38 Low-Calorie Recipes to Make with All of Your Zucchini

Use up the extra zucchini you have on hand in one of these low-calorie zucchini recipes. Get ready to chop, toss and bake this summer staple.

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Zucchini Pizza Casserole

I grow zucchini by the bushel, so this pizza casserole is one of my dinnertime go-to’s. My hungry husband and kids gobble it right up. —Lynn Bernstetter, White Bear Lake, Minnesota

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2/39

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.

3/39

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.

4/39

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.
5/39

Zucchini Noodles

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These quick and easy zucchini noodles can be served plain or with sauce. They’re a great gluten-free alternative to pasta and cook in just a few minutes. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
6/39

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. This dish is a superstar. —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.
7/39

Lemon Zucchini Drops

Total Time 30 min
Servings about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: When we lived on the East Coast, a nearby fruit and vegetable stand had a bakery featuring these soft, cakelike cookies. We missed every bite when we moved away, so I developed this recipe. —Barbara Franklin, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 99 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
8/39

One-Pan Sweet Chili Shrimp and Veggies

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe has everything I'm looking for in a weeknight family dinner: A quick and nutritious meal that my kids will eat! My oldest son loves shrimp and I thought it could work really well as a sheet-pan supper. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 199 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
9/39

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 whatever vegetables you have from your garden—yellow summer squash, eggplant and corn all taste great here, too. —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.
10/39

Heirloom Tomato & Zucchini Salad

Total Time 25 min
Servings 12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator: Tomato wedges give this salad a juicy bite. It's a great use of fresh herbs and veggies from your own garden or the farmers market. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 68 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
11/39

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.
12/39

Zucchini & Sausage Stovetop Casserole

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Gather zucchini from your garden or farmers market and start cooking. My family goes wild for this wholesome casserole. You can grate the zucchini if you'd like. —LeAnn Gray, Taylorsville, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 394 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
13/39

Vegetable & Beef Stuffed Red Peppers

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love making this stuffed pepper recipe. It's one of the few ways I can get my husband to eat veggies. Make it meatless by replacing the beef with eggplant and adding more vegetables like mushrooms or squash. You can also replace the rice with barley, couscous or even orzo. —Jennifer Zimmerman, Avondale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed pepper: 287 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
14/39

Ribbon Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Zucchini, cucumbers and carrots are peeled into “ribbons” for this citrusy salad. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 162 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
15/39

Roasted Vegetable Strata

Total Time 1 hour 35 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: With the abundance of zucchini my family has in the fall, this is the perfect dish to use some of what we have. Cheesy and rich, the warm, classic breakfast dish is sure to please! —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 349 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
16/39

Beef & Bulgur-Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My mom frequently cooked the giant zucchini that she grew in her garden. I adapted this recipe from one of her favorite weeknight meals. Though I love the taste of fresh-picked zucchini, the ones I've bought from the grocery store work great, too.—Susan Peterson, Blaine, Minnesota.
Nutrition Facts: 2 stuffed zucchini halves: 361 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 714mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
17/39

Zucchini Lasagna

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We plant zucchini every year and always seem to have more than we can use! This hearty zucchini lasagna is a delicious way to use an abundant crop. —Charlotte McDaniel, Williamsville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 273 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
18/39

Soft Zucchini Spice Cookies

Total Time 30 min
Servings about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These cookies are fantastic. They don't last very long at my house. Why don't you see how long they will last at yours? —Mili Seemar, Chatham, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 2 each: 132 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 129mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
19/39

Garlic-Grilled Chicken with Pesto Zucchini Ribbons

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The first time I substituted zucchini noodles for regular pasta, it was because I was trying to reduce carbohydrates and calories. Now I make them because we love the flavor and texture they bring to dishes. This dish is just as delicious if you substitute shrimp for the chicken. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half with 1-1/2 cup zucchini noodles: 397 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 44g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 6 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
20/39

Vegetarian Linguine

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Looking for a tasty alternative to a meat-and-potatoes meal? Try this colorful pasta dish, which is the brainchild of my oldest son. It’s a stick-to-your-ribs meal that includes loads of fresh veggies as well as basil and provolone. —Jane Bone, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 260 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
21/39

Garden Pork Stir-Fry

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This easy, all-in-one skillet supper has fresh-from-the-garden flavor. It’s a tasty way to make the most of seasonal produce—from your backyard veggie patch or the farmers market. —Kenny Van Rheenen, Mendota, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 196 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
22/39

Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: One of the first things my husband made for me was a variation of this sweet potato skillet. Over the years, it's become a family favorite. Top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, lettuce or anything else your family likes. —MacKenzie Wright, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 392 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 9g fiber), 29g protein.
23/39

Zucchini Crust Pizza

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My mother-in-law shared the recipe for this unique pizza with me. It's just right for brunch, lunch or a light supper. Loosen the nutritious zucchini crust from the pan with a metal spatula. —Ruth Denomme, Englehart, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 188 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
24/39

Asian Slaw

Total Time 15 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s an Asian slaw recipe without all the greasy mayonnaise. It’s well-liked by the people who’ve tried it. A bit of sugar mellows the tangy Asian coleslaw dressing. —Alta Goodman, Canton, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 75 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 223mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
25/39

Arrabbiata Sauce with Zucchini Noodles

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This popular Italian dish is flavorful and spicy. We decided to re-create one of our favorite jarred sauces and serve over zucchini pasta for a lighter, healthier meal that's naturally gluten-free. The results were amazing! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup sauce with 1 cup zucchini noodles: 287 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
26/39

Sheet-Pan Kielbasa and Veggies

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I like this dish featuring kielbasa and veggies for two reasons: It's so hearty, and it’s a one-pan meal. That’s a win-win dinner! —Marietta Slater, Justin, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1-2/3 cups: 378 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 954mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
27/39

Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini

Total Time 50 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I've always had to be creative when getting my family to eat vegetables, so I decided to make stuffed zucchini using the pizza flavors that everyone loves. It worked! We like to include sausage for a main dish but it could be a meatless side too. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 2 stuffed zucchini halves: 206 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
28/39

Veggie Bean Tacos

Total Time 40 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: In the summer when fresh corn and just-picked tomatoes are in season, authentic Mexican dishes like this leave you always wanting that next bite. My personal preference is to serve them with a slice of lime to squeeze over the avocado. —Tonya Burkhard, Davis, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos (calculated without sour cream): 378 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.
29/39

Sausage Ratatouille

Total Time 45 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: You’ll feel like Ratatouille’s great chef Remy when you serve this veggie-packed dish. Don’t let the ingredient list fool you: Pantry staples and an easy-cook method make this one a cinch. —Janine Freeman, Blaine, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 337 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 752mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
30/39

Chocolate Zucchini Cookies

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe started out as a plain zucchini cookie. But over the years, I added nuts and chocolate chips. These soft cookies never make it to the cookie jar! —Tina Lunt, Bass Harbor, Maine
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 67 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
31/39

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.
32/39

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.
33/39

Sausage Zucchini Skillet

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I began serving a version of this dish as a side with grilled salmon. I added sausage and rice—or noodles—to make a complete meal-in-one. —Debby Abel, Flat Rock, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1-3/4 cups sausage mixture with 1/2 cup cooked rice: 262 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch.
34/39

Lemony Zucchini Ribbons

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Fresh zucchini gets a shave and a drizzle of lemony goodness in this fab salad. Sprinkle the goat cheese or feta on top and dive in. —Ellie Martin Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 83 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 352mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
35/39

Summer Squash and Zucchini Salad

Total Time 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I came up with this colorful and tasty zucchini salad years ago for a recipe contest and was delighted when I won honorable mention! The recipe easily doubles. —Paula Wharton, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 101 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
36/39

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.
37/39

Vegetable Stew

Total Time 50 min
Servings 8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This fragrant, spicy vegetable stew can be served over couscous or with warm pita bread. Try topping the Moroccan dish with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream to cool it down. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 180 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
38/39

Zippy Turkey Zoodles

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Eating healthy doesn't mean sacrificing flavor—and these spiced-up zoodles prove it. If you don't have a spiralizer, simply slice the zucchini julienne-style. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1-3/4 cups: 332 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat.
39/39

Zucchini Roll-Ups

Total Time 35 min
Servings 3 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We love lasagna, but these zucchini roll-ups are a little healthier and a lot quicker! Using zucchini "pasta" also makes the dish gluten free and grain free. To make zucchini strips, use a box grater or mandoline to get even slices. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 4 roll-ups: 175 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.