30 Creative Zucchini Recipes That Go Beyond Zoodles

If you're looking for a versatile summer veggie, the number of different zucchini recipes you can make proves it's one of the season's greatest gifts.

"Zucchini nutrition is high and it's low in calories," says Maggie Michalczyk, RD. This nutrient-dense veggie offers vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Plus, the green veggie naturally has a lot of water, which can help keep you hydrated.

The best news is, there are many ways to savor summer zucchini outside of making zoodles. Here are our favorite zucchini recipes from around the web — sweet, savory and everything in between.

Use that last zucchini you have to bake these yummy chocolate-forward muffins. Sweetened with chocolate chips, a bit of sugar, banana, pure vanilla and almond extracts and cinnamon, these muffins will become a new favorite in your home.

"I love treats that add a nutritious twist, which is exactly what these muffins do! The zucchini adds texture and nutrition with you barely noticing it's there," says Michalczyk.

This twist on baba ghanoush is the perfect way to use your last few zucchini.

"Because zucchini has such a mild taste, you won't even be able to tell it's in this recipe," Michalczyk says. "But you will be getting more vitamins and minerals per bite."

Plus, this zucchini recipe is low in carbs and takes just 25 minutes to come together. Add some spices, like cumin and smoked paprika, for a spicy kick.

Combine your zucchini with a food high in protein and some leafy greens to give you a more well-rounded meal with this simple recipe.

"This is a great way to use end-of-summer zucchini and tomatoes," Michalczy says. "It makes for a great quick meal that's high in protein and fiber from all the veggies." Swapping zucchini for potatoes is one way to lower the carbs in a hash recipe.

If you never thought about adding zucchini to a smoothie recipe, think again. It's actually a perfect ingredient for smoothies because it has a smooth texture, a lot of water and an almost unnoticeable taste.

"Move over cauliflower, because we should actually be putting zucchini in our smoothies," Michalczyk says. "Its taste is super mild so you'll get more of the fruit flavors, plus nutrition from the zucchini."

Pair it with some protein and drink it post-workout, as the zucchini and coconut water will help replenish lost electrolytes.

Make your own low-carb bruschetta with this zucchini recipe, which foregoes the bread and features toasted zucchini as the base.

"This recipe is so great because it incorporates tomatoes, and you can get creative by topping the zucchini with different spreads and veggies," Michalczyk says.

Adding grilled zucchini to your veggie burger is a quick and nutrient-dense lunchtime option. This recipe takes a total of 20 minutes to prepare,

You can also add other toppings like fresh avocado or some Greek yogurt dressing.

We'll admit, these zucchini fries take a little bit of time to prepare. But they are much more nutritious than deep-fried potato fries and the garlicky taste is so satisfying, they'll quickly become a favorite.

You'll get 3 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein and about 100 calories per serving — not too bad for a yummy side dish!

If you're into the idea of low-carb pizza, try this zucchini recipe that uses the green veggie as a base. Top this pizza with any additions you like, such as cheese or fresh herbs.

To avoid a soggy pizza dough when using zuchinni, be sure to drain as much water out as possible. Failing to do so will result in a flimsy crust that doesn't hold up.

Oatmeal isn't just for sweet flavors, and really, you can enjoy it any time of day. In fact, oats are full of B vitamins, fiber and minerals because they're a whole grain, a food group most of us could use more of, according to the USDA.

Try this out-of-the-box zucchini recipe and make a savory bowl when you want a snack or post-workout meal high in complex carbohydrates and protein.

This mason jar salad recipe contains a hearty combination of fresh vegetables and herbs that give it a burst of vibrant color. Juicy tomatoes and sweet corn are complimented well with the mild flavors of zucchini and mint.

"The fat content is high in this salad, so consider using less olive oil or replacing it with a low-fat salad dressing," says Andrea Mathis, RD.

Zucchini and summer squash are the star of these veggie tacos (and the guac, of course). You can chopped cilantro or other greens and Mexican cheese — queso fresco — to make the dish complete.

Including these veggies as the main ingredient adds fiber which keeps you fuller for longer, Mathis says.

Zucchini boats are such a satisfying way to eat the summer veggie. All you have to do is slice and carve the inside and then stuff with your favorite toppings. This particular version has flavorful barbecue chicken, a bit of cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Thanks to the chicken, you'll get some satiating protein from this zucchini recipe. "This one is a great option for gluten-free and low-carb diets," Mathis says.

These fritters are made with both chicken and zucchini for a veggie and protein bite that's quick, nutritious and certified kid-friendly. Chives, ricotta cheese and pressed garlic give them flavor and texture.

You can use whatever ground meat you have in the fridge: Ground chicken or turkey are great, lean options.

Made in the air-fryer, these zucchini "chips" are a great way to add more veggies to your diet in the form of a satisfying crunchy snack.

"If you have a nut allergy, substitute the almond flour for coconut flour and the pecans for sunflower seeds," Mathis says.

This classic recipe is made with red bell peppers and tomatoes. "Both of these veggies are high in vitamin C and potassium," Mathis says.

Ratatouille starts with a base of tomatoes and garlic, then a mix of sliced zucchini, squash and sometimes eggplant. Fresh thyme, basil or parsley (whatever's in your fridge works!) add an earthy final touch to the dish.

With all that plant power, you certainly can't go wrong with this zucchini recipe.

This pasta casserole is a hearty meal that'll satisfy your desire for comfort food. You can also take comfort in the fact that you're getting protein and B vitamins from the chicken, plus fiber and other nutrients from the corn and zucchini.

Even though this zucchini casserole has a healthy dose of veggies, it's pretty high in sodium. "I would recommend using low-sodium chicken broth and using less salt than the recipe calls for," Mathis says.

With this simple recipe, you don't even have to cook the zucchini!

Using thinly-sliced raw zucchini is a lighter option than veggie wraps made with wheat, and they offer fewer carbs. The kale pesto gives them a tasty flavor, making these wraps a great bite for parties or dinner gatherings.

This zucchini recipe gives you a low-carb, nutrient-dense alternative for taco Tuesday night. You can fill them with meat, beans or any of your other favorite vegetables and taco toppings.

"Adding avocado helps to make this dish more filling by providing a source of healthy fats and fiber," Mathis says.

A warm salad is a great way to use your last few summer zucchini. Light up the grill and toast your sliced veggies on for a smoky delicious flavor.

"This grilled vegetable salad is a great vegetarian meal option that's simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights," Mathis says. "Eggplant gives you antioxidants like vitamins A and C and natural plant chemicals called polyphenols, which are linked to better heart health."

These stuffed mushrooms are filled with veggies like zucchini, celery and red bell peppers. "Red bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C and A, which both serve as antioxidants," Mathis says.

The creamy blue cheese gives them such a rich flavor and texture, you'll want to make them again and again.

This simple zucchini recipe is the most delicious way to enjoy the fresh summer veggie. With only 10 minutes of prep, you can have a fancy and tasty side dish to serve with a meat-based protein or vegetarian entrée for a super satisfying meal.

To make this pie gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose baking mix in lieu of Bisquick, Mia Syn, RD of Nutrition by Mia says.

This zucchini recipe is for those that want to make the low-carb version of fries but don't have a deep fryer or air fryer.

"The almond flour breading in this recipe gives a crispy texture and keeps the carbs low, all while adding plant protein and good fats," Syn says.

This soup is full of plant protein thanks to quinoa and beans. "I recommend adding a serving or two of dark leafy greens like kale or collard greens. This will give you even more nutrients, like vitamin K, vitamin C and beta-carotene," Syn says.

If you're looking for a breakfast zucchini recipe, reach for these egg "muffins" featuring the green nutritious veggie. These muffins don't have the carbs your average muffin has, but they're high in nutrients.

Using both whole eggs and egg whites keeps the protein high and fat content low, Syn says. This recipe is also dairy-free and can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.

Simple ingredients come together in this yummy casserole.

You'll enjoy the flavor of pizza minus the extra carbs, and the pepperoni offers protein. "For a meatless take, replace the pepperoni with your favorite sautéed vegetables," Syn suggests.

Baking up this deliciously flaky tart featuring zucchini and tomato is a great way to celebrate the seasons best produce.

"Although vegetables are the star of this dish, the addition of store-bought pie crust makes this dish higher in carbs," Syn says. Instead, you can opt to make your own pie crust at home to avoid the saturated fat.

If you're eating a keto or low-carb diet, this spin on potato skins is sure to be a hit. Topped with bacon and sour cream, they're just as tasty as they are nutritious.

You'll get some protein, fat and plant nutrients with these veggie-forward bites. "For a creamy topping without the dairy, consider diced avocado," Syn says.

If you're a fan of cooking veggies in flavorful sauces, go for this zucchini recipe, which comes together with a jar of any pasta sauce you like.

"This versatile dish can be served over the recommended polenta or even pasta, gnocchi, grilled chicken or mashed potatoes," Syn says.

Bring a bowl of nutrient-dense comfort to the table with this zucchini soup recipe that also features carrots as a main ingredient.

This dairy-free soup is packed with flavorful, health-supporting spices and ingredients including ginger, cumin, turmeric and coriander "This spice combination is antiinflammatory and may help with digestion," Syn says.

This one-skillet side dish is perfect for a quick and flavorful serving of vegetables. The garlicky, umami flavor pairs well alongside a protein-rich option, like salmon or chicken. The best part is, the whole dish comes together in just under 30 minutes.

Consider using chicken or vegetable broth to add even more flavor to the finished product.