Fresh From the Garden: Zucchini Recipes Everyone Will Love

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.

• Zucchini Bread: We've heard everyone was baking a lot of bread during COVID-19...so why not zucchini bread? It's a great way to use this garden vegetable for a better-for-you sweet treat! 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!

• "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!
• Zucchini Lasagna: This recipe's got it all! It's gluten-free, low-carb, keto-friendly, and guilt-free! To prevent a watery lasagna, slice your zucchini very thin, salt it, then dry it, or grill it 1-2 minutes on each side. Layer your zucchini slices with a bolognese sauce, a ricotta mix (ricotta cheese, parmesan, egg, and salt and pepper), and mozzarella. Top the zucchini with a sprinkle of more herbs and 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella. Pop the lasagna in the oven and let it cook for about 40 minutes at 400 degrees F. Then, let it broil for 5 minutes to get a nice golden brown top.
• Sausage-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!

This is simple, tasty, and can easily be lightly re-crisped on the stove as leftovers! Heat a tablespoon of extra virgin 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 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!

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 the 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.

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!