Recipes using Zucchini

Recipes with zucchini prove just how versatile this ingredient can be! Use these simple ideas for appetizers, side dishes, main entrees, and even desserts!

Everyone will love having this list to turn to – especially during the summer months when there is abundant zucchini! Find out all the ways that you can use zucchini in your kitchen!

A collage of easy zucchini creations. Top: Noodle soup with green onions. Bottom left: Mini zucchini fritters with dipping sauce. Bottom right: Stack of zucchini pancakes topped with sour cream. Text reads 25+ super-simple recipes for cooking with zucchini.

It’s amazing to see all the different ways zucchini can be used. And most of these recipes prove that you don’t even taste it as one of the main ingredients!

Table of Contents

How do I know when zucchini is ripe?

Aim for zucchinis that are about 6 to 8 inches long for the best flavor and texture. They should feel firm to the touch and have smooth, vibrant skin. If they’re starting to look too large or have dull, hard skin, they might be overripe (and less tasty!).

While you’re at it, check behind the leaves—zucchinis love hiding in plain sight, and you don’t want to miss a perfect one! Keep an eye on them daily, and you’ll catch them at their peak.

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A collection of black cookware, including pots, pans, and lids, is artfully arranged on a wooden surface in the kitchen. Some lids are glass. The set features a grill pan with a few Brussels sprouts nestled nearby. A gray bottle completes this stylish culinary shop display.

A weathered sign leaning against a tree reads Farmers Market with a cow illustration. Below, it lists Cheeses, Fresh Eggs, Pies, Antiques & Collectibles for your kitchen needs. Grass and a few small yellow flowers surround the sign, inviting you to shop local treasures.

A farmhouse decor arrangement features a framed silhouette of a cow, pig, and chicken stacked; a bearded figure with a patterned hat; a farmhouse sign in cursive; and a felt ball garland in shades of white, gray, and green.

Three kitchen towels with crochet tops are displayed. The towels feature farm-themed designs: one with a cow and text Farm Fresh Milk, another with a rooster and cow, and the third with a rooster and Farm Fresh inside a wreath.

Do I need to peel zucchini to use it in recipes?

You don’t need to peel zucchini for most recipes—hooray for saving time! The dark green skin is completely edible and packed with nutrients like fiber and antioxidants. Plus, it adds a lovely pop of color to your dishes.

Whether you’re spiralizing it for zoodles, shredding it for bread, or slicing it into stir-fries, leaving the skin on is the way to go. Just wash and clean it, and you’re ready to cook!

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Why is my zucchini watery when added to recipes?

Zucchini is made up of over 90% water, so it can release so much liquid when cooked. When you shred or slice it, that water comes rushing out, especially when it’s exposed to heat or mixed with salt.

The good news? There’s an easy fix! Before adding zucchini to your dish, try salting it lightly and letting it sit for 10–15 minutes. Then, squeeze out the excess water with a clean kitchen towel or some paper towels.

This quick step can make all the difference in keeping your recipes flavorful and perfectly textured.

Can I freeze zucchini?

Yes, you can freeze zucchini, and it’s super easy! Whether you’ve got a surplus from your garden or found a great deal at the farmer’s market, freezing zucchini is a fantastic way to save it for later.

Just slice it, blanch it in boiling water for a couple of minutes, and then pop it in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once it’s cool, pat it dry, lay the slices flat on a baking sheet, and freeze them until solid.

After that, transfer the frozen pieces to a freezer bag, and you’re all set! When you’re ready to use it, toss it in soups, stir-fries, or smoothies—no need to thaw.

Shop My Printables

These printables are great for meal planning and organizing! Simply click the image to check out my shop products!

A collage of colorful school lunch planning sheets featuring a Cajun Chicken & Rice Soup recipe. Includes lunch menu ideas with fruits, veggies, and treats, a days-of-the-week planner, and inspirational notes for lunch boxes. Bold text reads Back to School lunch planner & ideas!.

A fitness planner with several pages, like body measurements and a workout tracker, also features meal ideas such as a Cajun Chicken & Rice Soup recipe. Includes a monthly water intake log, weekly workout schedule, meal planner, body review section. Cover reads My Fitness Planner.

More Easy Recipes Using Vegetables

Recipes with Zucchini

Zucchini is the ultimate chameleon of the kitchen—grilled, baked, spiralized, or stuffed, it can do it all! Whether you're craving something light, comforting, or downright indulgent, these zucchini recipes have you covered.