10+ Zucchini Recipes for Easy and Healthy Meals

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable you can use in many ways. Whether you want something quick or a dish with more flavor, there are plenty of options to try.

You can enjoy zucchini in recipes that are healthy, tasty, and easy to prepare.

If you want to add more veggies to your meals, zucchini is a great choice. It cooks quickly and works well in many dishes, from baked sides to fresh salads.

With just a few ingredients, you can make something delicious that fits your taste and time.

1) Baked Zucchini with Parmesan

Baked zucchini with Parmesan is an easy and tasty way to enjoy this vegetable. Slice zucchini into rounds and lightly coat them with olive oil.

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake at 425°F (220°C) until the cheese is golden and crispy and the zucchini is tender.

This dish works as a side or a snack. Add garlic or herbs if you want more flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 to 1/2 inch rounds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss zucchini slices in olive oil to coat evenly.
3. Arrange the zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese over the zucchini.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and zucchini is tender.

Try this simple recipe for a quick, delicious zucchini dish.

More details can be found in this Baked Zucchini with Parmesan Cheese recipe.

2) Zucchini Bread

Zucchini bread is a simple way to use fresh zucchini. It’s moist and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.

You can add walnuts or other nuts for some crunch. This bread is easy to make and doesn’t require a mixer.

You mix the ingredients by hand and bake two loaves. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.

The cinnamon gives it a warm, cozy flavor. Add dried fruit if you want a little sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded zucchini
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two loaf pans.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
4. In another bowl, beat eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Stir in dry ingredients until combined.
6. Fold in zucchini and walnuts.
7. Divide batter between the pans.
8. Bake for 55-60 minutes.
9. Check doneness with a toothpick.
10. Cool before slicing.

For a detailed recipe, see the Mom’s Zucchini Bread Recipe.

3) Sauteed Zucchini with Garlic

Sauteed zucchini with garlic is easy to make and tastes fresh. Cook sliced zucchini in olive oil or butter with minced garlic until tender.

The garlic adds a mild flavor. Add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra taste.

Cooking zucchini this way takes about 10 minutes. It works well as a side dish for many meals.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or chopped parsley

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add sliced zucchini and cook, stirring often, for 7-9 minutes.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs if using.
5. Serve warm.

Learn more about this simple method from Sauteed Zucchini Recipe – Inspired Taste.

4) Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters are a tasty way to use fresh zucchini. They are crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Add cheese, eggs, and flour to bind the mixture. Grate your zucchini and squeeze out the excess moisture.

Mix it with eggs, flour, salt, and grated cheese for flavor. Fry small spoonfuls in oil until golden brown.

These fritters make a great snack or side dish. Kids often enjoy them because they are easy to eat.

Ingredients:

• 1½ pounds zucchini
• 1¼ teaspoons salt
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup grated cheese (like Parmesan or cheddar)
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions:

1. Grate the zucchini and squeeze out water.
2. Mix zucchini with salt, egg, flour, and cheese.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan.
5. Cook each fritter 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
6. Drain on paper towels before serving.

5) Roasted Zucchini with Herbs

Roasted zucchini with herbs is an easy way to add flavor to this simple vegetable. Coat zucchini slices with olive oil and sprinkle fresh or dried herbs on top.

Garlic, thyme, oregano, and basil work great. Bake the zucchini until it turns golden and tender.

Finish with a bit of Parmesan or feta cheese for extra taste. This dish pairs well with many meals or makes a tasty snack.

Try mixing herbs to fit your mood or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or crumbled feta (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss zucchini slices with olive oil in a bowl.
3. Add garlic powder, thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Spread zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until zucchini is tender and golden.
6. Sprinkle with Parmesan or feta cheese if you like before serving.

6) Zucchini Stuffed with Sausage

You can make zucchini stuffed with sausage for a tasty and easy meal. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the center to create boats.

Cook Italian sausage with garlic and onion until browned. Mix in breadcrumbs, cheese, and marinara sauce for extra flavor.

Fill the zucchini boats with the sausage mixture. Bake them until the zucchini is tender and the cheese melts.

This dish works as a main course or a side. It’s a great way to enjoy both veggies and protein.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 8 ounces Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup marinara sauce
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
3. Heat olive oil; cook sausage, garlic, and onion until browned.
4. Mix sausage with breadcrumbs and marinara sauce.
5. Fill zucchini halves with the sausage mix.
6. Top with mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is bubbly.

For a helpful reference, see this sausage-stuffed zucchini boats recipe.

7) Zucchini Pasta with Creamy Sauce

Zucchini pasta with creamy sauce is a light and tasty way to enjoy veggies. Use zucchini, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to make the sauce rich and flavorful.

Roast or sauté zucchini with onions and garlic. Blend or mash it into a smooth, creamy sauce to coat your pasta.

Add lemon for a fresh hint or use butter for extra creaminess. This dish works well for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 3-4 medium zucchinis
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 onion
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces dried pasta
• Optional: juice of half a lemon, salt, and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in butter or oil until soft.
3. Add chopped zucchini and cook until tender.
4. Blend or mash zucchini mixture until creamy.
5. Stir in Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Toss sauce with pasta and serve warm.

For more tips on this dish, see the creamy zucchini pasta recipe at The Modern Proper.

8) Grilled Zucchini Slices

Grilled zucchini slices are a quick and tasty side dish. Cut the zucchini into thin rounds for even cooking.

The slices cook fast, usually under 20 minutes. This makes them great when you need a simple, healthy dish.

Marinate the zucchini before grilling. Use olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs for flavor.

Let the zucchini sit in the marinade for a few hours or all day to boost the taste. Grill the slices over medium heat, about 400°F (200°C).

Turn them once or twice until they get grill marks and become tender but not mushy.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like oregano or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice zucchini into ¼-inch thick rounds.

2. Mix olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs in a bowl.

3. Toss zucchini slices in the mixture and marinate for 1-4 hours.

4. Preheat grill to medium heat (about 400°F/200°C).

5. Place zucchini on grill and cook 3-4 minutes per side.

6. Remove when tender and grill marks appear. Serve warm.

9) Zucchini Salad with Lemon Dressing

You can make a fresh zucchini salad quickly with thinly sliced raw zucchini. The lemon dressing adds a tangy flavor that makes this dish light and refreshing.

The salad often includes pine nuts for crunch and fresh herbs for extra taste. Marinate the zucchini in lemon juice, garlic, and salt to soften its texture.

You can add parmesan or feta cheese to make it richer if you want.

Ingredients

• 3 medium zucchinis
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley (optional)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta or shaved parmesan (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Thinly slice zucchinis using a peeler or mandoline.

2. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

3. Toss zucchini slices with the dressing and let sit for 10 minutes.

4. Add pine nuts and herbs, then gently mix.

5. Top with cheese if using before serving.

10) Air Fryer Roasted Zucchini

Air fryer roasted zucchini is a quick and healthy side dish. You’ll get tender zucchini with a slight crisp on the edges.

Start by cutting zucchini into spears or rounds. Toss them lightly with olive oil and your favorite seasonings.

Place them in your air fryer basket without overcrowding.

Cook the zucchini at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 10 minutes. Shake the basket a few times during cooking to help them cook evenly.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Optional: garlic powder or Italian seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

2. Cut zucchini into spears or rounds.

3. Toss zucchini with olive oil and seasonings.

4. Place zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

5. Cook for 7–10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through.

6. Check for tenderness and crispiness before serving.