12 Must-Try Zucchini Recipes For Summer

By Jenn Segal

August 20, 2023
5 stars based on 1 votes
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Raise your hand if you have way too much zucchini. 🙋🏻‍♀️ Whether you’re growing zucchini in your garden or receiving baskets of summer squash from friends and neighbors on your doorstep, there’s always an abundance of zucchini in the summertime. Luckily, zucchini is an incredibly versatile vegetable that can be used in many sweet or savory recipes. From “zoodles” and muffins to fritters and bread, these easy and delicious zucchini recipes will help you use up your supply.

1. Summer Pasta Primavera

Photo by Johnny Miller (Clarkson Potter, 2021)

This summery pasta primavera boasts a colorful mix of roasted zucchini, corn, and tomatoes and is topped off with grated cheese, fresh basil, and toasted pine nuts. It’s a fabulous way to use all the brightly colored veggies that are so abundant right now. Get the recipe

2. Ratatouille

Ratatouille brings together the best of summer veggies: eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. It’s not only nutritious but also packed with flavor. The secret? Cooking each veggie separately before mixing, so each one stands out. Make a generous batch over the weekend, and you’ve got versatile eats for the week! Get the recipe

3. CREAMY ZUCCHINI SOUP WITH WALNUTS AND DILL

4. Zucchini Bread

A fan (and family) favorite from my zucchini recipes collection, this bread bursts with zucchini, crunchy walnuts, and sweet currants. For kids or chocoholics, swap in chocolate chips as a delicious alternative. With the warmth of cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg, its spices truly stand out. Enjoy it as a morning treat or paired with your afternoon coffee. Get the recipe

5. ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH PESTO AND PINE NUTS

Looking for a fresh and fun way to use up that extra zucchini? Turn it into zoodles! Tossed with pesto and topped with Parmigiano and toasted pine nuts, it’s a tasty low-carb swap for pasta.. Get the recipe

7. Zucchini Muffins with Chocolate chips

Craving a quick breakfast or a delicious afternoon pick-me-up? Dive into these kid-approved zucchini muffins, brimming with fresh zucchini and rich chocolate chips. Get the recipe

8. CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI BREAD

Tender and full of rich chocolate flavor, this bread gets a boost of nutrition from lots of fresh shredded zucchini. Cocoa powder makes it taste intensely chocolatey, while bittersweet chocolate morsels create melty pockets throughout the loaf. Get the recipe

9. ZUCCHINI FRITTERS WITH FETA AND DILL

Light and crispy, these zucchini fritters get their flavor from tangy feta, scallions, and fresh dill. They will most definitely have you looking forward to zucchini season. Get the recipe

10. Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes

This simple and summery side dish of sautéed zucchini, red onions, and sweet cherry tomatoes delivers big on flavor and presentation. Pair it with grilled flank steak,cedar plank salmon, or grilled chicken. Get the recipe

Packed with fresh zucchini and rich cheddar cheese, this frittata tastes delightful whether served warm or at room temperature – perfect for any mealtime or a picnic. Get the recipe

12. Vegetable Soup with Pesto

Broth-based veggie soups can sometimes be a bit boring, but not this one! It’s loaded with garden-fresh veggies, like zucchini, peas, carrots, and celery. Toss in some zesty pesto and a dash of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese when serving, and you’ve got a flavor-packed bowl. Get the recipe

Comments

Your Creamy Zucchini Soup with Walnuts and Dill was a huge success, the first time EVER that my husband liked a cold vegetable soup. 5 stars for sure!
- — Jeanie B on September 5, 2022
- Reply
I have found that brining REALLY helps with enhancing the flavor of zucchini. Dissolve 1/4 cup of kosher salt in warm water. Let it cool and then add your cut zucchini. Brine for 45 minutes, then drain and dry the zucchini and proceed with your chosen recipe.
Also, I grow several types of zucchini and find that Costata Romanesco has the best flavor. It has the added advantage of still being tender and tasty even if it “escapes” and grows too big.
- — Rita on July 21, 2022
- Reply
- Thanks for the variety suggestion. Where do you get your seeds?
  — Betty Williams on July 28, 2022
  Reply

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12 Must-Try Zucchini Recipes For Summer - Once Upon a Chef (2024)