It’s a sure bet that summer has arrived when the weather is warmer, the kids are home from school, and, of course, the garden is overflowing with fresh zucchini. This versatile, nutrient-rich squash has a mild flavor and moist, semi-firm texture that can be chopped, cooked, and decked out with flavor countless ways. We’ve rounded up 30 of our favorite recipes showcasing the seasonal green star. Don’t be surprised if a few make you say, “I didn’t know a zucchini could do that!” 
Zucchini Butter
A schmear of this simple compound butter with grated zucchini and garlic on crusty bread is the perfect start to any summer meal. Prep it in just five minutes, then toss it in the fridge for a seasonal snack, anytime.
Get the recipe: Zucchini Butter
Air Fryer Squash Curly Fries with Za’atar
An air fryer turns fresh zucchini and yellow summer squash into your burgers’ new best friend. Spiralized veggie “fries” get flavor and crunch from a panko breadcrumb coating with nutty za’atar seasoning.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Squash Curly Fries with Za’atar
Zucchini Pizza Boats
If you’re craving pizza, but limiting carbs, it’s zucchini to the rescue. Roasted zucchini halves topped with sauce, cheese, and mini pepperoni are a tasty way to get more veggies on the table and more rave reviews at dinner.
Get the recipe: Zucchini Pizza Boats
Grilled Ratatouille
Fresh zucchini and a medley of summer veggies hit the backyard barbecue in this reimagined version of a French classic. Grilled ratatouille works as vegan-friendly main, eye-catching side, or even a plant-powered breakfast.
Get the recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Old-Fashioned Onion Meatloaf with Shredded Zucchini
Yes, you read that correctly. Freshly grated zucchini and carrots are the secret weapons in this ultra-moist and savory meatloaf that makes enough for sandwiches later in the week.
Get the recipe: Old-Fashioned Onion Meatloaf with Shredded Zucchini
Grilled Hummus and Zucchini Pizza
Take your pizza night into unexpected territory with this one-of-a-kind slice served hot off the barbecue. Red pepper hummus serves as the sauce on top of individual grilled pies topped with smoky grilled zucchini.
Get the recipe: Grilled Hummus and Zucchini Pizza
Zucchini-Cheddar Quick Bread
This loaf ain’t your grandma’s zucchini bread. We cranked up the flavor on the classic quick bread by adding sharp cheddar, meaty pancetta, and fresh chives.
Get the recipe: Zucchini-Cheddar Quick Bread
Fresh Zucchini Tart with Herbs
Whip up a showstopping summer brunch main or plant-powered lunch without breaking a sweat. Frozen puff pastry makes a no-fuss crust for this French-inspired tart with fresh zucchini, walnuts, and herbs de Provence.
Get the recipe: Fresh Zucchini Tart with Herbs
Grilled Cheese with Zucchini and Pesto
Who says grilled cheese is just for kids? This decidedly grownup version stars thin planks of grilled zucchini stacked with salami, pesto, and mozzarella on grilled sourdough bread.
Get the recipe: Grilled Cheese with Zucchini and Pesto
Farfalle with Caramelized Onions and Zucchini
Add this to zucchini’s impressive resume: pasta sauce. Shredded zucchini and caramelized onion cook down to a savory, umami-rich topping that’s irresistible over farfalle noodles.
Get the recipe: Farfalle with Caramelized Onions and Zucchini
Ham and Zucchini Quiche
This back pocket recipe, aka the one you whip up for unexpected guests, relies on ingredients that are likely already in the kitchen. Frozen pie dough fast-tracks prep for a hearty quiche with fresh zucchini, deli ham, and cheese that’s delicious served at any temperature, any time of day.
Get the recipe: Ham and Zucchini Quiche
Grilled Pizzas with Zucchini and Peppers
These pizzas with a duo of summer veggies and two kinds of cheese are inspired by a Rhode Island restaurant favorite. Shreds of fresh zucchini and mozzarella combined with grilled peppers and mild ricotta add layers of flavor to individual pies served hot off the grill.
Get the recipe: Grilled Pizzas with Zucchini and Peppers
Turkey Sausage with Roasted Tomatoes with Zucchini Noodles
This colorful weeknight winner is low in carbs, loaded with nutrients, and a breeze to make from prep through cleanup. A foil-lined sheet pan does most of the work for this combo of oven-roasted tomatoes and smoked turkey sausage served on a bed of zucchini noodles.
Get the recipe: Turkey Sausage with Roasted Tomatoes with Zucchini Noodles
Grilled Stuffed Zucchini
If you’re stuck on repeat with weeknight dinners or find yourself wishing for something new to throw on the grill, this 5-ingredient recipe is the solution. Diced ham, cheddar cheese, and rice turn grilled zucchini halves into a complete meal-in-one.
Get the recipe: Grilled Stuffed Zucchini
Zucchini and Asparagus Salad with Tuna
You’ll never miss the mayo in this lean, green take on tuna salad. Grilled zucchini and asparagus upgrade canned tuna tossed in white balsamic vinaigrette and finished with a sprinkle of crunchy pistachios.
Get the recipe: Zucchini and Asparagus Salad with Tuna
Cheesy Zucchini Tots
Move over, ‘taters, there’s a new tot in town. Mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasoned breadcrumbs help transform grated zucchini into kid-friendly nuggets that keep in the freezer for up to two months.
Get the recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Tots
Teriyaki Salmon Burger with Zoodle Salad
If you think you’ve had it all when it comes to burgers and salad, this light but satisfying meal might change your mind. Zucchini noodles tossed with a homemade sesame dressing complement the Asian-inspired flavor of salmon burgers brushed with tangy teriyaki sauce.
Get the recipe: Teriyaki Salmon Burger with Zoodle Salad
Sauteed Zucchini with Garlic Butter
When fresh zucchini is at its peak, it doesn’t require much to shine. This four-ingredient recipe spotlights the squash’s mildly sweet, earthy flavor with a simple dressing of garlic-butter and parsley.
Get the recipe: Sauteed Zucchini with Garlic Butter
Orzo Salad with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Picnics, potlucks, cookouts – there’s no wrong occasion for this make-ahead friendly side. The mix of Kalamata olives, tomatoes, and zucchini ribbons tossed with orzo and fresh dill is delicious served at any temperature and tastes even better the longer it sits.
Get the recipe: Orzo Salad with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Gluten-free Zucchini Brownies
No one will suspect grated zucchini is the secret ingredient that keeps these fudgy brownies ultra-moist. Made with a combo of almond flour and coconut flour, they’re a perfect treat for gluten-free chocolate-lovers.
Get the recipe: Gluten-free Zucchini Brownies
Zucchini with Corn and Cheese
This bowlful of summer flavor is inspired by calabacitas con elote, a popular Mexican side dish. Peak season zucchini, corn, and tomatoes tossed with garlic, onion, and mild cotija cheese works alongside any grilled main and makes a tasty plant-powered filling for tacos.
Get the recipe: Zucchini with Corn and Cheese
Grilled Zucchini with Blue Cheese and Lemon
Fresh zucchini served hot off the grill is a summer staple, but you’ve never had it like this before. Crumbled blue cheese, fresh lemon, and crunchy pine nuts add a pop of flavor and crunch to this versatile cookout side.
Get the recipe: Grilled Zucchini with Blue Cheese and Lemon
Curried Chickpea Bowl
For a plant-powered taste of India any night of the week, look no further than these veggie-packed bowls. Curry powder, coconut milk, and fresh ginger add authentic flavor to a combo of zucchini, cauliflower, and chickpeas served over couscous.
Get the recipe: Curried Chickpea Bowl
Grilled Steak with Zucchini Rice Salad
This company-worthy summer supper hits the table in less than 25 minutes. A refreshing rice salad with grated zucchini, arugula, and Parmesan pairs perfectly with simply grilled boneless strip steak.
Get the recipe: Grilled Steak with Zucchini Rice Salad
Tortilla Chip Casserole with Hidden Zucchini
No one will complain about eating their veggies when they’re disguised as nachos. A nutritious mix of grated zucchini, kidney beans, peppers, onion, and tomatoes bulks up this baked casserole topped with crunchy tortilla chips and melty Mexican cheese blend.
Get the recipe: Tortilla Chip Casserole with Hidden Zucchini
Zucchini Carpaccio
Less is more with this simple but spectacular side starring wide ribbons of fresh zucchini. A quick marinade of fresh lemon juice creates a slightly soft texture with bright, citrus flavor accented by shavings of nutty Parmesan.
Get the recipe: Zucchini Carpaccio
Moroccan Spiced Beef Lettuce Wraps
You won’t believe how much flavor we packed into one palm-sized lettuce wrap. Ras el hanout seasoning adds Moroccan flair to a combination of ground beef, couscous, zucchini, and fresh mint wrapped inside tender leaves of butter lettuce.
Get the recipe: Moroccan Spiced Beef Lettuce Wraps
Zucchini and Millet Salad with Chive Vinaigrette
Millet is an ancient grain with a mild, nutty flavor that intensifies when toasted. Combined with fresh zucchini and a homemade Dijon-chive dressing, it becomes a versatile, easily portable side that works with any cookout or picnic spread.
Get the recipe: Zucchini and Millet Salad with Chive Vinaigrette
Slow Cooker Zucchini Bread
For breakfast, snack time, or dessert, a sweet slice of zucchini bread hits the spot. This easy slow cooker recipe lets you whip up a batch anytime without heating the oven or your kitchen.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Zucchini Bread
Quick Chicken Pad Thai
A combo of rice noodles and fresh zucchini noodles make this lightened-up riff on pad Thai perfect for warm summer nights. Boneless chicken thighs supply the protein in this restaurant-worthy dish flavored with fresh lime, peanuts, and umami-rich fish sauce.
