again. With their crispy, Parmesan- and Panko-crusted outsides and tender insides, this recipe is more than a side dish—it’s proof that a stand-alone vegetable can be legitimately delicious in its own right.
43. ZUCCHINI GARLIC BITES
This tasty zucchini garlic bites recipe combines shredded zucchini with garlic, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and is served with a marinara dipping sauce for an Italian-inspired twist.
44. BAKED ZUCCHINI CHIPS
Substitute your potato chips with baked zucchini chips. It is a salty, crunchy summer snack. The Parmesan and Panko coating makes sure that the baked zucchini doesn’t get too watery and mushy as it cooks. Whether you serve them as a side dish or afternoon snack, these zucchini chips will disappear in no time.
45. ZUCCHINI BURGERS
If you’re craving a hearty, plant-based burger packed with flavor and nutrition, you’ll love these delicious zucchini patties. In addition to their irresistible flavor, these vegan burgers are loaded with fiber.
46. ZUCCHINI DROP BISCUITS
These zucchini drop biscuits get ready in about 40 minutes without a mixer, rolling pin, or biscuit cutter. Savory flavors like Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, parsley, and garlic infuse every buttery bite. And when they’re combined with garden zucchini and tangy buttermilk, it’s nearly impossible to resist a second helping. Good thing this recipe makes a dozen!
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my Private Policy page.
Leave a Reply