Zucchini tends to take over in the summer, whether it’s from your own garden or someone else’s. It’s cheap, everywhere, and somehow ends up on your counter in stacks. The challenge is figuring out how to actually use it without getting bored halfway through. These recipes are straightforward, low-effort, and make good use of all that extra squash.
Chocolate Zucchini Bread
This flourless loaf hides a generous amount of shredded zucchini under a rich layer of chocolate flavor. It’s easy to whip up in one bowl, stays moist for days, and makes a great after-school snack or quick breakfast. Perfect for late summer when your counter is covered in squash and you’re craving something sweet without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Bruschetta Stuffed Zucchini
Juicy tomatoes, garlic, and herbs get stuffed into zucchini boats, then topped with crispy breadcrumbs and baked until golden. It’s a fresh, easy dinner that highlights peak-season produce and takes almost no time to pull together. Great for warm nights when turning on the oven feels like a stretch.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Stuffed Zucchini
Grilled Zucchini Stack
Layers of grilled zucchini, creamy ricotta, and tangy green tomatoes stack up into a light but satisfying dish that screams summer. This is a no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for backyard dinners or when you’re bored of salads but still want something cool and easy.
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Stuffed Round Zucchini
These squat little zucchini are easy to hollow out and roast, making them perfect for stuffing with whatever grains, cheese, or leftovers you’ve got. They hold their shape and look impressive on a plate, but take barely any effort. This one’s great for end-of-summer when round zucchini start popping up at markets.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Round Zucchini
Zucchini Fries
Baked until crispy and golden, these no-fry fries let you use up zucchini in a way that actually feels fun. With a crunchy outside and tender center, they’re perfect for dipping, snacking, or serving alongside anything off the grill. Keep them on repeat all season long.
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Zucchini Ricotta Bake
This casserole skips the noodles and keeps the comfort. Sliced zucchini is layered with herbed ricotta and baked until bubbly. It’s perfect for when you want something filling but don’t want to deal with prep-heavy dishes. Leftovers reheat well too, making it a solid weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Ricotta Bake
Almond Zucchini Bread
This version leans into almond flour for a slightly crisp crust and soft center. It’s packed with zucchini, easy to mix, and works for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert with a smear of nut butter. A great go-to for late summer when you’re cycling through loaves like clockwork.
Get the Recipe: Almond Zucchini Bread
Cheesy Zucchini Bread
Stuffed with pepper jack and baked until golden, this savory bread holds up on its own or as a side. It’s hearty without being heavy and makes a great addition to summer cookouts or quick lunches. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to double because the first loaf disappears fast.
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Zucchini Pesto
This bright green sauce puts zucchini front and center without making a big deal about it. Toss it with pasta, spoon it on grilled meat, or use it as a spread. It’s a smart way to burn through a bumper crop without cooking much at all.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pesto
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Thin-sliced zucchini turns crispy in minutes with just a little seasoning and zero breading. Great as a snack or light side when it’s too hot for real cooking. Keep this one in your back pocket for late afternoons or lazy weekends.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Banana Zucchini Muffins
These soft, bite-sized muffins mix bananas and zucchini for a not-too-sweet snack that holds up in lunchboxes. They freeze well and use common pantry ingredients, making them a solid choice when you want to bake without a grocery run.
Get the Recipe: Banana Zucchini Muffins
Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
These bars are a lighter take on the classic dessert, using less oil and a quick homemade frosting. They’re easy to make in a big batch and perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any night you want something sweet but not over-the-top.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Skillet Zucchini Pizza
This pizza skips the delivery and puts your skillet to work. With pesto, zucchini, mozzarella, and dollops of ricotta, it’s cheesy, crisp, and fast. A great way to handle pizza cravings without turning on the oven or waiting for dough to rise.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Zucchini Pizza
Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Cream Sauce
These noodles are light, cool, and easy to make, with a creamy avocado sauce that comes together in minutes. Great as a summer side or a base for grilled chicken, shrimp, or whatever protein you’ve got.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Cream Sauce
Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles
This one-pan dinner is all about speed and flavor. Zucchini noodles are tossed in a creamy peanut sauce with chicken for a quick weeknight meal that keeps it light but doesn’t skimp on taste. Great for hot nights when the idea of real cooking sounds like too much.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles