Roasted, baked, grilled or sauteed, these zucchini recipes are the best of the bunch and prove this versatile squash can do just about anything.
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Squash (as in Summer) Everything
Often overlooked for more familiar produce and sometimes even mistaken for cucumber (look for the stem on the zucchini if unsure), zucchini is making a comeback and deserves a place on your dinner table. This extremely versatile squash has a mild flavor that can be used in a variety of different zucchini recipes, including roasting, baking, grilling, frying, or sauteing. It can be made savory or sweet, and doesn’t require a lot of work to make it taste great.
When summer hits and zucchini is particularly bountiful, I love making everything from zucchini chocolate chip muffins to easy zucchini fritters (kids love these!). There are, however, so many ways to incorporate the courgette (another name for zucchini) that I have gathered the best recipes I will use all year long.
Zucchini FAQS
Is zucchini good or bad for you?
Zucchini has a lot of nutritional benefits, and is considered high in fiber content with a low calorie count. It is definitely worth adding it to your weekly meals.
Do you have to peel zucchini?
Nope! Zucchini is harvested while it is still young and the peel is edible. Just give it a thorough wash before using.
When should you not eat zucchini?
Great question! Some ways to tell if a zucchini has gone bad include it feels slimy or rubbery, smells off-putting, has mold or dark spots, or has a brownish flesh that feels mushy.
Should you refrigerate zucchini?
Yup! You don’t need to refrigerate squash that has a harder exterior (butternut, acorn, spaghetti), but zucchini has a tender peel that benefits from refrigeration.
Is zucchini a fruit or vegetable?
It is often treated like a vegetable, but zucchini is in fact a fruit. Go figure.
How do I shred zucchini?
It may seem intimidating, but no need to worry. Follow my tutorial on the easiest way to shred zucchini.
Zucchini Recipes for Bread, Muffins and Cakes
There is something so earthy and delightful about baking recipes with zucchini. I love how it elevates any baked good, and is a strong contender in my heart for its carrot cousins.
- Easy Zucchini Bread. Made in bowl with all the ingredients that make zucchini shine in bread form.
- Zucchini Brownies. Chocolate and zucchini? Trust me, you will never look back once you try this recipe with zucchini.
- Chocolate Zucchini Bread. This decadent bread is so moist and flavorful. Definitely becoming a staple in my house.
- Banana Zucchini Muffins. These two fruits become fast friends in this addictive muffin that can be served any time of day.
- Zucchini Muffins. I love how versatile these muffins are and they can really be tailored to whatever you have on hand.
- Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins. The earthy notes of zucchini work so well with the bittersweet flavor of chocolate.
- Morning Glory Muffins. Jam-packed with goodness, these muffins are a favorite in our house.
- Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread. Bright, sweet, and moist, this bread is everything you want in a snack.
- Easy and Flavorful Zucchini Cake. This beautiful cake may steal the hearts of carrot cake lovers everywhere.
Oven-Baked Zucchini Recipes
From simply roasting with a little bit of olive oil and seasoning to creating a comfort-food casserole, these baked zucchini recipes require an oven.
- Roasted Zucchini and Squash. It doesn’t get simpler, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t truly tasty.
- Stuffed Zucchini Boats. I fill these with Italian sausage and marinara sauce before topping with cheese. Thank me later when it becomes your new favorite zucchini recipe.
- Oven Roasted Vegetables. When just one veggie won’t suffice roast all your favorites including zucchini, carrots, red potatoes and more!
- Easy Ratatouille Recipe. There is a reason they made a movie about this dish. It combines so many great flavors in one bite.
- Easy Zucchini Lasagna. This gluten-free dish replaces the pasta with zucchini noodles for a hearty and low-carb alternative to the classic.
- Baked Zucchini Fries. These crispy fries are made with a Parmesan topping that goes great with ranch dressing.
Stovetop Recipes with Zucchini
Done in a jiffy, most of these easy zucchini recipes are made in one-pot for easy cleanup. Perfect weeknight dishes.
- Easy Zucchini Fritters. My kids love these crispy alternative to the potato pancake, especially when I serve them with garlic aioli or homemade ranch.
- Kung Pao Shrimp. Juicy shrimp with crisp veggies like bell pepper and zucchini are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce that is perfect for any weeknight dinner!
- Minestrone Soup. An Italian favorite packed full of a medley of seasonal vegetables including green beans, zucchini, squash and carrots then simmered on the stove and ready in 30 minutes!
- Zucchini Pasta. It may say pasta, but zucchini is the real star of the dish.
- Zucchini Pasta with Creamy Avocado Pesto. Zucchini is spiralized to replace noodles and is coated in a herbaceous sauce.
- Zucchini Pasta with Tomato Sauce. Made in under 30 minutes, this gluten-free spaghetti is summer on a plate.
- Sauteed Zucchini Recipe. Made with less than 5 ingredients, zucchini shines in this quick stovetop recipe.
- Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. When the craving for takeout strikes, make this easy copycat version at home with chicken, zucchini, peppers and a sweety spicy sauce!
- Crispy Fried Zucchini. These are irresistible with a pan fried crispy coating!
Grilled Zucchini Recipes
Grilling zucchini helps to bring out its sweetness and deepen its flavor. These easy zucchini recipes simply scream summer backyard party.
- Grilled Zucchini. One of my all-time favorite sides for a BBQ.
- Vegetable Skewers. Mix and match with your favorite veggies, but keep the zucchini. It is that good grilled.
- Grilled Vegetables. The best of summer garden bounty with not only zucchini but bell peppers, green beans and asparagus too!
- Grilled Ratatouille Tartines. All the flavors of the classic French dish in an easy appetizer.
- Balsamic Grilled Zucchini. The splash of vinegar gives this side a wonderful depth of flavor.
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Best Zucchini Recipes
Roasted, baked, grilled or sauteed, these zucchini recipes are the best of the bunch and prove this versatile squash can do just about anything. This easy zucchini bread recipe is one of my favorite ways to use zucchini!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated zucchini *see note
- ½ cup unsalted butter , melted and slightly cooled
- ½ cup light brown sugar , packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the zucchini in a cheese cloth or a paper towel. Squeeze out as much water as possible.
- In a large bowl, mix the butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Mix in the egg, sour cream, and vanilla until combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the flour mixture with a wooden spoon until combined (it will be a thicker batter). Fold in the zucchini and chocolate chips, raisins, or walnuts, if using. Spread evenly in the loaf pan.
- Bake 50 minutes, or until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If browning too quickly, top with a piece of foil. Let cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to cool.
- Slice into 1/2-inch slices. Serve while warm or cool.
Notes
Zucchini:
- I used a medium-sized zucchini and 1 was just enough for this recipe.
- Use either the small and medium holes on the grater, or a bit of both depending on the desired texture.
- Squeeze out the excess water. Zucchini contains a lot of it, so for maximum flavor, squeeze out the water and pack it in the measuring cup.
- I like to add 1 cup that is packed. You can add up to 1 1/2 cups packed zucchini.
- Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt or buttermilk, if you’d prefer. If you don’t have any, make your own!
- Add in some raisins for added texture and sweetness. Slivered almonds or walnuts would also add a nice crunch.
Nutrition
Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 202mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 340IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
More Summer Vegetable Recipes
Along with zucchini, here are some other favorite recipes that offer the best of seasonal vegetables!
- Easy Corn and Tomato Salad: Both sweet corn and just fresh tomatoes are a highlight of this flavorful yet simple salad.
- Caprese Salad: Full of fresh summer flavor with tomatoes, basil and mozzarella balls.
- Couscous Salad: Vibrant veggies combine with this simple grain for a filling salad that is perfect for picnics!
- Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad. Fresh basil pesto with pasta, tomatoes and chicken is a meal in one!
- Watermelon Salad. Light and refreshing with sweet watermelon, crunchy cucumber and fresh mint.
The Full List of Best Zucchini Recipes
Click on the links below to find the recipes for all of the delicious zucchini recipes mentioned above.
Banana Zucchini Muffins
Moist and fluffy banana zucchini muffins are made with coconut oil, honey, mashed bananas and flecked with freshly grated zucchini. Both kids and adults love this snack that is soft, flavorful and just the right amount of sweet!
Total Time: 33 minutes
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Zucchini Muffins
The best zucchini muffins are moist, fluffy, and loaded with the mild flavor of freshly grated garden zucchini! Flavored with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, this classic recipe is easy to make in one bowl.
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
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Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins
These zucchini chocolate chip muffins are super soft, moist and jam packed with flavor! You'd never know they're loaded with freshly shredded zucchini. Kid approved and freezer-friendly, too!
Total Time: 35 minutes
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Morning Glory Muffins
These morning glory muffins are hearty, healthy and flavorful! Full of good-for-you ingredients like shredded carrots, grated apples, coconut, nuts and raisins they are great for breakfast!
Total Time: 35 minutes
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Easy Zucchini Bread Recipe
This easy zucchini bread recipe is a one bowl recipe made with all the signature ingredients that make a delicious quick bread so moist and so good! Brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and freshly grated zucchini are exactly why a finished loaf never lasts long!
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread
This is the best bread I've ever had! It's super moist and full of fresh lemon and blueberry flavor. Then topped with a sweet lemon glaze.
Total Time: 1 hour
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Easy & Flavorful Zucchini Cake – Sally’s Baking Addiction
This easy zucchini cake comes together quickly. You’ll love the cinnamon and brown sugar flavors paired with the soft and moist texture.
Total Time:
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Roasted Zucchini and Squash
Bring out the natural sugars and flavors of roasted zucchini and squash using high heat and a simple seasoning blend. A quick and easy way to get a perfectly roasted veggie side dish all summer long!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Stuffed zucchini boats are made with a filling of seasoned Italian sausage and marinara sauce topped with cheese and baked until perfectly golden brown!
Total Time: 50 minutes
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Fried Zucchini Recipe
These crispy fried zucchini are perfectly seasoned, crunchy, and delicious. They're the perfect irresistible snack or appetizer, especially when served with a tasty dipping sauce!
Total Time: 19 minutes
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Easy Ratatouille Recipe
A delicious tomato garlic base that's topped with tons of fresh summer vegetables and seasonings. Finish it off with fresh parmesan cheese to make the most perfect baked ratatouille ever!
Total Time: 50 minutes
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Roasted Vegetables
Delicious baked vegetables coated in olive oil, balsamic vinegar and flavorful spices. Perfectly crispy and roasted to perfection. These oven roasted veggies are always on repeat!
Total Time: 40 minutes
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The Best Zucchini Lasagna – A Simple Palate
No pasta noodles are required to make this delicious zucchini lasagna! It’s layered with fresh herbs, Italian cheese, and rich marinara.
Total Time:
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Baked Zucchini Fries Recipe
These baked zucchini fries are loaded with flavor and a crispy parmesan topping. They make the perfect side dish for any meal. Plus, they're healthy too!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Zucchini Fritters Recipe
This quick and easy zucchini fritters recipe is the best way to use fresh zucchini. They're crispy golden brown and perfect for a simple summer side dish, lunch or snack!
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Kung Pao Shrimp
Make your own takeout at home in just 20-minutes with this easy recipe for Kung Pao shrimp. Juicy shrimp and crisp veggies are cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce with maximum flavor. Turn your kitchen into a Chinese restaurant tonight!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Minestrone Soup
A hearty and flavorful minestrone soup packed full of fresh veggies. This healthy soup recipe is easily made in one pot in just 30 minutes!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Zucchini Pasta Recipe
Zucchini, not pasta, is the star of the show in this easy weeknight dish from Mark Bittman Six zucchinis, two tomatoes and one onion for a half pound of pasta make this a vegetable-rich tangle that makes worthy use of your farmers’ market haul.
Total Time:
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Zucchini Pasta with Creamy Avocado Pesto
This spiralized zucchini pasta is tossed in creamy basil and avocado pesto to make a deliciously low carb and gluten-free dinner!
Total Time:
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Zucchini Spaghetti
Zucchini Spaghetti is a healthy alternative to regular pasta! Gluten-free, low carb, and vegetarian! Ready in under 30 minutes!
Total Time:
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Sauteed Zucchini Recipe
Easy sauteed zucchini with Parmesan is healthy, simple and a great way to cook zucchini! One of the best zucchini recipes for quick sides.
Total Time:
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Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is a one-skillet dish made of stir fry chicken, veggies, peanuts, and a flavorful heat. It's coated in a delicious sweet and spicy sauce that gives us every reason to skip the line at Panda Express. Make an even better, quick, and budget-friendly version at home!
Total Time: 35 minutes
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Vegetable Skewers
Grilled vegetable skewers are a fun way to serve tender-crisp, flavorful veggies, that can be customized to your liking. They're an easy-to-make side dish perfect for any outdoor meal!
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Grilled Vegetables
Perfectly charred grilled vegetables that are tender and full of flavor. The best summer side dish that can be ready in 20 minutes or less!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Grilled Ratatouille Tartines – Love and Lemons
I love ratatouille – eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes all mingling together with flavors of fruity olive oil, thyme, oregano, and fresh basil… But it’s summer and what I don’t love is standing over a hot stove. So I came up with this simple GRILLED version of ratatouille that takes all of a…
Total Time:
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Balsamic Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini with a touch of garlic, Italian seasoning, and balsamic vinegar cooks in minutes on the grill for a tender and tasty summer side dish.
Total Time:
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Categorized as: American, Bread, Desserts, Dinner, Reader Favorites, Recipe Roundup, Vegetables, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
We loved this bread!! The perfect texture! I am making those fritters next, great list!
Zucchini is one of my favorites both for baked goods and savory dishes. What a great list! The bread was a hit, now I need to try the zucchini fritters!
What an awesome list! I have so much zucchini on hand and I wasn’t sure what to do with it all so this came in so handy!