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100+ of the Best Zucchini Recipes

While we all joke about how prolific zucchini is, it’s my favorite summer vegetable. Because of it’s mild flavor, zucchini is super versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes. Whether you grow your own or pick them up from the farmers market or grocery store, make sure to make a few of these favorite zucchini recipes during zucchini season. 

skewered vegetables including zucchini, onions and cherry tomatoes

Seasonal Eating

Because we grow most of our vegetables and eat very seasonally, it’s either feast or famine when it comes to zucchini and other summer squash. Right now we’re in the feast season and I’ve been looking for zucchini recipes to diversify our meals a bit so my family won’t complain about eating zucchini every day.

When the zucchini first starts coming in we eat it fresh every couple of days and I preserve some for using during the winter. But once I have enough preserved we start eating zucchini almost every day. And yes, having the same vegetables over and over is sometimes boring. However, we only think that because we have access to such a huge variety of fruits and vegetables available year-round.

I’m so thankful to live in a time and place where we have access to such amazing variety of food. However, the abundance can also give us a sense of ungratefulness. Eating seasonally helps keep us grounded and grateful. We enjoy zucchini and summer squash while it lasts, knowing that there will be a season of not having it.

child enjoying zucchini lasagna

Easiest Way to Cook Zucchini

There are tons of creative ways you can use up an abundance of zucchini, but sometimes, you just need a simple side dish that you can make over and over. My favorite zucchini “recipe” is sauteed zucchini. 

You don’t need a special written recipe for this. Just wash and cut zucchinis (I usually cut them longways in quarters and then cut those into 1/4-inch pieces). Put a bit of olive oil or a pat of butter in a hot skillet and add the zucchini in a single layer. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes until they’re golden brown, then gently stir the zucchini and flip the pieces. Add some salt and pepper. Continue cooking until it’s as soft as you like it.

You can add fresh herbs, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, onions, or thinly sliced carrots to change up the flavor a bit. For breakfast tacos, add some whisked eggs after the zucchini is cooked.

grated zucchini on a cutting board with a cheese grater and measuring cup.

Preserving Zucchini 

Zucchini can be preserved in a variety of ways but probably the easiest way to preserve zucchini to use in some of these recipes later in the year is to freeze grated zucchini. There is no special equipment needed, just a box grater and freezer-safe containers. You can use this shredded zucchini in baked goods, zucchini pancakes, fritters and even cookies. 

There is a whole zucchini and summer squash chapter in my book, The Ultimate Guide to Preserving Vegetables, which includes several recipes such as a creamy zucchini soup. Also, there is a Mediterranean Zucchini and Tomato canning recipe in my book, Pressure Canning for Beginners and Beyond.

For fresh eating, try some of these tasty zucchini recipes below. 

Stuffed Zucchini Recipe

Zucchini Recipes

Show off your summer bounty with these zucchini recipes. You can substitute zucchini for any summer squash.

Zucchini Main Dish Ideas

With these delicious main dishes, you could serve zucchini every night and no one will even notice!

Easy Side Dishes

Whether cooking zucchini or serving it raw, you can't go wrong when you choose one of these tasty zucchini side dishes.

Sweet and Savory Zucchini Breads

Zucchini breads are a great way to use up a surplus of zucchini. Even non-zucchini lovers will love these breads.

Sweet and Savory Zucchini Muffins

These zucchini muffins are great for meals or snacks, plus they all freeze well.

Desserts and Other Sweets

Satisfy your sweet tooth and add a little nutrition with these tasty zucchini desserts and sweets.

Preserving Zucchini

Use these recipes to preserve zucchini to use throughout the year.

skewered vegetables including zucchini, onions and cherry tomatoes

Thanks for sharing with your friends!

Tessa

Monday 25th of September 2017

You know what's funny? Since we couldn't plant a garden this year, I actually have missed having zukes coming out my ears. I'm certainly saving these ideas for next year's garden, though - they're perfect!

Angi Schneider

Monday 25th of September 2017

That is funny! We've not had them for a few months now and my family is already missing them!