Zucchini bread? Been there, done that. If you’re ready to shake things up and ditch the predictable, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up the best savory zucchini recipes that will make you forget zucchini bread even existed. From crispy zucchini fries to cheesy stuffed zucchini boats, these recipes will blow your mind and your palate.
Bruschetta Stuffed Zucchini
Fresh bruschetta is packed into zucchini boats and topped with buttery herb breadcrumbs. This simple dish brings a burst of flavor and is great as an appetizer or light meal.
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Stuffed Round Zucchini
Round zucchinis are stuffed and baked, turning them into a fun and nutritious side dish. Perfect for showcasing seasonal zucchini in a hearty way.
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Zucchini Fries
These oven-baked zucchini fries have a crunchy texture that makes them a great snack or side dish. They’re a fun and healthy way to enjoy zucchini.
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Zucchini Ricotta Bake
Layers of zucchini and creamy ricotta create a dish that’s reminiscent of lasagna but much easier to prepare. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for dinner.
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Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
These garlic-flavored zucchini chips are cooked in the air fryer until crispy. They come together quickly and make a great snack, appetizer, or side dish.
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Skillet Zucchini Pesto Pizza
This skillet pizza features a crispy crust topped with basil pesto, mozzarella, zucchini, and ricotta. It’s a quick and satisfying meal for any pizza lover.
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Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Cream Sauce
Zucchini noodles tossed in a creamy avocado sauce make a light yet filling meal. Add grilled shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
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Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Tomato Sauce
These zucchini noodles are mixed with a creamy roasted tomato basil sauce. They’re a great way to enjoy fresh summer zucchini in a simple, flavorful dish.
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Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini pasta coated in a creamy peanut Thai sauce with chicken makes for a healthier take on takeout. It’s packed with flavor and easy to whip up.
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Arrabbiatta Zucchini Noodles Recipe
Zucchini noodles are paired with a spicy arrabbiata sauce, creating a dish that’s both light and full of flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy zucchini as a pasta alternative.
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Shredded Sautéed Zucchini with Parmesan
Shredded fresh zucchini is sautéed until tender and topped with garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs well with beef or chicken for a simple side.
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Tex Mex Stuffed Zucchini Boats with King Oscar Sardines
These Tex Mex stuffed zucchini boats are packed with protein, fiber, and Omega-3s thanks to the addition of sardines. They’re a healthy and flavorful option for a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Tex Mex Stuffed Zucchini Boats with King Oscar Sardines
Baked Zucchini Parmigiana
This lighter version of zucchini Parmigiana is baked to perfection with layers of zucchini, tomato sauce, and creamy Parmesan. It’s a tasty and satisfying meal.
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Grilled Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Grilled zucchini and yellow squash are paired with creamy feta and a squeeze of lemon. This dish is easy to make and packed with flavor, making it great for summer cookouts.
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Ground Turkey Zucchini Lasagna Recipe
This lasagna uses zucchini slices instead of noodles and is filled with ground turkey and cheese. It’s a lighter, yet hearty, version of the classic comfort food.
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Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
This easy stir fry combines chicken and zucchini with other fresh veggies. It’s a quick and healthy meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Zucchini Quiche with Feta and Mint
This quiche is filled with zucchini, feta, and mint, making it a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s also great for parties and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Quiche with Feta and Mint
Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats
These Italian-inspired stuffed zucchini boats are filled with lean ground turkey, fresh veggies, and topped with melted cheese and breadcrumbs. They’re a flavorful and healthy main dish.
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Summer Zucchini Frittata
This frittata is made with zucchini, sweet corn, and cherry tomatoes, along with cottage cheese for extra protein. It’s light, packed with vegetables, and perfect for summer.
Get the Recipe: Summer Zucchini Frittata
Zucchini Pizza Casserole
This casserole features a saucy ground beef and vegetable mixture topped with cheese, all baked over a zucchini crust. It’s a fun and low-carb way to enjoy pizza.
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Skillet Parmesan Chicken and Zucchini
Crispy breaded chicken cutlets and garlicky zucchini cook together in one pan. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Parmesan Chicken and Zucchini
Zucchini Pizza Bites Recipe
These zucchini pizza bites are a great low-carb option to satisfy pizza cravings. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor.
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Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Taco stuffed zucchini boats are filled with meat, veggies, and Mexican seasoning, making them a tasty and nutritious meal.
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Zucchini Pie with Fresh Herbs
This savory pie is packed with fresh zucchini and herbs, along with cheese and eggs. It’s a great dish for breakfast, lunch, or as a side.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pie with Fresh Herbs
Savory Zucchini Muffins
These zucchini muffins are perfect for a savory breakfast, snack, brunch, or light lunch. Made with fresh zucchini and cheese, they’re full of flavor and nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Savory Zucchini Muffins
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.