I am assuming you are reading this post because you, like me, have an abundance of zucchini in your garden, and need some more inspiration on what to do with all of it. Since I, too, have wondered what to do with lots of zucchini, I have personally been experimented with lots of zucchini meal ideas over the years (thanks, Pinterest!), and wanted to share my favorite tried-and-true zucchini recipes. The great thing is that several of these recipes are low-carb and low-calorie!
What to do with lots of zucchini
When zucchini starts growing, the squash is prolific! Here are several delicious ways to use zucchini (or courgettes) that you may not have tried before.
1. Baked Parmesan Zucchini Sticks
A delicious way to make zucchini that the whole family loved. See the recipe here at Jo Cooks. Definitely good served with ranch!
2. Zucchini Chips
I found this yummy recipe here at Frugal Living Mom, but made a few modifications. First, I used regular white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar, since I didn’t have any. It turned out deliciously this way as well. I also added some garlic powder and paprika to the seasoning mix. Finally, since I don’t have a dehydrator, I baked them at 230 degrees for 1.5 hours on a parchment paper lined baking sheet (be sure to check them after 1 hour as thinner slices will brown sooner), which did the trick. The kids loved this one, and didn’t even mind the kick of spice! You do need to eat right away, as they begin to soften after sitting.
3. Spicy Orange Beef
This is a recipe from Cooking Light that I have loved for a long time, as it is quick, delicious, and only a few ingredients (recipe here). It does not call for zucchini, but I found that if you add halved zucchini ring slices towards the end when you add the sauce mixture, it is a delicious addition! I was inspired to do this based on the fact that this recipe is Asian in flavor, and that it is not uncommon to find zucchini in Asian dishes (such as Kung Pao Chicken, etc.).
4. Air Fryer Ranch Zucchini Chips
I am a ranch dressing lover, so anything with a ranch flavor is totally my jam (er, my dip?). These zucchini chips are made with ranch dressing, and cooked in the air fryer for less guilt than traditional frying. Get the air fryer ranch zucchini chips recipe on Fab Everyday here.
5. Zucchini Soup with Herbs
Good soup as written, but the recipe (get it on Allrecipes here) needs a little alteration. I took some of the other reviewers’ recommendations and added more broth and milk, as well as some salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
6. Zucchini Lasagna
This low-carb lasagna recipe from Like Mother Like Daughter (get the recipe here) is incredibly satisfying! While the recipe is meatless as written, it would also be delicious with some ground Italian sausage. If you add sausage, be sure to bake the lasagna in a 9″x13″ baking pan instead of a square pan, or it won’t fit.
7. Zucchini Bread
Vegan Chocolate Zucchini Bread. There are a ton of recipe options out there for zucchini breads and muffins, but this one takes the cake (bread?). Sooo good, no one would think (or care) that it has hidden veggies. It’s vegan and eggless, but you’ll love this plant-based chocolate zucchini bread whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or none of the above. Get the Vegan Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe here.
Vegan Lemon Poppyseed Loaf. This vegan and dairy-free lemon poppyseed zucchini bread recipe similar to my Vegan Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe, but with a different flavor profile and a homemade glaze. It’s a fresh, flavorful treat! A zesty vegan lemon poppy seed bread is topped with a smooth, sweet glaze for the perfect balance of flavors. Get the Dairy-Free Zucchini Bread recipe here.
8. Mini Zucchini Pizzas
Great as a weekend lunch, party appetizer, or quick snack, these low-guilt, low-carb mini pizzas will please everyone. Bonus – they are really quick to make. Get the recipe on a Taste of Home here.
9. Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini Noodles
This light and delicious low-carb pasta alternative from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen (get the recipe here) calls for pre-made zucchini noodles, but I find it easy enough to make my own zucchini noodles with a zoodle spiralizer (affiliate link).
10. Korean Beef with Zucchini Noodles
This low-carb pasta alternative from Damn Delicious is just that (damn delicious)! So flavorful and satisfying that you honestly won’t miss the pasta. This one is a keeper on our recipe rotation even without an abundance of zucchini in our garden. Get the recipe here, and if you don’t have a hand-held zoodle maker spiralizer, get one on Amazon here (affiliate link).
11. One-Pan Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini
This meal is so hearty and delicious that you would never think of it as low carb! The whole family gobbled it right up. Click here for the recipe on iFoodReal.
12. Zucchini and Goat’s Cheese Bruschetta
Great as a weekend lunch or even a party appetizer, this zucchini version of bruschetta is flavored with friend lemon juice and complemented with creamy goat cheese. Get the recipe here.
13. Zucchini Crust Pizza
Low-carb pizza crust for the win! Such a great use of zucchini. Get the full recipe and instructions for making a pizza crust out of zucchini on Posh in Progress here.
14. Seasoned Zucchini Curly Fries
A delicious, low-guilt baked zoodles side dish! Spiralized and breaded zucchini is baked up into a crispy side with a little kick in this baked zucchini curly fries recipe. Get the Seasoned Zucchini Curly Fries recipe on Fab Everyday here.
What are your favorite zucchini recipes?
[…] Zucchini Recipe Round-Up – 6/27/14 […]