Easy and Delicious Zucchini Recipes

Great Ways to Cook With Summer Squash

By
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
A freelance journalist and avid home cook, Cathy Jacobs has more than 10 years of food writing experience, with a focus on curating approachable menus and recipe collections.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 09/17/20
Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash

The Spruce

These simply delicious zucchini recipes are a wonderful way to enjoy summer zucchini from either your garden or grocery store. They have the ease and lightness needed during the hot months when zucchini is in season. You're sure to find new ideas and recipes here for what to cook with zucchini, from zucchini side dishes and casseroles to spiralized zucchini pasta, baked zucchini "fries," and even desserts made with zucchini. Yes, you read that correctly: desserts.

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  • 01 of 28

    Spiralized Zucchini 'Pasta' With Tomato, Corn, and Goat Cheese

    Spiralized Zucchini "Pasta" With Tomato, Corn, and Goat Cheese

    The Spruce / Stephanie Kirkos 

    Are you a pasta lover who's trying to cut back on carbs and calories? If you love your noodles, this light, fresh, and fast zucchini noodle "pasta" recipe will brighten your day. Whole zucchini is transformed into healthy, naturally gluten-free spaghetti-sized noodles in this genius recipe, with the help of a spiralizer kitchen tool (or a julienne peeler). They're then combined with fresh veggies and creamy goat cheese in a light and tasty, pasta-like dish.

  • 02 of 28

    Skillet Zucchini With Onions and Bacon

    Skillet Zucchini With Onions and Bacon

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray 

    Zucchini is made savory and so delicious when it's cooked in bacon drippings. Zucchini, onions, and bacon are a fabulous flavor combination, and so easy to cook up on your stovetop. Make it as directed, or experiment with the tips and variations provided in this recipe, for more serving and flavor ideas.

  • 03 of 28

    Savory Zucchini Pancakes

    Savory Zucchini Pancakes

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray 

    These tasty, savory little zucchini pancakes may remind you of those irresistible green onion pancakes you find at some Chinese restaurants. This easy recipe, which makes a nice change from the usual vegetable side dish, combines fresh shredded zucchini with Parmesan cheese, along with some fresh or dried basil for extra flavor.

  • 04 of 28

    Zucchini and Summer Squash Casserole

    Zucchini and Summer Squash Casserole

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray 

    Here's a simple, baked casserole that's a delicious way to celebrate a garden full of zucchini and summer squash. It's also lighter than many casseroles since it omits the usual heavy sauce. Fresh vegetable casserole with a butter breadcrumb crust and Parmesan cheese is perfect for enjoying at picnics and cookouts on hot summer days.

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  • 05 of 28

    Banana Zucchini Bread

    Banana Zucchini Bread

    Westend61 / Getty Images 

    You'll never know there's zucchini in this deliciously moist banana bread. Eat it warmed up and slathered with some butter for an almost dessert-like treat, that makes a super-delicious breakfast or snack at any time of day. You could also toss some walnuts into the batter, if you like, for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

  • 06 of 28

    Mushroom-Stuffed Zucchini Boats

    Mushroom-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
    Viel, Pierre Louis / Getty Images 

    Looking for a fun and delicious vegetarian entrée or a pleasing party appetizer? We think you'll love these stuffed zucchini "boats" that are quickly baked, then packed with a tasty mushroom, onion, breadcrumb, and cheese stuffing. They make a great dinner party side dish too, when paired with grilled chicken, meat, or fish.

  • 07 of 28

    Ratatouille With Zucchini, Eggplant, and Tomatoes

    Ratatouille With Zucchini, Eggplant, and Tomatoes

    Smneedham / Getty Images

    Ratatouille is a French dish typically made with garlic, onions, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and herbs. This easy recipe for ratatouille can be cooked on the stovetop in about 30 minutes. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, this easy vegetable dish makes a great party appetizer or side dish during dinner.

  • 08 of 28

    Zucchini Grilled Cheese

    Zucchini grilled cheese sandwich on a cutting board

    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

    If you're watching carbs or on a gluten-free diet, this zucchini grilled cheese sandwich is a gift. And since zucchini is available in the markets year-round, you can have it whenever the craving strikes. The rest of the good news is that it's a great way to use the bounty of zucchini from a summer garden.

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  • 09 of 28

    Light Curried Zucchini Soup

    Light Curried Zucchini Soup

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray 

    You might not expect zucchini soup to pack so much flavor, but you'd be wrong with this blended soup recipe. Curry powder and apples give an awesome, rich flavor to this beautiful and healthy zucchini soup. Serve it simply with crunchy French bread for dipping or add a dollop of sour cream on top to dress it up.

  • 10 of 28

    Zucchini Lasagna

    Zucchini Lasagna

    The Spruce / Anita Schecter 

    Zucchini lasagna incorporates all the things that make this a favorite dish. It swaps the noodles out for thinly sliced strips of zucchini, which makes it a low-carb, gluten-free recipe. Within the layers, you'll find that ideal combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, along with tomato sauce and plenty of herbs for a classic Italian flavor.

  • 11 of 28

    Cheesy Zucchini Bread

    Cheesy Zucchini Bread

    The Spruce / Pete Scherer​ 

    Zucchini meets cornbread in this delicious cheesy zucchini bread recipe. The quick bread includes dehydrated and shredded zucchini, cornmeal, buttermilk, sharp cheddar cheese, garlic, and rosemary. It's a versatile savory bread to enjoy for breakfast, dinner, or a quick snack.

  • 12 of 28

    Grilled Zucchini

    Grilled zucchini and squash on a white dinner plate

    The Spruce 

    Enjoy the fresh, spring-like flavors of zucchini squash at its best, in this simple yet delicious recipe for grilled zucchini. This is one effortless way in which you can prepare zucchini, adding an extra layer of flavor to this nutritious veggie simply by cooking it on the grill.

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  • 13 of 28

    Baked Zucchini Fries

    Baked Zucchini Fries

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Want an alternative to french fries that you can feel virtuous about? These healthy baked fries are made with strips of zucchini that are coated with panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then baked in the oven for a healthy, savory snack. Makes a great alternative to potatoes with sandwiches, burgers, or grilled steaks.

  • 14 of 28

    Baked Chicken With Zucchini and Tomatoes

    Baked Chicken With Zucchini and Tomatoes

    Philippe Desnerck / Photolibrary / Getty Images 

    We're crazy about this easy, flavorful chicken dinner recipe that's great for serving a family, and is ready in under an hour. Boneless chicken breasts are cooked with zucchini and tomatoes in an elegant wine sauce, then topped with irresistible, gooey melted cheese.

  • 15 of 28

    Zucchini Cookies

    Zucchini Cookies

    Sheri L Giblan / Getty Images 

    Little flecks of green are the only giveaway that these aren't your usual cookies, especially if you toss in some chocolate chips. Yummy, healthy zucchini cookies are filled with shredded, moist zucchini and crunchy walnuts, then coated with a sweet and delectable lemon glaze.

  • 16 of 28

    Zucchini Frittata

    Zucchini Frittata

    The Spruce / karma_pena 

    Frittatas are an easy, go-to brunch dish and this simple, scrumptious, colorful egg frittata made with zucchini, onion, and cheese makes a quick and satisfying family brunch or light lunch.

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  • 17 of 28

    Baked Zucchini and Tomatoes With Cheese

    Baked Zucchini and Tomatoes With Cheese

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray  

    Here's a great alternative to the usual vegetable side dish, especially if you have a garden with an abundance of summer vegetables. Fresh slices of zucchini and tomatoes are combined with herbs and cheese, and baked to ooey gooey perfection. Makes a wonderful accompaniment for grilled or pan-fried meat, fish, or poultry.

  • 18 of 28

    Pork Chops With Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella

    Pork Chops With Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray 

    One-skillet dishes are your best friend if you're a busy home cook, with more things to do than put dinner on the table. In this easy, one-dish main course recipe, pork chops are simmered in a well-seasoned tomato sauce, along with fresh sliced zucchini, rice, olives, peppers, and a melty topping of mozzarella cheese.

  • 19 of 28

    Zucchini Squares With Cheddar Cheese and Bacon

    Zucchini Squares With Cheddar Cheese and Bacon

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray 

    How cute are these quiche-style zucchini and egg squares? Cheesy and savory, with cheddar cheese and optional bacon in the mix, you'll love these easy and delicious squares that make a popular brunch or lunch dish or party appetizer.

  • 20 of 28

    Zucchini Casserole With Tomato Sauce and Bacon

    Zucchini Casserole With Tomato Sauce and Bacon

    Westend61 / Getty Images 

    Here's a savory casserole with vegetables and bacon—and great texture—that you can take to potlucks and parties. Zucchini casserole with tomato sauce and bacon features a crunchy butter cracker and Parmesan cheese topping, for the perfect finishing touch.

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  • 21 of 28

    Gluten-Free Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

    Gluten-Free Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

    Julie Rideout / Getty Images 

    Nobody will ever know there's zucchini in these chocolatey muffins if you decide not to tell them. Secretly healthy, low-fat, and gluten-free muffins with a rich, moist, chocolaty flavor are perfect for packing into kids' school lunches or enjoying as an afternoon treat.

  • 22 of 28

    Chicken and Zucchini With Garlic Cream Sauce

    Chicken and Zucchini With Garlic Cream Sauce

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Moist, tender chicken breasts and mild zucchini are cooked in a heavenly garlic cream sauce, in this delectable dinner recipe. Quick and easy to cook in about 30 minutes, this dish has a wonderful flavor that makes it perfect for company. Serve it over hot cooked pasta noodles or rice to soak up the yummy sauce.

  • 23 of 28

    Zucchini Oatmeal Bundt Cake

    Zucchini Oatmeal Bundt Cake

    James Baigrie / Photolibrary / Getty Images 

    Zucchini adds moistness to the batter of this dense, flavorful cake with the goodness of oats. It's wonderful served plain or drizzled all over with a delectable, sweet glaze.

  • 24 of 28

    Fried Zucchini Coins

    Fried Zucchini Coins

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Fried zucchini coins make a great party appetizer, side dish at dinner, or snack anytime. Serve them with the simple-to-make sweet pepper dip that is included or your own favorite dip.

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  • 25 of 28

    Eggplant and Zucchini Casserole

    Eggplant and Zucchini Casserole

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Eggplant and zucchini play well together, and this delicious recipe combines them in a casserole dish that enhances their best flavors. Zucchini and eggplant slices are layered with stewed tomatoes, onions, and cheddar cheese, all topped with buttered breadcrumbs, and baked to perfection. Bring this hearty vegetable casserole to cookouts or potlucks, or make it as a side dish for just about any main dish.

  • 26 of 28

    Zucchini Gratin With Cheddar Cheese

    Zucchini Gratin With Cheddar Cheese

    Lauren Rouvrais / Getty Images 

    Gratins are always welcome at the dinner table, from everyday family meals to holiday dinner celebrations. This wonderfully cheesy zucchini casserole, with cheddar and optional crumbled bacon, is a rich and flavorful side dish—and an indulgent way to get your vegetables.

  • 27 of 28

    Easy Chocolate Zucchini Cake

    Easy Chocolate Zucchini Cake

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray 

    This chocolate zucchini cake couldn't be easier, since it's made with a cake mix. It's also loaded with sweet chocolate chips, moist shredded zucchini, and crunchy nuts. What's not to love?

  • 28 of 28

    Zucchini Parmesan

    Zucchini Parmesan

    Esseffe / Getty Images 

    This top-rated zucchini Parmesan recipe is easy to make. Fresh zucchini slices are baked with Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, and herbs, all topped with a creamy and cheesy sauce.