Try something new this summer and make one of our best zucchini recipes. Each tasty dish has earned a coveted 5 stars!
36 Zucchini Recipes That Have Earned All 5 Stars
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Yellow Squash and Zucchini Gratin
This gratin is the perfect way to use up an abundance of summer squash. It’s easy to prepare, takes just 10 minutes in the oven and serves up bubbly and delicious. —Jonathan Lawler, Greenfield, Indiana
We’ve gathered more easy zucchini recipes for busy weeknights.
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2/36
Veggie Frittata
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was impressed with myself that I could omit dairy and still create something so good! Use any vegetables in this recipe, then add a salad, fruit cup or yogurt on the side. —Kizmet Byrd, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 145 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 279mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
3/36
Zucchini Pico de Gallo Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I love veggies and fresh ingredients this time of year. I make big bowls of this salsa, which we eat with pretty much everything in the summer when tomatoes are bountiful. My kids love it, though I leave out the jalapeno when making it for them. —Amy Gattuso, Madison Heights, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 10 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: free food.
4/36
Summer Zucchini Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple and healthy summer zucchini pasta is a wonderful side or meatless entree, but you can add shredded chicken or grilled salmon for a heartier dish. —Beth Berlin, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 254 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
5/36
Lime and Dill Chimichurri Shrimp
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chimichurri is a very popular condiment in Argentina and Uruguay and is most often used as a dipping sauce or a marinade for meats. My chimichurri shrimp version incorporates dill and lime, which give it a brighter flavor, making it ideal for spring and summer entertaining. —Bonnie Landy, Castro Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 316 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 371mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
6/36
Dijon Veggies with Couscous
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Coated in a tangy Dijon sauce, these tasty veggies and fluffy couscous make for a delightful side. —Juliana Dumitru, Fairview Park, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 182 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
7/36
Chicken Skewers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken skewers with tender chunks of chicken and garden-fresh veggies are easy to assemble and are always a hit at parties. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 244 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
8/36
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 522mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
9/36
Zucchini Apple Bread
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
3 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Early fall means zucchini is taking off in the garden and there are fresh apples aplenty. Use them both in this tender, quick bread. —Kathy Strawser, Dunkirk, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 246 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
10/36
Grilled Sausages with Summer Vegetables
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After 30 years of camping, we've come up with an arsenal of surefire recipes. Our grilled sausage with veggies would be a superstar at a potluck. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sausage with 1 cup vegetables: 362 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1099mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
11/36
Summer Orzo Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this summer orzo salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, so feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 291 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 501mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
12/36
Zucchini Pickles
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 4 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
Preserve garden-fresh zucchini for longer by making crunchy zucchini pickles. —Susan Court, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 111 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1772mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
13/36
Veggie Sausage Strata
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a retired home economics teacher, I've made quite a few recipes through the years. This hearty casserole is a favorite in my family. —Dorothy Erickson, Blue Eye, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 501 calories, 34g fat (14g saturated fat), 204mg cholesterol, 1236mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
14/36
Sauteed Squash with Tomatoes & Onions
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My favorite meals show a love of family and food. This zucchini dish with tomatoes is like a scaled-down ratatouille. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 60 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
15/36
Curried Beef Pita Pockets
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If there are people in your family who think they won’t like the taste of curry, serve this. They’ll be curry lovers forever! —Mary Ann Kosmas, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 393 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
16/36
Veggie Enchiladas
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These vegetarian enchiladas use a lot of garden favorites in a quick weeknight meal. Feel free to substitute with whatever vegetables you have from your garden: yellow summer squash, eggplant and corn—all taste great! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grv, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 346 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 780mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.
17/36
Mozzarella Cornbread Pizza
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sons like pizza but not takeout pies. I pull out my trusty baking pan to make a cornbread pizza with veggies in the crust and everything on top, from pepperoni to leftover ham. —Mary Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 366 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 912mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
18/36
Sausage Squash Kabobs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Expect a crowd to gather around the grill when these flavorful kabobs are cooking. The zesty honey-mustard glaze gives a lovely sheen to the sausage and veggies. —Lisa Malynn Kent, North Richland Hills, Texas.
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 385 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
19/36
Sweet Zucchini Relish
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
5 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
Classic relish is made with cucumbers, but this tangy and sweet zucchini relish is packed with zucchini, peppers and onions. I use it on burgers, on sandwiches and in any recipes that normally call for pickle relish. —Jyl Basinger, Cave City, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 68 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 288mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
20/36
Vegetable Strata
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This strata can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 677 calories, 36g fat (15g saturated fat), 244mg cholesterol, 940mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 35g protein.
21/36
Grilled Veggie Pizza
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe one summer as a way to use up vegetables from our garden. Grilling the veggies first brings out their sizzling flavors. Try it with a sprinkling of olives or pine nuts before adding the cheese. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 274 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
22/36
Turkey Pepper Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a summertime favorite at our house. While the turkey is a nice change
of pace and tastes great with the sweet basting sauce and pineapple, the recipe also works well with cubed chicken.—Traci Goodman, Paducah, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 298 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat.
23/36
Zucchini & Cheese Drop Biscuits
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These colorful little drop biscuits are very easy to put together and yet are packed full of flavor. I serve them warm out of the oven. —Keith Mesch, Mt. Healthy, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 205 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
24/36
Tuscan Fish Packets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband does a lot of fishing, so I'm always looking for different ways to serve his catches. A professional chef was kind enough to share this recipe with me, and I played around with some different veggie combinations until I found the one my family liked best. —Kathy Morrow, Hubbard, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 270 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
25/36
Tequila Lime Shrimp Zoodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tangy shrimp dish is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 246 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 161mg cholesterol, 510mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
26/36
Zucchini-Wrapped Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thin planks of zucchini are the perfect low-carb substitute for tortillas when making enchiladas. It's a healthy and delicious alternative and also looks so pretty on a plate. —Donna Kelly, Lehi, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 590 calories, 33g fat (18g saturated fat), 169mg cholesterol, 957mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 53g protein.
27/36
Penne with Veggies and Black Beans
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chock-full of zucchini, tomatoes, sweet pepper and carrots, this hearty pasta dish puts your garden harvest to good use. For variety, I sometimes add one-half cup of salsa or one-half cup of thickened teriyaki sauce. —Vickie Spoerle, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 300 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein.
28/36
Sauteed Zucchini
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I plant many vegetables to use in cooking. Zucchini is among our favorites and usually grows in abundance. This zucchini stir-fry is always a hit at our house. —Deborah Elliot, Ridge Spring, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 77 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
29/36
Veggie-Packed Strata
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a wonderful, colorful casserole that everyone enjoys. I'm sure you'll be hooked on it after one bite, too. —Jennifer Unsell, Vance, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 453 calories, 31g fat (15g saturated fat), 202mg cholesterol, 938mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
30/36
Zucchini in Dill Cream Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I were dairy farmers until we retired, so I always use fresh, real dairy products in my recipes. This creamy sauce combines all our favorite foods! —Josephine Vanden Heuvel, Hart, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 71 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
31/36
Zucchini Muffins
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
These yummy currant, walnut and zucchini muffins are an excellent and tasty way to use up surplus zucchini from your garden. —Peg Gausz, Watchung, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 318 calories, 16g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
32/36
Zucchini Panzanella Salad
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
14 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned how to make panzanella from my friend's grandmother. Once I discovered how to make the perfect vinaigrette, it became a dish I crave during the summer. It's also a great way to use day-old bread and your garden's bounty of zucchini. —Felicity Wolf, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 152 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
33/36
Zucchini Pancakes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These Zucchini Pancakes are a tasty change of pace from ordinary potato pancakes. Add a little shredded onion to give them a savory kick. —Charlotte Goldberg, Honey Grove, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 174 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
34/36
Zucchini Boats
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After working hard all our lives and raising a family, we're now enjoying a simpler life. Getting back to the basics means enjoying old-fashioned comfort foods like these stuffed zucchini boats. —Mrs. C. Thon, Atlin, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed zucchini half: 312 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
35/36
Banana-Zucchini Bread
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother made this zucchini banana bread for as long as I can remember, and I’ve been making it ever since I learned how to bake. Children love it for a snack, and it’s good to serve at any meal. It’s another delicious way to use zucchini, which is so abundant in late summer. —Eva Mae Hebert, Lafayette, LA
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 193 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
36/36
Slow-Cooker Ratatouille
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only does this classic recipe make a phenomenal side dish, you can also serve it with sliced French bread for a warm and easy appetizer. Try it in the summer with your garden-fresh vegetables. —Jolene Walters, North Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 116 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
