15 Best Zucchini Recipes To Make Before Summer's Over (2024)

Zucchini is a vegetable full of health benefits, but it's easy to get bored with it if you're stuck on just eating it roasted in the oven or sautéed on the stove. If you want to enjoy this summer squash before the season is up but are growing tired of eating it the same way each time, you can try one of these creative zucchini recipes to help you branch out—such as zucchini bread, Thai zucchini noodles, zucchini carbonara, or parmesan zucchini fries.

When you incorporate this summer squash into your diet, you'll be giving yourself a boost of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein, and soluble and insoluble fiber—all while keeping your calories and fat on the lower end. It's also a versatile veggie and one that can go great in a wide assortment of recipes.

For some inspiration on how to use this delicious summer vegetable while it's still in season, check out the following zucchini recipes that you can start making today. Then for more summer recipe ideas, try one of these 38 Best Grilling Recipes On the Planet.

Keto Zucchini Noodles With Bacon Vinaigrette

15 Best Zucchini Recipes To Make Before Summer's Over (1)

Those who are following the Keto diet often have to kiss their love of pasta goodbye. But while they may not be able to eat a ton of regular noodles, zucchini noodles are a helpful replacement for some classic pasta-heavy recipes. Take these Zucchini Noodles with a Bacon Vinaigrette, for example. Enjoy the decadent flavors for only 9 grams of carbs and 16 grams of protein per serving.

Get our recipe for Keto Zucchini Noodles.

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Thai Scallop Curry with Zucchini Noodles & Shiitake Mushrooms

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When you're craving a noodle dish like a Thai curry, you'll have to be prepared to rack up some carbohydrates. This isn't always a bad thing, but it depends on your health goals. If you're someone who's on the keto diet or just need to keep your carb count low, these zucchini noodles with Thai curry and scallops is the perfect option.

Get our recipe for Thai Scallop Curry.

RELATED:9 Best Low-Carb Pasta Brands on Grocery Store Shelves

Balsamic Zucchini Sauté

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A simple yet delicious summer recipe to try is a sauté with summer squash and zucchini. This is a great side item at any BBQ or cookout, and the use of garlic and balsamic makes for a flavorful dish without tons of effort.

Get our recipe for Zucchini Sauté.

Zucchini Carbonara with Bacon

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You're probably used to a classic carbonara dish, or have at least had the opportunity to indulge once or twice, but if you want to take this traditional dish up a notch and add in some veggies, this Zucchini Carbonara is just the answer.

Get our recipe for Zucchini Carbonara with Bacon.

Zucchini Bread

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If you have some leftover zucchini in the fridge and are worried you won't be able to use it before it goes bad, this is the recipe for you. This zucchini bread uses two cups of shredded zucchini that you can't taste at all, but it will give the bread extra moisture and a slightly savory feel. This recipe is also entirely gluten-free and can be made dairy-free as well if you use dairy-free chocolate.

Get our recipe for Zucchini Bread.

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Roasted Summer Vegetables

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For a simple vegetable dish that will still please a crowd, you can try these Roasted Summer Vegetables, which are made up of zucchini, green beans tomatoes, okra, corn, and potatoes—but you can choose any vegetables that you want. Just toss with some olive oil and wrap up in aluminum foil, and in under an hour, you'll have a tasty veggie plate.

Get the recipe for Roasted Summer Vegetables.

Cauliflower Gnocchi with Roasted Zucchini

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This recipe is a bit more detailed than some of the others on the list, but if you have the time and energy, the flavors of this dish are worth the effort. With a garlic cream sauce and roasted zucchini, this is a gnocchi dish you and your loved ones will be coming back to.

Get the recipe for Cauliflower Gnocchi.

Roasted Zucchini

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Getting perfectly roasted zucchini can be difficult to accomplish—it can be too soft when it's overdone, or too crunchy if it's not cooked long enough. This recipe helps you roast it to the perfect consistency and flavor, so you'll be able to enjoy this as a side item to any of your favorite summer meals.

Get the recipe from Well Plated By Erin.

Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini

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Hot honey has become quite the craze these days and for good reason. This combination of sweet and spicy is satisfying on a number of different types of dishes, with this chicken and zucchini plate being no exception. Throw the chicken and zucchini over a bed of rice and you'll have a delicious and balanced meal.

Get the recipe from Half-Baked Harvest.

Zucchini Cake

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Another example of the benefits of using zucchini in your baked goods is this zucchini cake. Moist and slightly savory with a ton of flavor, this cake is the perfect crowd-pleasing recipe to bring to your next event. If you want something other than a sheet pan size, you can make this cake into a bundt cake, cupcakes, or a layered cake.

Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Recipes.

Zucchini Muffins

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For a quick grab-and-go breakfast that you can make ahead and have for the rest of your week, these zucchini muffins are an easy solution. Made with simple ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, vanilla, and of course zucchini, this recipe is easy enough for anyone to make, regardless of baking experience.

Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Recipes.

RELATED:The 12 Best High-Protein Foods To Eat for Breakfast

Zucchini Fries

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Zucchini fries are a savory treat that can be much healthier than regular French fries, but can still satisfy your cravings for something salty and crispy. These are best with some sort of dip, such as the Basil Dipping Sauce found at the end of the recipe. Zucchini is a mild-flavored vegetable, so most types of sauces will do.

Get the recipe from Well Plated By Erin.

Zucchini Fritters

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The Zucchini Fritters from Sally's Baking Recipe are a great gluten-free treat that can be enjoyed at any meal of the day. Paired with a yogurt sauce, this dish is an easy way to use up the last of your zucchini before it goes bad.

Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Recipes.

Zucchini Parmesan Pasta

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In the mood for a creamy summer pasta? This plate of noodles, zucchini, thyme, parmesan, basil, chili flakes, and garlic makes for an ideal dinner party dish, or one you can make and reheat throughout the week for leftovers. You can leave the zucchini in slices for a bit of texture, or you can blend it in the food processor to make a puree instead.

Get the recipe from Parmesan Pasta.

RELATED:5 Pasta Sauces That Use the Highest Quality Ingredients

Sweet Corn and Zucchini Pie

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You may think of apples, pumpkin, or pecans when you hear the word "pie," but don't knock a zucchini and corn pie until you try it. With the addition of cheese, butter, and eggs, you'll have a creamy, savory dish that you can bring to your next summer gathering.

Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum.

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15 Best Zucchini Recipes To Make Before Summer's Over (2024)

FAQs

How to prepare zucchini for 12 month old? ›

Trim the stem from the zucchini. Cut it lengthwise into thick sticks (think the width of 2 fingers) or quartered spears. Steam, roast, sauté or bake the zucchini until it is soft enough to smush between 2 fingers but still firm to grasp. Offer the baby to eat by hand.

Does zucchini get softer the longer you cook it? ›

Zucchini is made of over 90% water. When cooked, it gets soft and slowly releases that water into whatever dish you're cooking. If zucchini is overcooked, it will have a mushy, soft texture.

How do you keep zucchini from getting soggy when sauteed? ›

Slice and salt zucchini in advance of cooking to draw out some of the vegetable's excess moisture (while also seasoning it more thoroughly). To do this, cut up a pound of zucchini and toss it with ½ teaspoon of table salt. Let it drain in a colander for about 30 minutes before patting it dry and cooking it.

Can 10 month old eat zucchini? ›

When can babies have zucchini? Naturally soft and a little, well, smooshy, zucchini is an ideal early veggie for babies. Your cutie can take her first bite (er, gum) whenever she starts solids. That's usually around 6 months.

Can I eat 2 week old zucchini? ›

How Long Does Zucchini Last? Now that you know how to store zucchini and how to freeze zucchini, you're probably wondering how long you have to use it. Whole zucchini in the fridge can last up to a week and cut zucchini in the freezer can last up to three months.

Why do you soak zucchini in salt water? ›

The salt draws the moisture from the flesh which helps ensure that the vegetable stays firm during roasting. This moisture (and excess salt) is patted off with a paper towel before cooking. Added benefit: the salt works its way into the scores of the flesh and seasons the zucchini all the way to the center.

How do you keep zucchini crisp when cooking? ›

After I cut my zucchini I lay them out on a plate or baking sheet on paper towels and cover them with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes (or longer if you want) and blot away the moisture. Flip and repeat to the other side, then cook them.

Why is my sauteed zucchini bitter? ›

Remove the Seeds: The seeds and surrounding flesh can sometimes contribute to bitterness. You can scoop out the seeds before cooking. Salt and Drain: Sprinkle salt on sliced zucchini and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and bitterness.

How do you keep zucchini firm? ›

One of the keys to keeping zucchini fresh is to keep it as dry as possible, which means it's best to wash it just before using. To go a step further, you can pat zucchini down with a paper towel to absorb every bit of moisture before storing.

Why is my zucchini so slimy when I cook it? ›

This, the outlet asserts, is due to zucchini's high water content: If it cooks too slowly, it will release its moisture before it sears, becoming soggy and sodden. Over high heat, on the other hand, zucchini becomes caramelized on the outside but retains a meaty, firm texture within.

Can you eat too much zucchini? ›

Raw zucchini can also cause gas and bloating, especially if you overdo it. Zucchini is rich in fiber that your gut doesn't digest. When your body doesn't fully break the fiber down, gas can build up and cause bloating and make you pass wind. Eating raw vegetables can cause gas if you have irritable bowel syndrome.

What happens if you freeze a whole zucchini? ›

While freezing zucchini is a great way to extend its life, it's not as simple as just popping a few squash into your freezer. Raw zucchini gets weepy and watery after thawing. To effectively save it, you should chop and blanch it first. This helps set the texture and color and makes it last longer.

Can you eat zucchini that's too big? ›

Of course, large zucchini are still edible, but they lose the delicate flavor and tender texture of their smaller counterparts, which is important in summer favorites like Shaved Squash Salad, Marinated Squash With Hazelnuts and Ricotta and Summer Squash Frittata with Herbs where they're the star.

Can a 1 year old eat zucchini? ›

18 months old +:

Serve cooked zucchini as desired, and at this age, many toddlers are ready for raw zucchini. Try cutting the zucchini into thin slices or sticks, and feel free to offer with a dip to help the child engage with the meal.

Do you leave the skin on zucchini for baby food? ›

You should leave the skin on when preparing zucchini, and this is even more important when pureeing it for baby food. Eating the skin is how baby will get all those wonderful vitamins and nutrients.

Do you peel zucchini before puree for baby? ›

As I already mentioned, the majority of the nutrients are found in the peels. So you do not want to peel the zucchini. Leave the peels on so that your baby can benefit from the wonderful nutrients found in them!

How do you soften zucchini for babies? ›

Place zucchini in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until very soft, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain well. Transfer zucchini to a blender or food processor and purée until smooth.

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