61 Healthy & Easy Zucchini Recipes …From Breakfast To Dessert!

If you’ve planted zucchini this season, you might be wondering, “What can I do with all these zucchinis?”

Zucchini has a reputation for over-delivering! Thankfully there are many delicious ways to eat zucchini and plenty of easy zucchini recipes to make at home.

Even if you didn’t plant zucchini, you can stock up once the abundance of the summer bounty hits farmer’s markets and stores.

In today’s post, I share many wonderful ways to use zucchini to create fresh and healthy summer recipes. These include zucchini bread recipes, main dish zucchini recipes, zucchini side dish recipes, and zucchini dessert recipes.

Before we get to the recipes, let’s take a quick look at a few important zucchini facts and answer some frequently asked questions about this vegetable.

What Is Zucchini?

Zucchini, also known as a courgette, is a variety of summer squash.

The mild flavor of zucchini allows this vegetable to be used in a variety of sweet and savory recipes. It can be eaten raw or cooked.

Its thin green skin and long, narrow shape somewhat resemble a cucumber. However, zucchini is much different in taste and texture. The two cannot be used interchangeably.

Yellow summer squash is the best substitute for zucchini in most recipes.

Flowers of the zucchini plant are also edible and are often added to French or Italian dishes.

How To Choose Zucchini

Small to medium size zucchinis are best for most recipes. When zucchinis get too big, they lose quality and often become overrun with seeds.

That said, larger, older zucchinis can still be used, but are best reserved for baked goods.

Choose zucchini that has a dark green, shiny skin. Beware of skin that is extremely hard as this may indicate the zucchini is overripe and stringy inside.

How To Store Zucchini

Once picked, zucchinis keep for several days to a week or more in the refrigerator or cooler. They do not store well long-term unless frozen or dried.

#1 — How To Freeze Zucchini

It’s easy to freeze zucchini in chunks, slices, or shreds for future baking. The form you choose depends on how you plan to use it.

Shredded zucchini is great for breads and muffins, but be sure to thaw completely and squeeze out any excess water before use.

Add frozen zucchini chunks or slices to smoothies and soups to quickly increase the meal’s nutritional value. No thawing required.

Even though it’s a little more work, many prefer to blanch zucchini before freezing. This destroys the enzymes that cause it to discolor and break down over time.

To blanch and freeze shredded zucchini:

1. Shred zucchini in a food processor or by hand.
2. Fill a pot with a few inches of water and place a steaming basket over the top.
3. Bring the water to a boil.
4. Place shredded zucchini in the steamer basket in small quantities.
5. Steam for 1 to 2 minutes, until translucent.
6. Spoon into canning jars and place in cold water to cool.
7. Close with lid and freeze.
8. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge.
9. Strain out water before using.

To blanch and freeze chunked or sliced zucchini:

1. Cut zucchini into chunks or slices.
2. Bringing a large pot of water to boil.
3. Add sliced or cubed zucchini.
4. Cover and allow to boil for 3 to 4 minutes.
5. While the zucchini is blanching, fill a large container or clean sink with iced water.
6. Drain zucchini through a strainer and immediately plunge into ice water.
7. Cool for about 4 minutes.
8. Drain thoroughly.
9. To prevent zucchini from sticking together, spread on a lined cookie sheet and freeze.
10. Then place in a bag or container in the freezer.

#2 — How To Dehydrate Zucchini

Zucchini can be dried as chips or shreds. This is easy with a dehydrator.

Dried zucchini chips make a great snack. Dried shredded zucchini is wonderful for longer-term storage.

Learn how to dehydrate zucchini as chips and shreds here!

Easy Ways To Use Zucchini

Before I share zucchini recipes, let’s look at a few easy ways to use zucchini without a recipe. It’s quite simple to add to many everyday meals. Plus, it’s a great way to increase your vegetable intake without much extra work.

• Grate zucchini and add to salads, sandwiches, and soups.
• Cut zucchini into long strips and serve with dip.
• Steam zucchini slices, sprinkle with your favorite herbs and spices, and serve as a side dish.
• Use a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles and serve with pasta sauce.
• Slice in half, cut each half into quarters lengthwise, and toss in oil. Roast at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve as a side dish.

Healthy Zucchini Recipes

Below you’ll find many healthy and delicious zucchini recipes. All made with real food!

Zucchini Bread Recipes

Image courtesy of Tessa the Domestic Diva. 

• Moist and Delicious Chocolate Zucchini Bread
• Paleo Chocolate Zucchini Bread with Hemp
• Dutch Oven Cooking: Zucchini Bread
• Grain-Free Chocolate Zucchini Bread (with Sans Chocolate Option)
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread with Burrata and Thyme Roasted Grapes
• Blueberry Zucchini Bread with Sprouted Einkorn
• Grain-Free Lemon Zucchini Bread

Main Dish Zucchini Recipes

Image courtesy of Tasting Page.

• Grain-Free, Dairy-Free Zucchini Lasagna
• Grain-Free Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna with Vegan Option
• Zucchini Basil Chicken Burgers (Paleo, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Zucchini Rice Casserole
• Summer Sausage Zucchini Bake
• Low-Carb Zucchini Boats
• Nutrient-Dense, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free Salmon Patties
• Two Zucchini Soup Recipes that Can Be Served Hot or Cold
• Zucchini Chorizo Butter Stew {KETO, GAPS}
• Zucchini and Bacon Stir Fry
• Easy Zucchini and Corn Grilled Naan Pizza
• Zucchini Ricotta Torta with Mixed Greens

Zucchini Main Dish Recipes With Zoodles

Image courtesy of Fit as a Mama Bear. 

• 5-minute Curry Chicken Zucchini Pho
• Zucchini and Tomato Zoodle Pasta
• Zucchini Noodles with Sautéed Shrimp in Lemon-Basil Dressing
• Whole30 Keto Blackened Salmon with Cajun Zoodles (in 1 skillet!)
• Asian Fried Zoodles

Zucchini Side Dish Recipes

Images courtesy of Grow a Good Life. 

• Garlic Zucchini Bites
• Scalloped Zucchini & Crookneck Squash
• 3-Ingredient Sauteed Zucchini & Fennel
• Simple Zucchini Recipe with Coconut Aminos
• Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
• Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Avocado
• Raw Zucchini Hummus
• Lacto-Fermented Zucchini Sticks
• Paleo Angel Hair Pasta
• 5-Ingredient Gluten-Free Zucchini Crepe

Zucchini Dessert Recipes

Image courtesy of Eat Beautiful. 

• Grain-Free Zucchini Walnut Brownies (GAPS, Paleo)
• Grain-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free Instant Pot Zucchini Cake
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Zucchini Cake
• Buttermilk Carob Zucchini Cake
• Moistest Zucchini Spice Cake
• Gluten-Free, Paleo, Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
• Instant Pot Chocolate Zucchini Muffin Bites
• Zucchini Apple Pie
• Chocolate Zucchini Bread Popsicles
• Zucchini Gummy Candy
• Strawberry-Zucchini Fruit Leather

Healthy Drink Recipes With Zucchini

Image courtesy of Better With Cake. 

• Chocolate Zucchini Bread Smoothie
• Vanilla Hazelnut Matcha Iced Chocolate with Zucchini
• Carob Zucchini Milkshake
• Creamy Zucchini Blueberry Smoothie
• Tropical Smoothie with Zucchini

Zucchini Breakfast Recipes

Image courtesy of The Organic Kitchen.

• Farmhouse Eggs Benedict on Zucchini Fritters
• Skillet Crustless Quiche with Kale, Zucchini, and Garlic
• Chocolate Berries and Greens Smoothie Bowl
• Sausage and Zucchini Breakfast Casserole
• Low-Carb Zucchini Egg Nests
• Grain-Free Zucchini Pancakes
• Swirly Crustless Quiche with Summer Squash (Zucchini)

Zucchini Based Condiments

Image courtesy of Sustainable Foods. 

• Fermented Zucchini Pickles
• Fermented Zucchini Kraut
• Zucchini Hamburger Relish
• Zucchini Relish

As you can see, there are many options for utilizing your zucchini harvest. Whether main dish, side dish, baked good, drink, or dessert… you’ll find many ways to enjoy this delicious veggie.

Which recipe will you try first? What’s your favorite way to use up zucchini?

Main images courtesy of Better With Cake and One Clever Chef.