Summer is the perfect time to get creative with zucchini and squash. These versatile veggies are great for more than just side dishes—they can be the star of the show! Whether you’re grilling, baking, or tossing them into salads, we’ve got some fun and tasty recipes that will make you rethink how you use zucchini and summer squash.
Stuffed Round Zucchini
Round zucchini is great for stuffing and baking. Perfect for late summer, this healthy side dish adds a creative touch to your table.
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Zucchini Fries
These baked zucchini fries are vegan and have a crunchy texture that’s hard to resist. A great way to enjoy zucchini as a snack or side during summer.
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Zucchini Pesto
Use this zucchini pesto for pasta, as a topping for chicken, meat, or fish. It’s a versatile summer recipe that adds a fresh, creative flavor to your meals.
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Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
These zucchini bars use wholesome ingredients and have a lightened-up cream cheese frosting. They’re a great summer treat that’s also gluten-free.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Skillet Zucchini Pesto Pizza
This skillet pizza has a crispy yet chewy crust with layers of basil pesto, mozzarella, zucchini, and ricotta. Perfect for a tasty summer dinner.
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Air Fryer Zucchini
Air fryer zucchini is tender and perfectly roasted. It’s a simple, quick side dish that’s great for summer meals.
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Tex Mex Stuffed Zucchini
Filled with rice, cheese, black beans, corn, and spices, this Tex Mex Stuffed Zucchini is a flavorful vegetarian main dish or a colorful side.
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Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
These double chocolate zucchini muffins are fluffy and packed with flavor. With three cups of shredded zucchini, they’re a great treat that everyone will love.
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Zucchini Banana Bread
This mash-up of zucchini bread and banana bread is quick to prepare. A great choice for a tasty, protein-packed summer snack.
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Summer Squash Soup
This summer squash soup with coconut milk and spices is light and refreshing. It’s a great vegan option that uses patty pan squash for a unique flavor.
Get the Recipe: Summer Squash Soup
Zucchini Lasagna Recipe
This healthy zucchini lasagna with meat is great for a lighter dinner. Cheesy and delicious, it’s a perfect no-noodle option for lasagna lovers.
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Chicken Zucchini Fritters Recipe
These crispy chicken zucchini fritters are perfect as a main course or appetizer. Packed with zucchini, they’re juicy and tender, and easy to prepare.
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Savory Zucchini Waffles
These savory zucchini waffles are a healthy addition to breakfast, brunch, or dinner. They’re a great way to use up summer zucchini from your garden.
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Baked Zucchini Slices With Seasoning
If you like roasted vegetables, these baked zucchini slices are a must-try. Simple, healthy, and crispy without any breading.
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini Slices With Seasoning
Chicken Zucchini Casserole
This chicken zucchini casserole might become your favorite zucchini recipe. A hearty and comforting dish for any meal.
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Creamy Zucchini Soup
This light and refreshing zucchini soup is loaded with garden-fresh flavors. It’s great as a main course or appetizer, served hot or cold.
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Zucchini Lasagna Rolls
Zucchini Lasagna Rolls combine creamy ricotta cheese and rich tomato sauce. Perfectly portioned and low-carb, it’s a fun summer dish.
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Zucchini and Potato Casserole
This zucchini potato casserole is easy to prep and perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and mid-week meals. Naturally vegan and can be made gluten-free.
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Summer Zucchini Frittata
This summery zucchini frittata with sweet corn and cherry tomatoes is light and flavorful. Cottage cheese adds a protein boost.
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Caprese Zucchini Cups
These caprese zucchini cups are fun appetizers bursting with fresh Italian flavor. Serve them hot or cold for any occasion.
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Mediterranean Zucchini Spaghetti
A quick and easy Mediterranean side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It also works as a vegetarian main dish!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Zucchini Spaghetti
Zucchini Pizza Bites Recipe
Answer that pizza craving with these low-carb zucchini pizza bites. Nutrient-dense and loaded with flavor, they’re a hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pizza Bites Recipe
Zucchini Puff Pastry Tart
This cheesy zucchini puff pastry tart is easy to make and looks fancy enough for parties. It’s garlicky, herby, and a bit spicy.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Puff Pastry Tart
Roasted Zucchini Rolls with Guacamole
These roasted zucchini rolls with guacamole are a light appetizer or side. Perfect for brunch or as a swap for avocado toast.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Zucchini Rolls with Guacamole
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.