10 Delicious Ways to Cook With Zucchini

One of the most adaptable and healthy veggies to cook with, especially during summer when it is in season, is Zucchini. With its mild flavor and versatility (you can grill it, roast it, sauté it, bake treats with it), zucchini can be worked into a variety of dishes. Because of its light flavor and texture, it’s like a blank sponge for picking up spices, sauces, and seasonings, making it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. With that in mind, here are 10 amazing ways to cook with zucchini that should get it on your plate!

1. Zucchini Noodles

Zoodles, or zucchini noodles, are a lighter, low-carb alternative to pasta. They’re made using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create long strands that mimic spaghetti. Simply sauté them with garlic and olive oil, or add your favorite pasta sauce for a quick main dish. Garnish with Parmesan, fresh herbs, and chili flakes for flavor. These veggie-based noodles are an easy way to enjoy more fiber while keeping your meal light and delicious.

2. Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor. Grated zucchini is mixed with eggs, flour, and seasonings, then shallow-fried until golden. A sprinkle of cheese like Parmesan or feta adds depth, and they pair well with sour cream or a tangy dipping sauce. Light yet satisfying, they make a great appetizer, snack, or side dish: perfect when you want something quick but hearty.

3. Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Zucchini boats are a great way to give this summer squash some staying power in your meal by making it a meal!  Cut the zucchini lengthwise and scoop out a 1/2-inch or so border seed pocket for room. You can cook the zucchini and then fill them with whatever you like, such as seasoned ground turkey or beef, quinoa, rice, and even beans and cheese. These are put in the oven to make sure everything is tender and hot through when you bake them. You can fill a zucchini boat with just about anything, and thanks to their slightly sweet taste, they work well with all kinds of flavors.

4. Zucchini Gratin

This French-inspired dish layers thinly sliced zucchini with cream, cheese, and breadcrumbs, then bakes until golden and bubbly. The creamy sauce balances the tender zucchini for a rich, comforting result. Add garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan for extra flavor. Zucchini gratin pairs beautifully with roasted meats or fish but also serves as a satisfying vegetarian main. It’s a warm, crowd-pleasing recipe that feels both rustic and elegant.

5. Zucchini Stir-Fry

It is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to cook Zucchini. Cut the zucchini into thin rounds or half-moons, and sauté them with some colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms. Feel free to make the veggies with a stir-fry sauce that consists of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian dish or with olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs for Mediterranean. Stir-frying is a great way to impart the flavors of your sauce, and still keep the tender bite of your zucchini intact, along with no pre-cooking method being necessary.

6. Zucchini Bread

Zucchini also shines in baked goods, lending moisture without overpowering flavor. Zucchini bread has a tender crumb like banana or pumpkin bread, often enhanced with cinnamon, vanilla, nuts, or chocolate chips. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, and an excellent way to use up extra summer squash. Swap in whole wheat flour or seeds for a healthier twist. Moist, comforting, and versatile: it’s a wholesome treat that never disappoints.

7. Zucchini Chips

A practical, lower-carb edition of the most loved potato treat. Just thinly slice the zucchini and toss it with olive oil, salt, and whatever seasoning you like, and then bake in the oven until crispy. Have some garlic powder and Parmesan cheese on hand for your zucchini chips, or jazz them up with smoked paprika or cumin. Zucchini chips are great for a healthy snack or as a side, which makes them really easy to pair with any sandwich or even some homemade dip. These are quick and easy to whip up and can be made as speckled or low-fat as you desire, being a light, nutritious (ish) little snack.

8. Zucchini Soup

Summer zucchini soup is A great summer soup, light and refreshing, full of flavors, and very healthy. You can make this creamy soup at home by simmering zucchini, onions, and garlic with low-sodium vegetable broth, then blending it all up in your Vitamix or blender. You can also stir in a little cream or coconut milk to make it extra luscious, or add croutons and fresh herbs on top for some crunch and zing. Zucchini soup is a great light lunch or starter for dinner and is not too out there in flavor, so it pairs well with other dishes like a salad or some grilled meats.

9. Zucchini Tacos

Zucchini makes a vibrant, healthy taco filling. Grill or sauté zucchini with cumin, chili powder, and lime, then stuff into tortillas with avocado, salsa, or sour cream. You can also add black beans, corn, or cilantro for extra heartiness. These meat-free tacos are flavorful, easy, and satisfying: perfect for quick weeknight dinners or light summer meals. Fresh, zesty, and versatile, zucchini tacos prove plant-based recipes can still pack major flavor.

10. Zucchini Pizza Bites

Zucchini pizza bites are a fun, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza. Slice zucchini into rounds, top with marinara, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then bake until bubbly and melty. The zucchini acts as a crisp yet light “crust” that balances the richness of cheese and sauce. Great as a snack, appetizer, or light dinner, these bites deliver all the comforting pizza flavors in a healthier, bite-sized form.