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.

A pizza with pesto and zucchini on top.
Zucchini Pesto Pizza. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
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Stuffed Round Zucchini

Quinoa stuffed round zucchini in a baking dish.
Stuffed Round Zucchini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Round zucchini is great for stuffing and baking. Perfect for late summer, this healthy side dish adds a creative touch to your table.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Round Zucchini

Zucchini Fries

Vegan breaded zucchini fries with dipping sauce on a white plate.
Zucchini Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fries

Zucchini Pesto

Zucchini pesto on linguine with shaved parmesan.
Zucchini Pesto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pesto

Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Zucchini bars with cream cheese frosting on a white plate.
Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

White pesto pizza with zucchini on a wooden surface.
Skillet Zucchini Pesto Pizza. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This skillet pizza has a crispy yet chewy crust with layers of basil pesto, mozzarella, zucchini, and ricotta. Perfect for a tasty summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Zucchini Pesto Pizza

Air Fryer Zucchini

Air Fryer Zucchini. Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

Air fryer zucchini is tender and perfectly roasted. It’s a simple, quick side dish that’s great for summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini

Tex Mex Stuffed Zucchini

Tex Mex Stuffed Zucchini. Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

Filled with rice, cheese, black beans, corn, and spices, this Tex Mex Stuffed Zucchini is a flavorful vegetarian main dish or a colorful side.
Get the Recipe: Tex Mex Stuffed Zucchini

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins. Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

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.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Zucchini Banana Bread

Zucchini Banana Bread. Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

This mash-up of zucchini bread and banana bread is quick to prepare. A great choice for a tasty, protein-packed summer snack.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Banana Bread

Summer Squash Soup

Summer Squash Soup. Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

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

Zucchini Lasagna Recipe. Photo credit: The Clean Eating Couple.

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.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Lasagna Recipe

Chicken Zucchini Fritters Recipe

Chicken Zucchini Fritters Recipe. Photo credit: She Wants To Be Good.

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.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zucchini Fritters Recipe

Savory Zucchini Waffles

Savory Zucchini Waffles. Photo credit: She Wants To Be Good.

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.
Get the Recipe: Savory Zucchini Waffles

Baked Zucchini Slices With Seasoning

Baked Zucchini Slices With Seasoning. Photo credit: The Yummy Bowl.

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

Chicken Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: The Yummy Bowl.

This chicken zucchini casserole might become your favorite zucchini recipe. A hearty and comforting dish for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zucchini Casserole

Creamy Zucchini Soup

Creamy Zucchini Soup. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

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.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Zucchini Soup

Zucchini Lasagna Rolls

Zucchini Lasagna Rolls. Photo credit: Foolproof Living.

Zucchini Lasagna Rolls combine creamy ricotta cheese and rich tomato sauce. Perfectly portioned and low-carb, it’s a fun summer dish.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Lasagna Rolls

Zucchini and Potato Casserole

Zucchini and Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Plant-Based on a Budget.

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.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini and Potato Casserole

Summer Zucchini Frittata

Summer Zucchini Frittata. Photo credit: From Valerie’s Kitchen.

This summery zucchini frittata with sweet corn and cherry tomatoes is light and flavorful. Cottage cheese adds a protein boost.
Get the Recipe: Summer Zucchini Frittata

Caprese Zucchini Cups

Caprese Zucchini Cups. Photo credit: LikeHotKeto.

These caprese zucchini cups are fun appetizers bursting with fresh Italian flavor. Serve them hot or cold for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Zucchini Cups

Mediterranean Zucchini Spaghetti

Mediterranean Zucchini Spaghetti. Photo credit: Parsley & Parm.

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

Zucchini Pizza Bites Recipe. Photo credit: Debra Klein.

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

Zucchini Puff Pastry Tart. Photo credit: The Healthful Ideas.

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

Roasted Zucchini Rolls with Guacamole. Photo credit: The Healthful Ideas.

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

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

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.

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