Everyone’s been in that spot with way too much zucchini and no idea what to do with it besides the usual suspects. You’ve grilled it, sautéed it, maybe made a loaf of bread or two, but now it’s just piling up. Zucchini is easy to grow and even easier to end up with more than you need. The trick is finding new ways to use it that don’t feel like a repeat of last night’s dinner. This list does just that.

A slice of vegetable quiche on a white plate, garnished with mint leaves, with a fork resting beside it.
Photo credit: A Baking Journey.
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Bruschetta Stuffed Zucchini

Bruschetta Stuffed Zucchini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Fresh bruschetta packed into zucchini boats makes this one perfect for summer snacking or a light dinner. The herby breadcrumbs add texture without making things heavy, and it’s a great reminder that zucchini doesn’t have to be boring to pull its weight in a crowd-pleasing dish.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Stuffed Zucchini

Stuffed Round Zucchini

Stuffed Round Zucchini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Using round zucchini makes this recipe stand out and helps switch up the routine. Stuffing them turns your extra squash into a baked side dish that feels substantial enough to show up anywhere on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Round Zucchini

Zucchini Fries

Zucchini Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These oven-baked fries crisp up nicely and are easy to prep for a side dish or midday snack. It’s a simple way to put all that zucchini to good use without just throwing it in a stir-fry again.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fries

Zucchini Ricotta Bake

Zucchini Ricotta Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This bake layers zucchini with creamy ricotta for a lasagna-style meal that skips the pasta and cuts down on prep. It’s hearty enough for dinner but still makes the most of summer produce.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Ricotta Bake

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tossed with garlic and cooked until crisp, these chips come together quickly in the air fryer. They’re great when you want something crunchy but still want to make a dent in the zucchini pile.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Cream Sauce

Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Cream Sauce. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This dish keeps things light but filling thanks to a creamy avocado sauce. The noodles hold up well and can easily be turned into a full meal with leftover grilled chicken or shrimp.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Cream Sauce

Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Tomato Sauce

Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted tomato basil sauce coats the zucchini noodles in a way that actually sticks, making this a strong choice when you want something comforting but not heavy.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Tomato Sauce

Zucchini Pesto

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

Zucchini adds bulk to this pesto without dulling the flavor. It works tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or spooned over grilled chicken. Great for stretching a bumper crop and not wasting a thing.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pesto

Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles

Thai zucchini noodles with chicken and cashews.
Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These noodles come coated in a creamy Thai peanut sauce and turn out better than takeout. Chicken adds staying power, and the zucchini keeps it all from feeling too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles

Banana Zucchini Muffins

Mini banana zucchini muffins on a plate.
Banana Zucchini Muffins. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Moist and just sweet enough, these muffins work well for snacks or breakfast. Zucchini disappears into the batter, so it’s a good way to use it up without making it the focus.
Get the Recipe: Banana Zucchini Muffins

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 bars cut back on sugar and oil but still hold their shape with a light frosting. They’re great for using zucchini in something sweet that doesn’t scream vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Skillet Zucchini Pizza

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

This pizza comes together in a skillet with layers of pesto, ricotta, mozzarella, and zucchini. It bakes up with a crisp crust and is a clever way to work zucchini into pizza night without making it weird.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Zucchini Pizza

Arrabbiata Zucchini Noodles

Arrabbiata Zucchini Noodles. Photo credit: Kim Schob.

This one leans into spice with a bold arrabbiata sauce. The zucchini noodles soak it up well, making it a solid pick for when you’re over plain pasta but still want something familiar.
Get the Recipe: Arrabbiata Zucchini Noodles

Shredded Sautéed Zucchini with Parmesan

Shredded Sautéed Zucchini with Parmesan. Photo credit: Modern Honey.

Shredded zucchini cooks fast in a skillet and pairs well with garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s a reliable side for meat or fish and an easy way to knock out some of that summer zucchini.
Get the Recipe: Shredded Sautéed Zucchini with Parmesan

Tex Mex Stuffed Zucchini Boats with King Oscar Sardines

Tex Mex Stuffed Zucchini Boats with King Oscar Sardines. Photo credit: Killing Thyme.

These boats load up on protein with sardines, beans, and spices for a Tex Mex flavor that works as a full dinner. It’s a bold take that makes zucchini way more exciting than usual.
Get the Recipe: Tex Mex Stuffed Zucchini Boats with King Oscar Sardines

Zucchini Quiche with Feta and Mint

Zucchini Quiche with Feta and Mint. Photo credit: A Baking Journey.

This quiche keeps things fresh with mint and salty feta. It’s easy to prep ahead and works for breakfast, brunch, or whatever’s happening at your table midweek.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Quiche with Feta and Mint

Summer Zucchini Frittata

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

Packed with vegetables like sweet corn and cherry tomatoes, this frittata uses cottage cheese to add protein and stay light. It’s a great way to make the most of zucchini without defaulting to bread or muffins.
Get the Recipe: Summer Zucchini Frittata

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Zucchini Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Wholesome Made Easy.

A zucchini crust supports the meat and cheese topping in this casserole that feels like pizza but skips the dough. It’s practical when you want something fun without rolling out anything.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Skillet Parmesan Chicken and Zucchini

Skillet Parmesan Chicken and Zucchini. Photo credit: Wholesome Made Easy.

This one-pan dinner brings crispy chicken and sautéed zucchini together in under 30 minutes. It’s great for busy nights and uses summer squash in a way that doesn’t feel repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Parmesan Chicken and Zucchini

Zucchini Pizza Bites

Zucchini Pizza Bites. Photo credit: Debra Klein.

Mini zucchini slices stand in for crust in these quick pizza bites. They bake fast and are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or getting kids to eat something green without complaining.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pizza Bites

Grilled Zucchini Stack

Grilled Zucchini Stack. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Layered with creamy ricotta and tangy green tomatoes, these grilled stacks are easy to prep and look like you tried a little harder than you did. It’s a smart move when you’ve got too much zucchini and want something that actually feels like a dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini Stack

Zucchini Linguine

Zucchini Linguine. Photo credit: Add Salt & Serve.

Zucchini melts into the sauce in this one-pot pasta dinner that keeps cleanup simple. It’s a solid pick for nights when you want comfort food without veering into heavy territory.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Linguine

Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef & Rice

Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef & Rice. Photo credit: Add Salt & Serve.

These hearty boats are packed with beef and rice, then baked for a full meal in one pan. They freeze well too, which means that zucchini surplus can finally work in your favor.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef & Rice

Italian Zucchini Latkes

Italian Zucchini Latkes. Photo credit: Danas Table.

Pan-fried and crispy with plenty of herbs and cheese, these savory latkes are perfect when you’re tired of muffins and need something with bite. They’re great as a side or snack and easy to batch.
Get the Recipe: Italian Zucchini Latkes

Miso Glazed Zucchini on the Grill

Miso Glazed Zucchini on the Grill. Photo credit: Foxes Love Lemons.

Grilled zucchini slices brushed with miso get caramelized on the edges and come together in minutes. They pair with just about anything and use up zucchini in a way that holds its own next to grilled meat.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Zucchini on the Grill

Founder and Writer at  | 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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