We're making these quick and easy zucchini recipes all summer long. Here you'll find squash inspo for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert.
41 Best Zucchini Recipes
Updated on Jun. 21, 2025
1/41
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.
Stop looking—you’ve found the perfect vegetarian dish to please everyone in your house. This updated take on pasta primavera focuses on the vegetables, dresses them lightly with chopped tomatoes in olive oil, and marries them to hearty linguine with provolone and Parmesan. It’s a perfect people-pleaser, full of color and flavor.
2/41
Fried Zucchini
Total Time
40 min
Servings
15 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Fried zucchini is a good side for many main dishes. It is delicious and quick to make. —Keenan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 6 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
There’s a reason kids love state fair food—drop anything in batter, deep-fry it and it just melts in your mouth. This fried zucchini uses cornmeal instead of batter for a snappy breading and then a scant amount of olive oil to crisp it up. The result is going to win hearts, minds and blue ribbons at home.
3/41
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.
There’s something to be said for the easy road. Slicing up and searing that zuke will fill your home with the comforting smell of squash and garlic. Here, we’ve added oregano to really bring an Italian aroma and flavor to your table.
4/41
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.
Hear us out: These enchiladas feel healthy but don’t taste it. Just replace the tortillas with zucchini for a silky, cheesy, as-spicy-as-you-like-it Mexican entree. Admit it, you’re already dreaming of the first bite.
5/41
Zucchini Fries
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These aren't anything like potato fries—in a good way! They are air-fried to crispy perfection and oh, so flavorful. Enjoy them as an appetizer or a low-carb alternative to french fries. Don't have an air fryer? You can convection-bake these fries for the same time. —Jen Pahl, West Allis, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 91 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Exchange spuds for these crispy, crunchy planks. Panko and all kinds of spices take these zucchini strips from bland to delectable. They’re the perfect vehicle for that oversized zuke hiding in your garden.
6/41
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.
Swap in silky ribbons of squash for lasagna noodles, and no one will be the wiser. This fan favorite is the perfect solution for a fall or winter day when you want to warm up with a filling meal around the table. Filled with ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, cottage cheese and shredded mozzarella, you can make this meal ahead of time for easy prep.
7/41
Chicken and Zucchini Foil Packs
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy foil-wrapped dinners cooked on the grill, especially because there are no pots or pans to wash. You can try making chicken foil packs with most fresh vegetables you have on hand. —Dianna Smith, Newport, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 302 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 838mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
A zippy way to prep meals ahead of time and spare the dishes, these little foil packs pack a big punch. In a few minutes, bring together chicken breasts, zucchini, sweet onion and mushrooms with some olive oil. Take them camping, throw them on your barbecue or just cook them in the oven. Then, open the packs at the table like little gifts.
8/41
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'd take a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in a half 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.
The crispness of the tilapia, the silkiness of the zoodles and the spice of the pico come together for a perfect feast. Try this dish when you need a break from the heavy starches in pasta dishes.
9/41
Summer Squash Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad packs a perfect punch and is a tasty alternative to coleslaw. Like most gardeners, we usually have an abundance of squash and zucchini in summer, so this dish is an amazing way to use our fresh produce. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 188 calories, 19g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Tired of coleslaw? This bright, crunchy salad skips the mayo and heavy dressings. Instead, sliced radishes bring the heat, while yellow squash and zucchini offer some snap. Dressed with a simple Dijon dressing, the salad will stand out on the picnic table as a bright, light, summery side.
10/41
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.
It’s important to indulge your cravings, but what if we told you that these ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies bring a little bit of healthy vitamins and fiber along for the ride? These chocolate cookies have a surprisingly delightful bite and chew, aided by spices and chopped nuts.
11/41
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
Learn how to make zucchini noodles—with or without a spiralizer—to create zoodle recipes like pastas, lasagnas, salads, soups or stir-fries.
12/41
Greek Tortellini Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking to please picky little palates? One tester loved this simple skillet entree so much, she made it at home for her 2-year-old daughter, who said “Mmm!” after every single bite. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 543 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 917mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 32g protein.
When the doldrums of winter set in and you cannot think of a single new variation of the same stovetop dishes, this Greek tortellini is going to make you smile. This sumptuous take on pastitsio starts with little pockets of cheese tortellini combined with ground beef, layers of tomato sauce, and slices of zucchini, onions, Greek olives and feta. A comfort meal for the ages, you’ll add this to your rotation all winter long.
13/41
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. It's 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.
Sweet chili, a spicy and citrusy blend, drives this easy-to-come-together stir-fry. Toss together shrimp, zucchini, mushrooms, onions and cilantro for this fast, fun recipe. Add a base of white rice or even a salad to make this meal a midweek slinger.
14/41
Italian White Bean Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A bowlful of this soup is so satisfying, it's hard to believe it's actually good for you too. I crave it all the time. With lots of beans and potatoes, it is filling and even hits the spot with meat lovers. —Kristina Krummel, Elkins, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 164 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 714mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
There is no dish that challenges cold weather and falling leaves like a bowl of hearty, tomato-rich vegetable soup. Every spoonful of this soup will bring a melange of colorful vegetables and the delightful scent of garlic and thyme. Studded with white navy beans, this showstopper can sit on the stovetop all day long.
15/41
Summer Zucchini Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always experimenting when my garden is cranking out zucchini and summer squash. This simple and healthy pasta dish is one of my latest wins. It's meatless, 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.
The taste of summer is tomatoes married to yellow squash and zucchini. Together, they are magical with just a bit of garlic, a splash of olive oil and some herbs. When you don’t want to fully replace your pasta with zoodles, this dish presents a delicious compromise with pappardelle and ribboned squash.
16/41
Zucchini Fritters
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
One day I wanted to serve zucchini as a side dish, but I didn't have the time to slice and deep-fry it. I came up with these fritters instead. They go especially well with barbecued ribs or pork chops and corn on the cob. —Mary Dixson, Catlin, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 fritter: 191 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 333mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
17/41
Cheesy Zucchini Saute
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Although I no longer have a garden of my own, friends and neighbors keep me amply supplied with squash. As a thank-you, I tell them how to make this refreshing zucchini saute. It's quick, easy and oh, so tasty! —Doris Biggs, Felton, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 157 calories, 13g fat (9g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
In the middle of winter, your family will huddle around you to tuck into this nacho-inspired casserole. Cheesy in just the right way, with tomato, olives and onion, we’ve added zucchini and basil to freshen it and make it a well-rounded dinner.
18/41
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.
19/41
Lemon 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.
Looking to lighten dinner? These bright, citrusy chicken and zucchini skewers bring a great balance of acidity and zest to your grill or oven. Lemon zest and garlic bring a zing to the chicken breast, and tomato, onion and zucchini add color and texture while layering on flavor. The marinade is easy to make with ingredients you likely have in-house.
20/41
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.
Just wow. Throw a spin on your salsa this summer with this zucchini pico. Pair it with your favorite tortilla chips and lay out a build-your-own tacos spread to round out a full dinner.
21/41
Spicy Sausage and Rice Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The spicy sausage in this quick skillet dish gives it a kick, and the sliced apples are a pleasant, tart surprise. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 285 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
This is a fall harvest worthy of Oktoberfest and fit for a crowd. The best of the fall flavors—tart apple, squash and peppers—marry with chicken sausage and are then cooked on a bed of spiced black beans and rice. This one-dish wonder will keep your kitchen work light and your guests happy.
22/41
Pinto Bean Zucchini Boats
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Zucchini shells take center stage when filled with vegetables, beans and sauce. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 zucchini halves: 377 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 1310mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 9g fiber), 17g protein.
When you’re inundated with zukes, these boats make a pleasing vessel for beans and corn. Besides being fun to put together, these flavorful boats also get high marks for presentation.
23/41
Zucchini Pineapple Jam
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Need a way to use up zucchini? Try this wonderfully flavored jam. The pineapple adds so much sweetness. —Kathy Weese, Jackson, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 84 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Hello, gardeners and jam makers! This recipe takes a whopping 6 cups of zucchini and sweetens it with crushed pineapple and strawberry gelatin for a gorgeous, glossy red jam. Sweeten up the neighbors by jarring some and giving it as a just-because gift!
24/41
Sweet & Sour Squash Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad goes over really well with all ages, and it's a good way to get kids to eat summer squash. —Opal Shipman Levelland, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 241 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Take all the best produce of the summer season to make a gloriously colorful, crunchy salad. Slice up your squash and peppers, celery and onion, and dress them raw with vinaigrette that is smartly flavored with ranch mix. Pantry staples and farmers market produce for the win!
25/41
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.
We love a quick cookie recipe, and this one happens to be so tasty, you won’t even know it has zucchini in it. These cakelike drops do a great job of disguising the vegetables inside with lemon, cinnamon, raisins, walnuts and, of course, icing.
26/41
Yellow Squash & Watermelon Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always like to bring this healthy option to parties and potlucks, and people seem to really appreciate that. No oil is necessary for this salad; the lemon juice combines with the feta to lightly coat the bright, fresh ingredients. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 61 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
If you’ve waited all summer for watermelon to ripen, this is one of those savory watermelon dishes you’ll want to make on repeat. The classic pairing of sweet watermelon and salty feta sits atop a bed of peppery arugula and soft zucchini and serves 12—perfect for a picnic!
27/41
Vegetable Frittata
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you're looking for something healthy in a hurry, you can't beat this veggie-filled frittata cooked in a cast-iron skillet. —Janet Eckhoff, Woodland, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 177 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 213mg cholesterol, 264mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
This frittata doubles down on veggies and color, with a melange of peppers, zucchini and red potatoes. Don’t be intimidated! We’ve got plenty of tips to ensure your frittata cooks evenly and turns out deliciously fluffy.
28/41
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.
When you want the famous Red Lobster biscuits but need a little vegetable content to keep it real, these crumbly balls of heaven are just what you’re looking for. Full of all the good stuff like butter and cheese, you won’t even notice the zucchini and, more importantly, no one else will either.
29/41
Zucchini Patties
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These zucchini patties have a nice flavor and are compatible with just about any entree. My sister gave me this recipe and I, in turn, have given it to many of my friends. —Annabelle Cripe, Goshen, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2 patties: 214 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 618mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
30/41
Garden Chickpea Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you'd like, add sliced cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 492 calories, 38g fat (6g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein.
Vegetarians and meat eaters can both agree—this garden chickpea salad packs a bunch of protein and definitely doesn’t skimp on flavor. Pair this healthy vegetarian salad with any lunches or dinners that look a little too beige.
31/41
California Quinoa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always changing up this salad. Here I used tomato, zucchini and olives for a Greek-inspired salad. Try adding a few more favorite fresh veggies you know your family will love. —Elizabeth Lubin, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 310 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
Keep meals interesting by mixing up your same-old rice pilaf with quinoa. Here, we’ve studded grains with zucchini, basil and tomato, and then ramped up the acidity profile with Greek olives, feta and garlic. The garbanzo beans add to the overall nuttiness of the dish.
32/41
Zucchini Pie
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We have a lot of zucchini on hand when it’s in season. This is a good and different way to use large amounts. —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 353 calories, 27g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 627mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
An armful of zucchini (3 cups!) fills out this beautiful pie that comes with none of the usual pie-making stress. Using biscuit mix as a base, you’ll quickly fill this pie with garlic, onion, eggs and cheese for a crowd-pleasing punch that can be served for any meal of the day.
33/41
Zucchini Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With just-picked-from-the-garden zucchini, your kids won’t even know these burgers are meatless. —Kimberly Danek Pinkson, San Anselmo, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 314 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 467mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
Whether it’s grilling season or you’ve moved inside to the oven, break up the droll burger routine with these zesty zuke burgers. Easy enough to make on the spur of the moment on a weeknight, this recipe mixes up zucchini with bread crumbs, onion, and eggs with a dash of cayenne for a solid alternative to the same old sandwich. You may even like them better than some of our best beef burgers!
34/41
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender zucchini gets pleasant flavor from a cheesy sauce and a cracker-crumb topping in this fast-to-fix side dish. —Kathi Grenier, Auburn, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 136 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 508mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
Sheer comfort for a movie night in, this cheese casserole takes Velveeta and saltines and melts them with zucchini and butter for a moment of extravagance.
35/41
Grilled Zucchini Salad with Mediterranean Dressing
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This zucchini salad with Mediterranean dressing is the best side dish. I also like to add summer squash for a variation or crumbled goat cheese when I want some extra creaminess. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 220 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 252mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
When you think of summer foods, you might visualize huge platters of grilled vegetables, fresh from the garden to the barbecue. No vegetable takes to the grill better than zucchini, and here we’ve layered beautifully browned squash with feta, pine nuts and red onion for a punch of umami.
36/41
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.
Basted zucchini, flavored by a rich boullion and onion, combines with sour cream for an indulgent dish full of creamy dill. This one-pot wonder comes to the table in a Dutch oven for an easy, impressive display of zucchini goodness.
37/41
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 1/2 cup of salsa or 1/2 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.
We’ve mixed in black beans to add a bit of protein to this vegetarian wonder. Penne pasta and a plethora of colorful vegetables lend quite a few textures and flavors to this light and elevated meal.
38/41
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.
We’ll say yes to any recipes that use tequila! You’ve never had scampi quite like this. We’ve swapped in a margarita mix for the lemon and wine, and rather than pasta, we paired it with zucchini and squash noodles, affectionately known as zoodles.
39/41
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 it 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.
If you’re looking for only a little zucchini zing, this sweet potato skillet is a superb alternative to traditional chili. Earthy sweet potatoes, chicken and black beans combine with zucchini, salsa and traditional chili spices for this rich skillet. Top it with sour cream and cilantro.
40/41
Cheddar-Veggie Appetizer Torte
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A line forms quickly behind this quichelike torte at family gatherings. The wedges are easy to eat as finger food, and it's delicious hot or cold. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 175 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
When you’re ready to really impress your guests, this gorgeous torte will make it look as if you spent a lot more time cooking than you actually did. On a crust of crumbled multigrain crackers, bacon and eggs are combined with veggies and cheddar for a sumptuous base.
41/41
Ground Pork Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Some people call it dinner hour, but many of us call it rush hour. Slow down the pace with this so-simple mouthwatering ground pork meal. The only thing you'll have left over is time to share with your family at the table. —Brigitte Schaller, Flemington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1.330 cups: 317 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
If you’re looking to mix up your middle-of-the-week pasta dish, this ragu makes a quick tomato-based sauce with sauteed pork and stewed tomato. The zucchini and onion sweeten it up, while Italian seasoning rounds it all out.
Zucchini Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to prepare zucchini?
The best way to prepare zucchini is completely up to personal preference, but our reviewers agree that the best zucchini recipe in our collection is our zucchini pie. This pie is sort of like a quiche-souffle, with zucchini coins, chopped onions, fresh parsley and lots of Parmesan layered throughout.
How can I use up a lot of zucchini?
The best ways to use up a lot of zucchini are to make zoodles, sauteed zucchini or homemade zucchini fries. These three methods use zucchini as the star ingredient, and you can make as big or as small a batch as you’d like.
What are the best zucchini bread recipes?
The best zucchini bread recipes are regular zucchini bread, our chocolate zucchini bread with chocolate chips, banana zucchini bread, our autumnal apple zucchini bread and our summery tropical pina colada zucchini bread.
