If, like most folks, you want your family to have healthy dinner recipes on the table, then you're probably looking for ways to add more fresh vegetables on their plates. And in the summer, especially, there's one vegetable in particular worth turning to over and over: zucchini. Zucchini is inexpensive, nutritious, and its mild taste and creamy texture make it incredibly versatile.
Whether you want to make zucchini the centerpiece of a show-stopping quick, easy dinner recipe, give it a turn with your grilling recipes, serve it as a side, or sneak in into kid-friendly meals (see desserts, like these sweet apple muffins), we have a feeling you'll find at least one recipe on our list that'll fill the bill.
🍴 Let us share our favorite recipes from the Country Kitchen to yours.
Haven't spent much time cooking with zucchini before? You're in for a treat. This supercharged summer staple can be cooked and enjoyed in a ton of different ways, and it's bound to change your summer produce game for the better. From classic recipes like zucchini fritters with chili lime mayo to more newfangled options (zucchini cookies with brown butter cream cheese frosting, anyone?), you'll be surprised by the variety you can elicit from this one magical vegetable. And if you're trying to make use of leftover produce, we've also included some easy pasta recipes that will use up lots of veggies in your fridge. We're sure that these healthy zucchini recipes are ones your family won't get tired of any time soon!
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1
Grilled Zucchini and Yellow Squash With Lemon-Scallion Dressing
Add a spicy kick to your grilled veggies with a vibrant jalapeño, lemon, and scallion dressing.
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2
Marinated Zucchini and Yellow Squash Tart
You'll want to put this goat cheese and ricotta spread on just about anything after tasting this tart.
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3
Classic Zucchini Bread
Think of this as the ultimate "use it up" recipe—an easy way to turn a spare zuke or two into a snackably sweet anytime treat. Throw in a handful of nuts or chocolate chips, and it's even better!
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4
Turkey Meatballs Over Zucchini Noodles
"Zoodles" and lean turkey meatballs make this a healthier (but just as delicious!) alternative to spaghetti.
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5
Mushroom and Zucchini Make-Ahead Quiche
You can assemble and bake this on Sunday and have slices to nibble on for the next several lunches.
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6
Pasta with Tomatoes, Zucchini, and Pesto
This summery recipe incorporates classic Italian colors and flavors, creating a light and tasty pasta dish.
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7
Crispy Zucchini Strips
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8
Pasta with Sautéed Peppers, Zucchini, and Smoked Mozzarella
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9
Spaghetti with Roasted Zucchini
It's hard to trump tasty strands of spaghetti, but this zucchini topping just might. Tossed with garlicky homemade bread crumbs, crushed red pepper, oil and salt, and baked until golden brown, it's utterly delectable.
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10
Italian Sausage Stuffed Zucchini
In a bowl, combine chopped cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and breadcrumbs. Spoon mixture into zucchini and drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 425 degrees F until tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
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11
Orzo with Zucchini, Dill, and Feta
Elevate this rice-like pasta from simple side to satisfying main with bright Mediterranean touches: tangy citrus, fragrant dill, and salty cheese.
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12
Sicilian Chicken Breast with Zucchini
Navel oranges give this meal a burst of citrus-y flavor, with delicious grilled zucchini on the side.
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13
Lemony Zucchini, Fresh Garlic, and Parmesan Pizza
This vegetarian pizza with lemony zucchini and fresh garlic is a satisfying option for lunch or dinner.
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14
Penne with Summer Vegetables
This recipe takes advantage of some of summer's best produce to create a light but filling pasta dish.
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15
Pizza with Zucchini
Grilling adds a new texture and flavor to pizza. This vegetarian pie, topped with grilled zucchini, fresh ricotta, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan, is a satisfying mix of colors and flavors. Try our other variations on this quick recipe: Pizza with Sausage and Mushrooms and Pizza with Arugula and Prosciutto (also pictured).
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16
Fish and Zucchini Tacos
This quick and easy recipe uses roasted fish for a healthier take on the usual fried fish taco. Serve with salsa on the side for a fun light meal the whole family will enjoy.
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17
Sweet and Smoky Salmon Kabobs
Just toss salmon chunks and zucchini slices in a bowl of brown sugar and spices and thread them onto skewers for this easy, healthy main-dish grill recipe.
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18
Provençale Arctic Char
This healthy meal combines Arctic char fillets (similar to salmon) with healthy summer veggies and heart-healthy olives.
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19
Tuna Tomato Linguine
Dinner's done in a hurry when you toss linguine with a no-cook sauce of fresh zucchini ribbons, tuna, and capers.
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20
Ravioli and Zucchini Lasagna
For a change of pace, we've replaced standard lasagna noodles with cheese-filled ravioli. Let this dish cool for five to 10 minutes before serving to ensure proper slicing.
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