At the end of summer, so many folks are looking for easy zucchini recipes to use up all of their garden (or their neighbor’s!) bounty. From zucchini soup to pasta to quiche to bread and muffins, there are so many delicious ways to use zucchini. I’m also sharing lots of grated zucchini recipes here, which are perfect for those HUGE zucchini you may have forgotten to pick in your garden!
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What recipes to use for big and small zucchini
- Small zucchini: Small zucchini tends to be delicate and tender. It’s best for roasted vegetables, or slicing to add to pizza or pasta. If you are going to have large visible chunks of zucchini in your recipe, try using small to medium sized zucchini.
- Large zucchini, especially HUGE zucchini that’s been left in the garden to grow, tends to have thicker skin, as well as larger more developed seeds on the inside. This zucchini is best to use grated in things like zucchini bread, or when the zucchini will be pureed like in soup. If the seeds are particularly large, you’ll want to scoop them out and discard them.
Tasty Tip
Zucchini has a lot of water. If you are using grated zucchini in a recipe, it’s a good idea to place the grated zucchini in a colander over a bowl and salt it. Let it rest for a while, then squeeze the water out through the colander. This will prevent soggy results in things like fritters or quiche!
1. Chicken and Zucchini Meatballs
Chicken Zucchini Meatballs add grated zucchini to simple ground chicken (or turkey) meatballs. This not only adds healthy fiber but also moisture, which is much needed as chicken often tends to dry out. Kids and adults both love these super juicy chicken meatballs!
2. Greek Zucchini and Egg Casserole (Sfougato)
Sfougato, a Greek Zucchini and Egg Casserole, features a TON of grated zucchini. It’s similar to a crustless quiche, and the zucchini is meltingly tender in every bite. You’ll love the flavor combination of fresh herbs and feta cheese in this zucchini recipe!
3. Zucchini and Greek Yogurt Soup
This easy, creamy Zucchini Greek Yogurt Soup can be served hot or cold. With lemon and dill, it’s a bright and cheery soup for still-warm weather! This is a great recipe to use HUGE zucchini – those tough skins that don’t do well in other situations will just get pureed in this soup.
4. Green Chicken & Zucchini Enchilada Casserole
This Green Chicken Enchilada Casserole features grated zucchini and shredded chicken layered with tortillas, cheese, and salsa verde. It’s like lasagna, but enchiladas, and much easier than rolling them individually!
5. Mexican Roasted Zucchini
Mexican Roasted Zucchini features diced zucchini roasted with spices, then served topped with lime juice, cotija or queso fresco cheese, and plenty of fresh cilantro. It’s a wonderful side dish that’s different from the standard rice and beans!
6. Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Zucchini and Basil
Bright and cheery Lemon Ricotta Pasta has only five ingredients and takes 20 minutes total! Sautéed zucchini and fresh basil are added to pasta tossed in a creamy, lemony sauce.
7. Green Pesto Minestrone Soup
This Green Minestrone Soup is a no-tomato version of traditional Italian minestrone, with pesto stirred in at the end for absolutely delicious fresh flavor and a vibrant color. It’s packed with green veggies like zucchini, kale, and green beans, and comes together in only 30 minutes.
8. Sweet Corn and Zucchini Risotto
This sweet corn and zucchini risotto recipe is such a great way to enjoy zucchini. The zucchini is grated, so it melts into every bite, and the corn cobs are used to add flavor and starch to the broth base.
9. Naan Pizza with Zucchini and Goat Cheese
This Sautéed Vegetable and Goat Cheese Naan Pizza is a perfect vegetarian recipe that comes together in only 20 minutes.
10. Shrimp and Zucchini Fritters with Yogurt Sauce
These Shrimp and Zucchini Fritters are so delicious and healthy, and are a budget-friendly choice since a little shrimp goes a long way. Paired with a lemon-garlic yogurt sauce for dipping!
11. Easy Zucchini Quiche
This easy zucchini quiche has only 6 ingredients. Use a store-bought pie crust for an easy shortcut!
12. Zucchini and Corn Tacos
These zucchini and corn tacos are paired with fresh guacamole. Light, fresh, and delicious!
13. Teriyaki Salmon and Zucchini Noodle (Zoodle) Bowls
Teriyaki Salmon and Zucchini Noodle Bowls are quick and easy, low-carb, and are bursting with delicious East Asian flavor.
14. Olive Oil Zucchini Bread
Olive Oil Zucchini Bread has a deliciously moist texture and flavor thanks to using olive oil. Baking with olive oil is super common in Mediterranean baking, and the flavor pairs so well with grated zucchini here!
15. Zucchini Ribbon Salad
Zucchini Ribbon Salad is a great way to enjoy raw zucchini, which is a rare treat! Definitely use those small or medium zucchini for this for the best taste and texture.
16. Puff Pastry Zucchini and Summer Squash Tart
This easy puff pastry zucchini and summer squash tart only mere minutes to throw together with very little clean-up! The drizzle of balsamic glaze at the end is fantastic.
17. Garlic Butter Sheet Pan Salmon and Zucchini
Sheet Pan Salmon with Zucchini is a whole meal on one pan. Everything is drenched in garlic butter and roasted. It’s so easy and delicious!
18. Healthy Zucchini Muffins
These Healthy Zucchini Muffins are made with whole grains, olive oil, and packed with zucchini. Even though they are healthy, they still taste amazing!
19. Zucchini Butter and Turkey Roll-Ups
Zucchini butter is a great way to use a lot of grated zucchini. Use it as a spread on sandwiches, like these turkey roll-ups!
20. Spaghetti with Burrata and Veggies
Spaghetti with Burrata and veggies features all kinds of vegetables, including zucchini. It’s super creamy, and the burrata melts into very bite!
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