Creative Zucchini Recipes For Summer Cooking

If you've ever tried growing zucchini, then you're well aware of what happens late in the summer months — you've got an endless supply of these green, cylindrical vegetables and are running out of ideas of how to cook them. Even if you don't grow them, you probably see them piled up neatly in stacks at the supermarket or in buckets at the farmers' market. Though in season from spring to late summer, zucchini can also be found at most supermarkets year round, so there's plenty of opportunity for you to cook with them in more ways than one. 

A member of the squash family, zucchini, a type of summer squash (as opposed to winter), has a high water content and high levels of vitamins A and C. A very versatile vegetable, it can be fried, roasted, grilled, sautéed, and baked in muffins or breads. When shopping for zucchinis, look for smooth, unblemished skin without signs of spotting. The color, whether ranging from yellow or light to dark green, should be bright and lively. 

So when you find yourself with an abundance of zucchini, give one of these recipes below a try.

Raw Zucchini Salad with Roasted Almonds and Raisins 

When the zucchini first appears in the farmers' markets, it need not be cooked for best flavor. Thinly sliced with a mandolin...

— Allison Beck

Zucchini & Golden Raisin Muffins

I love the idea of muffins, but they're rarely done well. They're dry, don't really deliver on fruit to muffin dough ratio, and are usually more calories than their buttery breakfast cousin: the croissant...

— Nicole Campoy-Leffler

Roasted Zucchini with Feta and Mint

A flavorful, filling, and healthy dish, this recipe works well as a side or an appetizer...

— Yasmin Fahr

Zucchini "Pasta" with Goat Cheese, Lemon & Pine Nuts

Joining the ranks of my all-time favorite zucchini recipes is this one for zucchini "pasta."

— Maryse Chevriere 

Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms with Tomato Sauce

My grandparents have been growing vegetables on the same land my great-grandfather tilled when he first came to this country from Italy. And as long as I can remember...

 — Arthur Bovino

Zucchini with Black Pepper and Lime

This is one of my favorite go-to dishes. Just as great grilled or sautéed...

 — Valaer Murray