If you’re like most folks, you want your family to have healthy food choices each and every day. It makes sense that you’re most likely looking for ways to add more fresh vegetables to the mix. This is the time to take advantage of that plentiful green squash. Check out our easy to navigate collection …12 Delicious Ways To Use That Plentiful Zucchini.
Zucchini is inexpensive, nutritious, and its mild taste and creamy texture make it incredibly versatile. Whether you want to make zucchini the centerpiece of a show-stopping dinner, give it a turn on your grill, serve it as a side, or sneak in into kid-friendly snacks, we have some ideas for you.
Did you know that zucchini is not always green? You’re probably used to seeing a vegetable that’s green and speckled, but there’s a yellow variety of zucchini, and it’s easy to confuse with yellow squash, a different type. The easiest way to tell the difference is to look at the shape.
Yellow squash usually has a tapered neck, either crooked or straight, whereas zucchini of any color looks like a cylinder from end to end. Though not much is known about the difference between the varieties, some say golden zucchini has a sweeter flavor than the green kind. Also keep in mind that it retains its color after cooking, so it makes a sunny addition to any dish.
Want to learn more about zucchini? Here’s an informative article, along with another one, outlining everything you need to know about your favorite summer squash. Varieties, how to buy it, how to store it, and nutrition information. Now on to the good stuff.
12 Delicious Ways To Use That Plentiful Zucchini…
1 / 12 Lidia’s Zucchini Roll-Ups
Delicious served warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. If you have extra, these strips are amazing when added to a sandwich with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomato, and pesto. OR layer them up with some mozzarella, parmesan, and tomato sauce. After a brief stint in the oven, you’ll have zucchini parmesan. Get the recipe.
2 / 12 Zuni Café Zucchini Pickle Strips
On their own, these guys are on the sweet side with just a hint of tartness. And, to be honest, they’re somewhat flimsy. They are just strips of zucchini, after all. But layer them on your cheeseburger or chicken salad sandwich and they are magical. Get the recipe.
3 / 12 Zucchini Fritters With Lemon Caper Aioli
This one is quick and easy. A perfect handheld snack for your little ones. And with one easy swap of flour, they can be gluten-free. Get the recipe.
4 / 12 Cheesy Roasted Ratatouille Dip
Over-the-top cheesy perfection. Bring on the naan, crusty bread or hearty chips. But keep in mind that this dip is naturally gluten-free and low-carb. By choosing the appropriate dippers, those folks on a restricted diet can enjoy their share of the goodness. Get the recipe.
5 / 12 Healthy Baked Zucchini Fries
Don’t be fooled by the name. Even though these guys aren’t fried, they sure do taste like they are. They are easy to make. They are delicious. And they are baked in the oven. And you can make them gluten-free, if need be. Can’t go wrong on this one. Get the recipe.
6 / 12 Creamy Grilled Zucchini Parmigiana
Layered strips of grilled zucchini with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses and a basil-infused béchamel. Not too rich. Just the right amount of creaminess. Need to make it gluten-free? No problem – simply switch out the flour. Get the recipe.
7 / 12 Garden Greens Pizza Bianca
This is a white pizza with some heartiness. Not the heavy type that’s loaded with oil and garlic. This one is loaded with flavor and texture that presents the fresh green vegetables as the stars of the show. And to make the process an easy one, start it off with fresh pizza dough from your local Italian bakery. Get the recipe.
8 / 12 Cheesy End-Of-Season Garden Minestrone
Capture the flavors of the summer harvest in one bowl of cheesy goodness. Vegetarian and gluten-free, if desired. Just be sure to use vegetable broth and gluten-free pasta. And you’re all set. Get the recipe.
9 / 12 Gluten-Free (Or Not) Chocolate Zucchini Loaf
A delicious loaf of chocolatey goodness. Moist and nutritious. Not too sweet. Like eating a piece of good quality dark chocolate. It’s baked in a loaf pan. So does that make it a bread? Or is it cake? No matter. You just need to try this one. Don’t need it to be gluten-free? As we’ve said before …make it your way. Get the recipe.
10 / 12 Zucchini Involtini With Swiss Chard & Ricotta
So easy to make and assemble once you master the proper thickness for each zucchini slice. They need to be thick enough that the filling won’t break through as you roll them. And baked just long enough to be pliable for rolling. Truly worth the effort. So delicious. Naturally gluten-free. And low-carb. Get the recipe.
11 / 12 The Best Shrimp & Zucchini Fritters
Best enjoyed right from the oven served with your favorite dipping sauce. They’re especially tasty when dipped in cocktail sauce. Perfect for a large crowd. They’re naturally gluten-free and low-carb. And the little guys go crazy over them. Get the recipe.
12 / 12 Grilled Zucchini Pizza Tacos
Call this a pizza taco. Or a small folded over pizza. With a hit of flavor from the ranchero sauce. Doesn’t matter what you call it. Just enjoy it. We’ve made our own homemade dough here but you can always give these a try with store bought dough. Either way, you have a crowd pleaser. Get the recipe.
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So many great uses for zucchini! The roll-ups, minestrone, and fritters look particularly delicious. I make zucchini fritters sometimes but have never thought to make them with shrimp as well. Very interesting!
Thanks so much, Cris!
I love zucchini but never thought about using it in the ways that you did! Great post!
Thank you, Hallie!
I’ve never eaten zucchini so I had to check this out. These are some really creative recipes. I think I might like the zucchini parmigiana.
Thanks, Vonetta. That’s one of my family’s favorites!
Shrimp and Zucchini fritters …. you make food an art and every time I visit your site I leave salivating. Thank you for sharing your delicious recipes.
My pleasure, Karletta! Thank you so much!
Those are some really good zucchini recipes. Since its summer and I love grilling I will be trying the grilled zucchini pizza tacos.
Excellent! Hope you love them!
My daughter doesn’t like zucunni but this article should help me feeding her, Your recipes always help me and Its what makes me keep coming back.
Thank you so much for your kind words!
I love cooking with zucchini will definitely be trying these new ideas out!
Hope you love them!
Wow! Really informative. Just loved it.
Thank you so much!