Welcome to our collection of 25 easy zucchini recipes that showcase the versatility of this green summer squash in savory and sweet preparations.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a satisfying dinner, zucchini can be the star or a nutritious supporting ingredient.
These recipes, from healthy breakfast ideas and quick lunches to refreshing salads, pasta, and grain bowls, will help you make the most of this summer squash.
We’ve also included easy dessert ideas that showcase zucchini’s ability to add moisture and nutrition to baked goods.
Each meal on this list is designed to be simple and approachable, perfect for busy weeknights and lazy weekends.
So grab your grater, spiralizer, or chef’s knife and explore the delicious world of zucchini recipes.
Zucchini dinner recipes
1. Roasted Zucchini
The first recipe on our list is aromatic roasted zucchini, making a delicious side dish and appetizer.
We stuff them with breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and olive oil for an irresistible Italian–inspired flavor.
2. Fried zucchini
Perfectly crispy, juicy, and salty – this fried zucchini recipe is an excellent starter and side dish for summer and autumn.
Serve the zucchini on a platter with marinara sauce, chipotle dip, or tzatziki sauce.
3. Stuffed zucchini
Try this stuffed zucchini filling of creamy ricotta, savory sundried tomatoes, and crispy breadcrumbs.
It’s a delicious appetizer and light dinner idea. Its healthy balance of textures and tastes makes it a satisfying dish for any occasion.
4. Air fryer zucchini
Super easy and with less oil, this air fryer zucchini recipe is an excellent side dish for pasta, salads, and protein–rich meals.
You can also serve it as a healthy appetizer with mayonnaise, chipotle sauce, or avocado spread.
5. Zucchini boats
These healthy zucchini boats have a nutritious mix of lentils, herbs, and tangy tomatoes.
Packed with plant–based protein and flavor, zucchini boats are a tasty, family–friendly way to enjoy the goodness of zucchini.
6. Zucchini soup
If you love zucchini, you will love this velvety, creamy zucchini soup, especially if topped with croutons or white beans.
Serve it as an appetizer or a side dish – a healthier and tastier soup than the store-bought version.
7. Zucchini pasta
Vegan or vegetarian, this light zucchini pasta is excellent for cookouts and potlucks.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, and olive oil for a restaurant–worthy meal at home.
8. Sautèed zucchini
Use this sauteed zucchini in pasta or risotto, frittata, or pizza.
You’ll learn to cook zucchini in a pan in about 10 minutes.
9. Grilled zucchini
Grilled zucchini is a great way to enjoy this healthy vegetable on a warm summer evening.
They’re tasty, juicy, perfectly charred, and pair well with grilled protein and barbecue sauce.
10. Zucchini salad
To make this vibrant and aromatic salad, marinate raw zucchini in lemon juice, fresh herbs, and extra virgin olive oil.
It’s perfect for spring and summer, requires no cooking, and makes a beautiful appetizer when served on a bed of creamy hummus.
11. Easy zucchini fritters
These wholesome zucchini fritters are nutritious and boast an aromatic taste that the whole family will love.
With their crispy exterior and a hidden dose of veggies, these cakes make for a guilt–free snack and meatless meal idea.
12. Zucchini pesto
Zucchini pesto is a delicious, light, and creamy sauce you can make in 5 minutes with simple ingredients.
Spread it on crostini, bruschetta, or a sandwich, or mix it with pasta for an easy dinner idea.
13. Zucchini risotto
This zucchini risotto is fresh, light, and an excellent dinner recipe for spring and summer.
Make it in about 30 minutes with arborio rice, grated zucchini, and your preferred cheese.
14. Grated zucchini focaccia
This crispy focaccia with grated zucchini is one of the best ways of eating zucchini.
Learn more about making the best and easiest focaccia with our no-knead focaccia recipe.
15. Zucchini pie
This vegan zucchini pie with a delicious crust hugs an eggy, cheesy zucchini filling.
Make the pie crust yourself, or buy it ready-made for a quick pie recipe.
16. Baked parmesan zucchini
Baked parmesan zucchini is a quick and easy appetizer or side dish made with olive oil, dried herbs, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan.
You can make them in less than half an hour; everyone at the table will take seconds.
17. Vegetable couscous
Couscous with vegetables is a healthy and tasty way of enjoying a Mediterranean meal.
You can make This easy recipe in less than 30 minutes with seasonal veggies, lemon vinaigrette, and herbs.
18. Vegan frittata
It made this egg-free frittata with a soft, delicious crust that hugs a vegan cheesy zucchini filling.
It’s satisfying, crispy, excellent for potlucks, and takes just 20 minutes to prepare.
19. Tofu soup
Zucchini is a healthy addition to soups and adds a refreshing spin to this 20–minute tofu recipe.
This tofu soup is made with fresh zucchini and noodles for an Asian takeaway–like meal.
20. Fregola pasta
Here, we’ll show you how to cook it in one pot in 30 minutes with mixed vegetables, broth, herbs, and cheese for an easy, creamy, and protein-rich meal.
You’ll love this cooking method because it’s easy and produces a creamy pasta dish.
21. Mediterranean farro salad
If you have leftover zucchini and veggies in your fridge, try making this vegetable–packed farro salad,
This grain bowl is a healthy meal with easy roasted veggies in a flavorful Italian–style salad.
22. Barley salad
The following zucchini recipe is a simple, quick, healthy lunch idea: Mediterranean barley salad.
If you’re looking for a colorful and satiating meal that is also lunchbox–friendly, this is it.
Zucchini dessert recipes
23. Zucchini muffins
You’ll love zucchini muffins because they are soft, moist, light, and tasty.
This recipe is easy to make in 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
24. Vegan zucchini bread
This recipe balances healthy and tasty with grated zucchini, walnuts, and chocolate chips.
We found a formula for making moist vegan zucchini bread with less fat and reduced sugar without compromising flavor.
25. Zucchini banana bread
Do you have extra zucchini lying around your kitchen and have run out of ways of cooking them?
Make banana zucchini bread, the perfect intersection between banana bread and zucchini bread.
What goes well with Zucchini
Zucchini (sauteed, grilled, air-fried, baked) is a healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with most sauces and main dishes:
- Top sauces: choose refreshing and vibrant condiments and dressings, such as pesto and mustard dressing.
- Use in salads: Zucchini is also great in salads. Add the air-fried or sauteed zucchini to a creamy pasta salad or potato salad.
- Best vegetarian recipes: pair your favorite zucchini side with these vegetarian mains.
- Serve next to pasta: serve any of these zucchini sides with one of these vegan pasta recipes.
- Serve with a protein-rich dinner, such as chickpea, grilled protein, or tofu recipes.
More tasty vegetable recipes
If you’re looking to increase your veggie intake, take a peek at these flavor-packed vegetable recipes:
For many more side dish ideas, check out our sides category page.
25 Easy Zucchini Recipes
Equipment
- Box grater
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 6 cups (27 oz) zucchini grated with the large holes of a box grater
- 1 teaspoon oregano or thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces pasta rotini, fusilli, farfalle, penne, or other
- 3 cups vegetable broth start with 2 cups or 500 g and add more if necessary
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated, or dairy-free cheese
- ½ cup greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
- ¼ packed cup basil leaves
Garnish with
- 1 medium lemon the grated zest
- 2 tablespoons pinenuts
Instructions
- Grate the zucchini with the large holes of a box grater.6 cups (27 oz) zucchini
- Warm up olive oil in a large skillet, then add finely chopped onion and fry it for 3 minutes.Add grated garlic and fry for one more minute.Add the shredded zucchini, season them with salt and pepper, and cook on high heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 yellow onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Add pasta, vegetable broth, and oregano, and cook on medium-low heat for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta is creamy and al dente.1 teaspoon oregano, 12 ounces pasta, 3 cups vegetable broth
- Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the dish.If the pot dries, add more liquid until the pasta is ready.
- Turn the heat off, taste, and adjust for salt.Add grated parmesan cheese (or dairy-free cheese), greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt), and a handful of chopped fresh basil.½ cup parmesan cheese, ½ cup greek yogurt, ¼ packed cup basil leaves
- Stir gently until cheese and yogurt melt into the zucchini pasta.
- Serve immediately with grated lemon zest and optionally toasted pine nuts.1 medium lemon, 2 tablespoons pinenuts
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Love these recipes there so good and easy to make
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