30 Best Zucchini Recipes to Make the Most Out of Summer
Everything to cook when your garden is overflowing.
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For Ree Drummond, summer is a time "when your garden is exploding with more zucchini than you know what to do with." Though, given how versatile it is, having an abundance of zucchini is never a bad thing! In fact, there are so many different ways to cook zucchini that you can probably make one of these zucchini recipes every night of the week and never get bored.
Whether you grill it, fry it, or even stuff it, there are tons of ways to put this summer vegetable to good use. Ahead, you'll find tons of quick 30-minute meals that put zucchini front and center. For instance, there's cheesy zucchini gratin, veggie fajitas, and zucchini boats stuffed with beef chili. There are also plenty of ways to turn this type of summer squash into a crispy sensation, like fried zucchini sticks or zucchini fritters with chipotle crema.
Trying to feed picky eaters? Just turn zucchini into fun zoodles for a twist on your favorite pasta recipes or turn slices into little pizza bites. They're an excellent way to cut down on carbs and get your veggies at the same time. Or you can grate zucchini and add it to a decadent triple chocolate bread. The options really are endless! And while zucchini is a popular choice for your summer recipes, you can also make these dishes whenever the craving strikes because it's found practically all year round.
Zucchini Pizza Bites
These perfectly poppable bites make for a healthy snack or quick meal any time of day. Each zucchini slice is like a bite of pizza with sauce, cheese, and mini pepperoni.
Get Ree's Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe.
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins
These delicious muffins are packed with freshly grated zucchini, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and just the right amount of chocolate chips to make them a treat without being too sweet.
Get Ree's Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins recipe.
Zucchini Gratin
With a creamy cheese sauce, crisp topping, and layers of tender squash, this dish is a surefire way to turn a humble vegetable into something special any night of the week.
Get the Zucchini Gratin recipe.
Feta Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
These beef meatballs are packed with extra flavor thanks to salty, tangy feta cheese. Toss them with lemony zoodles for an easy recipe that only takes 25 minutes to make.
Get Ree's Feta Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles recipe.
Triple Chocolate Zucchini Bread
This tender loaf is deeply chocolatey thanks to a combination of milk and bittersweet chocolate chips, plus cocoa powder. You won't even realize that zucchini is added in, but it does make it nice and moist.
Get Ree's Triple Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe.
Zucchini Lasagna
Instead of pasta, these lasagna layers feature thin slices of zucchini. And while there’s no meat in sight, it’s still hearty and filling thanks to mushrooms, spinach, and plenty of cheese.
Get Ree's Zucchini Lasagna recipe.
Veggie Fajitas
What's the trick to giving these summer veggies their bold flavor? Steak seasoning! Plus, some cheese and Ree's simple, fresh pico de gallo over the top.
Get Ree's Veggie Fajitas recipe.
White Zucchini Pizza
Swap out your typical pizza sauce for creamy, yogurt-based labneh instead. When topped with zucchini and yellow squash rounds, it's a Mediterranean twist on a summer pizza.
Get the White Zucchini Pizza recipe.
Stuffed Zucchini
Turn zucchini into a show-stopping main with this recipe for zucchini boats that are filled with Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and cheese—just like your favorite pizza without all the carbs!
Get the Stuffed Zucchini recipe.
Ratatouille
There's no tastier way to consume an assortment of summer veggies than with this French classic! It looks elegant but it's surprisingly easy to make.
Get the Ratatouille recipe.
Mock Apple Pie
Nope, this pie is not made with apples. If you have a hankerin' for a taste of fall but it's still summer, make it with zucchini! It'll fool everyone.
Get the Mock Apple Pie recipe.
Corn and Zucchini Pasta
Fresh, sweet corn just off the cob and tender zucchini make the perfect summer pairing, especially in this simple, cheesy pasta dish. Have it on the table in just about a half hour.
Get Ree's Corn and Zucchini Pasta recipe.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes make for the most colorful summer side. You can serve them up with just about anything, including steak, chicken, or fish.
Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe.
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
This cheesy side dish is chockfull of summer zucchini. But it's the crunchy panko topping that'll have you going back for more. Serve it up with grilled steak, chicken, or even fish.
Get the Cheesy Zucchini Casserole recipe.
Greek Chicken Kebabs
Slices of zucchini and sweet onions will get that perfect char on the grill alongside the Greek-marinated chicken. Serve it with pita and tzatziki for a well-rounded meal.
Get Ree's Greek Chicken Kebabs recipe.
Vegetable Soup
Zucchini isn't the only veggie in this hearty soup, but it's an easy addition along with the green beans, corn, and spinach that cook up quickly. It's one comforting dish that you can feel good about eating.
Get the Vegetable Soup recipe.
Fried Zucchini
Say hello to your new favorite snack! The French fry-like dish is made with zucchini sticks that are breaded and crunchy, and served up with ranch dressing for dipping.
Get the Fried Zucchini recipe.
Zucchini Bread
This popular quick bread is a great way to have veggies and your chocolate, too! The zucchini helps make the bread stay moist and it adds a boost of nutrients to a decedent treat.
Get the Zucchini Bread recipe.
Tortellini Salad
Along with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and zucchini, this pasta salad is packed with tons of bold Italian flavor. There's cheesy tortellini, salami, mozzarella, black olives, and a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette.
Get the Tortellini Salad recipe.
Zucchini Fritters with Chipotle Crema
These fritters get extra crispy around the edges thanks to the grated zucchini. They're delicious on their own, but even better when served up with the creamy chipotle lime crema.
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