37 Zucchini Recipes to Squash Your Stash
Despite everything this lineup of verdant, satisfying-looking zucchini recipes proves, the summer squash has a sad, watery reputation. The “watery” bit is really a fact—zucchinis are 94% H2O—but the “sad” part, we’re here to tell you, is straight-up gossip. Just because the humble zucchini is inexpensive and abundant, and there are probably at least a few rolling of them around in your fridge at any time from June through September (and beyond!), it doesn’t mean it’s not fit for kings. Kings, we say! Whether you’re a slow-roasted zucchini person or prone to grill, zoodle, or stew into oblivion, our best zucchini recipes all show that, sometimes, the greatest things in life can be so simple.
Photograph by Travis Rainey, Prop Styling by Marc Williams, Food Styling by Mieko Takahashi1/37Crispy Zucchini Fries With Herby Yogurt Dip
The zucchini recipe of your childhood dreams: fried zucchini, which doesn’t need a deep fryer or air fryer to get supremely crispy and golden brown. The secret(s)? A skillet, vegetable oil, medium-high heat, and panko breadcrumbs.
Photograph by Yudi Ela, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Aneta Florczyk2/37Saucy Grilled Summer Squash With Chickpeas
Zucchini is actually a part of the summer squash family. In other words, all zucchini are summer squash, but summer squash defines a larger group of veggies that includes yellow squash, pattypan, and more. The point is: Feel free to sub in whatever summer squash looks great at Sunday’s farmers market.
Photo by Emma Fishman, food styling by D'Mytrek Brown4/37Ginger-Cardamom Zucchini Bread
Zucchini bread is for when you need a hit of carbohydrates and want to get your veggies in, too—but also, make it dessert. The squash’s high moisture content gives this loaf cake its soft crumb.
Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton, Prop Styling by Christine Keely5/37Ratatouille
Photo by Emma Fishman, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio6/37Fried Zucchini and Butternut Squash Torta
Let’s just describe this one: toasted hero rolls spread with a shallot-y ricotta mixture and a single layer each of fresh tomato slices, fried butternut squash and zucchini, salsa macha, and greens. (You clicked, didn’t you?)
Photograph by Graydon Herriott, food styling by Sue Li, prop styling by Aneta Florczyk.7/37Kuku Kadoo
To make this Persian egg and zucchini dish a full meal, serve each slice of kuku with a dollop of thick, tart yogurt and warm flatbread.
Photograph by Jessica Pettway, Food Styling by Judy Kim, Prop Styling by Stephanie Yeh8/37Crispy Coconutty Zucchini Fritters
When we hear zucchini boats, we think about fritters, not scooped-and-stuffed roasted zucchini shells. That’s because crispy, crunchy, salty vegetable fritters are the best vehicles to carry savory yogurt sauce into our mouths.
Photograph by Joyce Lee, food styling by Brandon Gray, prop styling by Chloe Kirk9/37Summer Squash and Arugula Pesto Pizza
Photo by Emma Fishman, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Sophie Strangio10/37Curry Vegetables
This Caribbean-style curry is made with a mixture of zucchini, carrots, cauliflower, eggplant, okra, and mushrooms. For something similar but with a little added protein, try this Tofu and Summer Vegetable Curry.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Shuai Wang, Prop Styling by Megan Forbes and Christina Hussey11/37Grilled Squash With Nuoc Cham Chimichurri
Hit “save recipe” if you need a smoky, savory, grilled vegetable side dish to make all summer long. The cook time is minimal, to boot.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca13/37Double-Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Instead of squeezing and straining grated zucchini for zucchini bread, just add cocoa! Cocoa powder is a whiz at soaking up excess moisture. By the way, the chocolate chips are not optional; they melt into the crumb so beautifully.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Sean Dooley, Prop Styling by Marina Bevilacqua14/37Lemony Zucchini With Sour Cream and Dill
