Got more zucchini than you can handle right now? Don’t get overwhelmed and use the nutritious vegetable in these healthy zucchini recipes that include breakfast ideas, dinners and desserts!
I bet you know that zucchini is a versatile and nutrient-packed vegetable and that you can use it in a variety of dishes all year round. But it’s best during summer. That’s the peak season and the time we should be enjoying as many recipes with zucchini as possible.
Not only is it a low-calorie and low-carbohydrate food, but it is also rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins C, K, and B6, potassium and magnesium. Aside from that, did you know that zucchini was first cultivated over 7,000 years ago? That’s right, it has seen the dinosaurs. Well, probably not, but it’s been around for a LOOONG time. I’m such an architect. Or is it an archaeologist? Same thing.
Anyway, if you’re wondering what to make with lots of zucchini, you are in luck! The vegetable’s mild flavor and texture pair well with numerous other ingredients and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes (basically a carrot.) From zucchini bread to zucchini noodles, there’s something for everyone in this collection of healthy zucchini recipes. So let’s get started!
Zucchini Breakfast Ideas
Zucchini may not be the first food that comes to mind when you think of breakfast, but it can be a tasty and healthy addition to your mornings. Here are some of the best breakfast recipes using zucchini!
Crustless Tuna Breakfast Quiche. This easy and healthy crustless quiche is the perfect meal prep recipe! It makes a delicious breakfast, but you can enjoy it pretty mych any time of the day. It is gluten-free, low-carb, and dairy-free. Feel free to customize it with vegetables of your choice or by replacing tuna with chicken.
Healthy Zucchini Bread. Made with whole wheat flour, applesauce, and no oil this breakfast idea is pretty wholesome! Grated zucchini and applesauce make the bread moist, while honey and cinnamon provide natural sweetness.
Moist Healthy Zucchini Muffins. These moist healthy muffins are a must-try! They are light, fluffy, and perfect for using up your zucchini. Furthermore, they are easy to make and you can freeze them for later.
Scarpaccia Zucchini Tart. Scarpaccia is a delightful Italian zucchini tart that can be sweet or savory.
Zucchini and Bacon Slice. A new twist on a classic recipe, with added vegetables and bacon that can be adapted by including any vegetables you have available, or using ham instead of bacon.
5-minute Zucchini Avocado Smoothie. If you are a fan of creamy, refreshing, and flavorful breakfast smoothies loaded with veggies, then you are going to love this quick-to-make recipe. Perfect for busy mornings!
Easy Zucchini Dinner Recipes
Wonder how to pack more vegetables onto your dinner plate? Well, I’ve got good news, because it’s super easy – simply try these delightful healthy dinner recipes with zucchini!
Shrimp and Zucchini in Tomato Garlic Sauce. This 15-minute dinner idea is fast, healthy, and easy to prep. Moreover, it involves very little clean-up. Told you – good news!
Healthy Rice and Sausage Recipe. This healthy rice and sausage skillet is an incredible weeknight dinner idea that is ready in less than 30 minutes. The recipe calls for long-grain rice, vegetables, herbs, and sausage, but it is versatile and you may adjust it to your personal preferences.
Creamy Salmon Tortellini. Well, fine, it’s not exactly the dish you imagine when you think of healthy zucchini recipes, but this is a must-try. To make it lighter, swap some of the pasta for even more zucchini. It will still taste amazing!
15-Minute Spicy Shrimp and Quinoa. Yes, it’s totally possible to make a nutritious meal in 15 minutes! This one’s gluten-free, perfectly balanced and super good!
Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini Boats. These are a tasty alternative to pasta bakes, stuffed with crumbled tofu, tomato sauce, and Italian-inspired spices.
15-minute Quinoa with Chicken and Vegetables. Use leftovers to make this 15-minute quinoa with chicken and vegetables, it’s packed with flavor and is gluten-free.
Coconut Curry Shrimp Soup. This delightful gluten-free soup requires red curry paste, coconut milk, lime leaves, shrimp, zucchini and cilantro, and can be customized with broccoli or cauliflower.
Zucchini Salad and Bowl Recipes
If you’re a fan of salads and bowls, save these healthy zucchini recipes for later, because they’re so good!
Roasted Zucchini Salad. This salad will surely become your go-to all summer long. It is a classic Italian recipe that you can make with only five ingredients – zucchini, finely chopped garlic cloves and parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Corn and Avocado Salad with Grilled Zucchini and Olives. This fresh, light and colorful salad makes an amazing summer lunch. It is a vegetarian and gluten-free recipe that you can have as a side dish or as the main course.
Avocado Zucchini Chickpea Summer Salad. The salad is a refreshing, healthy, and filling vegetarian salad recipe that you’ll really appreciate, especially during summer. The Mediterranean-inspired dish is ready in just ten minutes and you can enjoy it as a main dish or as a side for a barbecue.
Healthy Ground Beef Bowls. Super nutritious, low-carb meal-prep-friendly recipe that is loaded with spiced ground beef and roasted and fresh veggies. This lunch or dinner idea is really filling and will supply your body with protein, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and plenty of antioxidants.
Pasta and Pizza Recipes
Make pasta and pizza a bit healthier with these amazing healthy zucchini recipes!
Zucchini Crust Pizza. Get ready for a delicious and healthy pizza night! Made with only three ingredients and a range of flours, this recipe is perfect for low-carb diets!
Spinach Parmesan Zucchini Noodles. This five-ingredient zoodle recipe is a quick healthy meal that the entire family will love. It might seem like a ton of work, but you’ll have fun making the noodles and you’ll be ready in just 20 minutes.
Tomato and Basil Quinoa Risotto. Not exactly pasta or pizza, but this tomato and basil quinoa risotto is packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients. Plus you’ll make it in 10 minutes!
Creamy Tortellini. Indulge in a comforting bowl of creamy tortellini for dinner! It’s SO delicious!
Zucchini Dessert Recipes
Get ready to be pleasantly surprised by these healthy zucchini dessert recipes! Who knew this humble vegetable could make such delicious and healthy treats?
Healthy Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins. This healthy zucchini recipe yields a mouth-watering treat made with rich chocolate, cozy spices, and chocolate chips. The muffins taste like a cross between fudgy brownies, muffins, and zucchini bread, and contain only 100 calories per serving.
Easy Zucchini Brownies. These easy zucchini brownies are a vegan and dairy-free dessert that is moist and chocolatey with a simple frosting. Even though they contain shredded zucchini, you’ll get all the nutrition benefits without even knowing it’s there!
Zucchini Sides and Appetizers:
These healthy zucchini appetizer and side recipes will make you fall in love with the vegetable! From irresistible dips to savory fritters, these ideas will have you craving this versatile vegetable every day.
Feta Zucchini Dip. Make this dip using sauteed zucchini, garlic, feta, olive oil, and dill! It’s simple, but amazing with salads, meat or bread!
Healthy Roasted Vegetable Dip Recipe. This healthy dip is easy to make garlicky, vegan, gluten- and grain-free! Perfect for power bowls, wraps, or as a spread on toast.
Zucchini Fritters. These fritters are a simple and delicious way to use up summer squash. You can even make them in the air fryer.
Mediterranean Garlic Roasted Vegetables. This is a great recipe that you can serve as a side dish and it’s ready in 10 minutes!
Zucchini Garlic Bites. Transform the vegetable into scrumptious bites using Parmesan cheese, garlic and herbs! Serve as an appetizer or a side dish.
Low-Carb Hummus. You’ll want to make this at least once a week! It’s easy gluten-free, paleo, and vegan and the perfect addition to Buddha bowls or wraps.
Zucchini in Garlic Sauce is a simple flavorful appetizer that you can make with sauteed zucchini, yogurt, garlic, and a few other ingredients.
More Healthy Vegetable Recipes
Well, we’ve come to the end of our collection of healthy zucchini recipes and I don’t know about you, but those garlic bites sure will occupy my mind for a bit. When you’re in the mood for other vegetables, check out these recipes as well:
- Cauliflower Potato Soup
- Mediterranean Breakfast Avocado Toast
- Mediterranean Vegetable Salad
Yield: 1
30 Healthy Zucchini Recipes
Got more zucchini than you can handle? Use them in these healthy zucchini recipes that include breakfast ideas, dinners and desserts!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time6 minutes
Total Time6 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup zucchini, cut in circles
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cut the zucchini and rub them with a little bit of olive oil and salt (I found the easiest option to be with my hands and in a bowl).
- Grease a nonstick pan with olive oil and saute the zucchini in a single layer at medium high on both sides until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes on each side). Make sure the pan is always greased with olive oil and continue until you run out of zucchini.
- To a bowl add the cooled off zucchini, minced garlic, some olive oil and yogurt. Mix it all together and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Optionally you can also serve the zucchini and garlic with yogurt and salt separately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 148Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 382mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 12gProtein: 9g
