25 Delicious Zucchini Recipes That Will Make You Love Veggies

If you're swimming in zucchini from the garden or market, the possibilities are endless! You can roast them, grill them, sauté them, spiralize into zucchini noodles, bake them into bread, muffins, or fritters, or even stuff them for a hearty meal. Zucchini also works beautifully in soups, salads, and casseroles. The mild flavor means it takes on whatever seasoning or sauce you add, so it never gets boring. That's why we rounded up 25 of the best zucchini recipes to keep you inspired all season long.

The best way to cook zucchini depends on your mood! Roasting and grilling bring out a smoky, caramelized flavor, while sautéing keeps things quick and light. Baking it into bread or muffins adds moisture and a subtle sweetness. The key is not to overcook zucchini - it's best when it's tender but still has a little bite.

Nope, no need! Zucchini skin is thin, tender, and completely edible. It adds extra nutrients and color to your dish, so leave it on. Just give the zucchini a good wash before using, and you're good to go.

Zucchini is a blank canvas, so it pairs well with tons of seasonings. The classics include garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, which bring out its natural sweetness. For a bold twist, try chili flakes, smoked paprika, or cumin for a little heat and depth. Lemon zest or juice adds brightness, while fresh herbs like basil and parsley give it freshness. The best part is that this summer squash works with just about any cuisine - from Mexican spices like taco seasoning to Asian-inspired soy sauce and ginger.

The secret to great-tasting zucchini is all in how you cook and season it. High-heat methods like roasting, grilling, or pan-searing bring out its natural sweetness and give it caramelized edges that add tons of flavor. Proper seasoning with garlic, herbs, or spices makes a huge difference. Pairing zucchini with bold ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, or lemon also elevates the taste. Avoid overcooking - tender-crisp zucchini has a better texture and flavor than mushy zucchini. With the right method, even picky eaters end up loving it!

Soaking zucchini in salt water isn't necessary, but salting does help if you want to reduce excess moisture. A quick method is sprinkling sliced zucchini with salt, letting it sit for 10-15 minutes, then patting it dry with paper towels. This draws out some of the water and prevents dishes like fritters, casseroles, or baked zucchini from turning soggy. Soaking in salt water for longer isn't needed unless you're preparing zucchini in a way where texture really matters, like grilling or frying.

Zucchini holds a lot of water, which can sometimes make recipes watery. To fix this, sprinkle sliced or shredded zucchini with salt and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then squeeze or pat dry to release excess moisture. For shredded zucchini (like in breads or fritters), place it in a clean kitchen towel and wring out the liquid. Roasting or grilling at high heat also helps evaporate water and concentrate flavor. This simple step ensures your zucchini recipes come out crisp, not soggy.

Because zucchini is mild and slightly sweet, it pairs beautifully with both bold and fresh flavors. Tomatoes, garlic, lemon, and cheese (Parmesan, mozzarella, or feta) are classic pairings. It also goes well with onions, bell peppers, and corn for colorful veggie dishes. For proteins, try chicken, steak, shrimp, burgers, or beans for plant-based meals. Zucchini also pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or grains to bulk up meals. Its versatility means it works equally well in Mediterranean, Mexican, Italian, or Asian-inspired recipes.

Fresh herbs are a game changer when cooking zucchini. Fresh basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme bring out Italian-inspired flavors, while cilantro adds brightness to Mexican dishes. Dill and chives give it a fresh, delicate touch, and rosemary adds earthiness when roasting. Even mint can work in zucchini salads for a refreshing twist. If you're short on fresh herbs, dried Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence add plenty of depth. No matter which you choose, herbs elevate zucchini from simple to spectacular.

The trick is cooking it quickly and over high heat. Roasting at a high temperature, grilling, or a fast sauté helps the zucchini keep its texture. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the zucchini can brown instead of steam. If you're baking zucchini into bread or muffins, be sure to squeeze out any excess water first.