Upon returning from my August vacation, I was overwhelmed with an abundance of zucchini in my garden. Knowing the health benefits of zucchini, plus all the time and energy I had put into my garden, I didn’t want to waste any of it.

We have been enjoying this versatile summer squash in main dishes, soups, salads and snacks. I wanted to share some of our favorite zucchini recipes with you!

Health Benefits of Zucchini

Zucchini is rich in many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, according to Healthline. Zucchini has 12 evidence-based benefits, including aiding in healthy digestion, reducing blood sugar levels, improving heart, vision, thyroid, and prostate health.  
Anthony William from medicalmedium.com states that zucchini is a highly alkaline food, rich in vitamins A, C and B as well as the minerals iron, zinc, potassium and manganese. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in zucchini help protect the body from aging, illness and disease. Zucchini also has anti-inflammatory compounds, making it a highly nutritious food that can easily be added to salads, soups, stir-frys and wraps. 

Healthy Zucchini Recipes

Here are 9 zucchini recipes to help you use all your zucchini this summer! With such a variety of recipes, your family won’t even know they are eating zucchini every day: it can be steamed, baked, roasted, sautéed and eaten raw. If you need a fresh take on zucchini, try one of these gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free recipes. 

Main Dish

Veggie Lasagna – Enjoy this healthier take on a traditional family favorite recipe. Potatoes and zucchini are used instead of pasta, and cashew cream replaces the cheese.

Black Bean Burgers – There is 1 cup of shredded zucchini in these vegan black bean burgers. Use the ranch dressing listed below for a delicious sauce to serve with this vegan burger. I usually double the batch and put half in the freezer.

Easy Crockpot Ratatouille – This is the quick and simple version for this delicious dish. The flavors of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, red pepper, and herbs fully develop as they slow cook together.

Soup

Italian Zucchini Soup – This flavorful soup served with a salad makes a delicious meal. I was hoping for leftovers with this recipe, but everyone had seconds eating it up in one meal.

Easy Creamy Zucchini Soup –  If you have extra zucchini this is a quick and easy recipe that uses a lot of zucchini. It reminds our family of a lighter split pea soup.

Salad

Roasted Veggie Pasta – Raw or roasted zucchini can be added to most salads. This delicious recipe is one I posted last year which includes 1 cup of roasted zucchini.

2 Creamy Salad Dressings Made With Zucchini Instead of Oil – Ginger Tahini Dressing and Ranch Dressing are easy dressings that can be served on any green salad or used as a sauce with the Black Bean Burgers or Carrot, Zucchini Potato Patties.

Snacks

Carrot, Zucchini, Potato Patties – I enjoy eating these patties with a large green salad. They keep well in the refrigerator for several days, and are an easy travelling snack.

Autumn Spiced Zucchini Bread (gluten free and vegan) – I typically don’t make or eat much bread. But something inside me wanted to make a healthy zucchini bread without the eggs and wheat, plus lower in oil and sugar. This spiced bread with fresh ginger is delicious.

If you’re looking for winter squash recipes be sure to check out Lentil-stuffed Squash with Herbs & Mushrooms, Dinner in a “Pumpkin”, Holiday Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf or Butternut Squash & Pear Salad.