Healthy Recipes & Tips for Zucchini

Zucchini is overflowing in gardens, farmers markets, and grocery stores right now, and we couldn’t be happier! We’ve rounded up a heap of healthy recipes and tips for zucchini to help you eat through that pile of zucchini on your counter that’s patiently waiting for a home.

Healthy Recipes & Tips for Zucchini

Zucchini is so great for SO many reasons! Not only is it a quick and delicious snack lightly sautéed, it can be incorporated into recipes a gazillion different ways. A few weeks ago Jill dropped off a MASSIVE zucchini for me to use…I’m talking over a foot and a half long. It sparked our imaginations in the kitchen and tested our zucchini bandwidth for how many ways we could use it.

Ok so I feel like I’ve talked about zucchini before but here’s the lowdown on why I love it. Zucchini is high in water, but it’s also high in fibre. Fibre is important as it helps our digestive system and isn’t given enough press given the fact that most of us don’t get what we need in a day (around 25-38 grams a day for a woman and man respectively).

Zucchini is considered a lower carbohydrate vegetable and is a good source of vitamin C and a source of vitamin B6 and potassium.  The versatility of this veggie makes it one of my favourites; thank goodness because our garden is exploding with them at this time of year!

The mild flavour of zucchini makes it a great addition to many savoury AND sweet recipes.  Keep reading to get inspired for ways to use them!

5 Ways to Use Zucchini

1. Make it into zoodles

Use a spiralizer to turn your zucchini into noodles! You can then incorporate them into your favourite pasta dishes either substitute all of your noodles or half of them. This is a low carb option that tastes delicious. I used this method in this Lime Cappellini recipe.

2. Add it into smoothies

Adding zucchini into your smoothies is a great way to make it creamy. I find this is a great way to sneak a few extra veggies into my kids diet.  For the best green smoothie EVER check out this recipe that my kids absolutely love!

3. Cook it into your taco filling

I first tried this a couple of weeks ago and the kids never noticed the addition! You can add it into ground chicken, beef, or veggie ground in your taco filling or many of your other favourite recipes. You may need to add a little bit of water as its cooking so that your zucchini cooks down. I usually add some grated carrot as well… just because I can!

4. Add it to sauces

Since zucchini breaks down so much it is a great addition to pasta sauces. I add it into our spaghetti often and find it adds a little moisture and tastes delicious!

5. Freeze it for the colder months

Freezing zucchini can be a little tricky. If you grate your zucchini before freezing it it won’t get mushy! Because of it’s high water content freezing a whole zucchini isn’t always successful unless you want to use it frozen (ie: you can cut it into chunks and freeze it for using in smoothies like above!). Try measuring and pre-portioning it before freezing to easily add it to your favourite recipes when it’s no longer in season.  Don’t forget to write on the outside of the bag so you know how much is in it!

My All-Time Favourite Zucchini Recipes

1. Zucchini Bread Pancakes

These Zucchini Bread Pancakes are so delicious and easy! It’s also a great way to sneak in some veggies before the day even begins.

2. Roasted Zucchini Hummus

This Roasted Zucchini Hummus comes together so quick and makes for a great snack – and is loaded with plant protein and fibre. This twist on a classic is extra creamy and all you need is a few simple ingredients and a food processor or good blender. The jalapeño is optional but adds a nice smoky flavour and just a hint of heat!

4. Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries

These oven baked Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries are crunchy, healthy, addicting and so easy to make. Plus they’re a really fun way to enjoy delicious seasonal zucchini! I paired mine with a marinara sauce, but anything goes here (ranch dip or ketchup would be great too).

5. Double Chocolate Omega-3 Zucchini Loaf

If you’re looking for a no-fail epic zucchini bread, your search is over. This Double Chocolate Omega-3 Zucchini Loaf is moist and tastes super decadent!  And if chocolate isn’t your jam (we can’t be friends… kidding:), try this amazing Apple Zucchini Loaf!  You can bake either into muffins and reduce the bake time.

6. Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Herbed Butter

Zucchini is such an all-star on its own but pair it with some other summer vegetables and this herbed butter and it’s even more irresistible. These Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Herbed Butter are the perfect summer side.

7. Zucchini Fritters

We posted a poll on Instagram the other week of what to make, and these Zucchini Fritters were the clear winner! These fritters are simpler than you think and make for such a great afternoon snack or appy before dinner.

8. Summer Squash Pasta Salad

This Summer Squash Pasta Salad uses shaved zucchini to add some colour, flavour, and nutrition!

9. Italian Peasant Soup

As fall fast approaches, this Italian Peasant Soup is delicious and perfect for the cooler weather.  And it’s so healthy you will be able to hear your body say ‘thank you’!

10. Veggie Muffins

We all know how hard it is to get your kids to eat their veggies (ok, and some adults, let’s be real)!  These Veggie Muffins are a tasty way to sneak them in and can be frozen for an easy quick addition to lunches.

There you have it, all my favourite uses for zucchini this time of year! And hey, if you have anymore creative uses for zucchini please share in the comments below!

xo,

Tori