Whether it’s the main course or a side dish that steals the show, zucchini is a versatile ingredient! Read on to find some creative zucchini recipes and ways to cook with the summer squash.
Zucchini, a summer squash known for its versatility, took the early 2010s by storm with recipes like “zoodles” (zucchini noodles) that gave health enthusiasts a delicious low-carb alternative to pasta. It’s packed with beneficial nutrients like Vitamins A and C, potassium, folate, and fiber. Although zucchini is frequently thought to be a vegetable, it’s botanically classified as a fruit. It can come in a variety of colors, ranging anywhere from deep yellow to dark green.
Dessert Zucchini Recipes
- Zucchini Bread: We’ve heard everyone has been baking a lot of bread recently…so why not zucchini bread? It’s a great way to use this garden vegetable for a better-for-you sweet treat! If you’d like, add your favorite nuts. If you want to add a sweeter touch, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips!
- Zucchini Brownies: Who knew what zucchini could be an awesome addition to your favorite brownie recipe! They keep these chocolatey squares of goodness nice and moist, and the addition of frosting in this recipe adds another layer of deliciousness!
Main Dish Zucchini Recipes
- Stuffed Zucchini: What we love about this dish is that it’s easy to customize to your own taste, and naturally low in carbs. This is a recipe that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Stuffed Zucchini
Ingredients
- 3 zucchini
- 1 lb pork or chicken sausage
- 1 cup dry breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 (32 oz) jar tomato sauce feel free to add extra spices to your taste
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- Trim the stems from zucchini and slice vertically. Scoop out seeds and put in a bowl.
- Mix seeds with sausage, garlic, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Fill squash with sausage mixture and place in a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Pour spaghetti sauce over the top of the zucchini and cover the pan with aluminum foil.
- Bake in preheated oven until sausage is browned and cooked all the way through, about 45 minutes. Remove foil and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the oven and cook until the cheese is melted, about 15 more minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
- “Zoodles” and turkey meatballs: These spiral noodles are a fantastic alternative if you are looking to lower your carb intake, and turkey meatballs are a healthier alternative to the fatty, high-cholesterol red meats. Top with your favorite spaghetti sauce and fresh herbs!
How Do You Cook Zucchini?
Sautéed Zucchini
This is simple, tasty, and can easily be lightly re-crisped on the stove as leftovers! Heat a tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a thinly sliced onion to the pan and cook gently until they begin to brown, about 10 to 11 minutes. Add sliced zucchini, salt, pepper, thyme, and a bit more butter. Enjoy as a yummy side dish!
Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini makes an excellent addition to salads, sandwiches, and pasta! Marinate your fresh zucchini for at least 20 minutes in a blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, your choice of dried herbs, and garlic, then pop it onto the grill! Be careful not to overcook it!
Parmesan Baked Zucchini
If you’re trying to sneak some veggies into your kids’ diet, this may be the perfect way to start. First, Spray a cooling rack with nonstick spray and place it on top of a baking sheet. Take 4 zucchini and cut them into quarters lengthwise. In a small bowl, combine parmesan, thyme, basil, oregano, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Place the zucchini quarters on the prepared rack/sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with parmesan spice mixture. Bake until tender, which should be about 15 minutes. Finally, broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is a crisp golden brown.
Share Your Favorite Zucchini Recipes!
No matter how you cook with Zucchini, there’s no denying that it’s one of summer’s easy, cheap, versatile ingredients. Share your favorite Zucchini recipes on FamilyApp!
