12 Best Zucchini Dinner Recipes

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

Transform your zucchini into a healthy, delicious, and gluten-free dish with a fresh pesto sauce and juicy cherry tomatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup pesto sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the zucchini noodles for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Stir in pesto sauce, season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
5. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These zucchini boats are filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and spices, perfect for a hearty meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Halve zucchinis lengthwise and scoop out the flesh.
3. In a skillet, cook ground meat, onion, and bell pepper until browned.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper.
5. Fill zucchini halves with the mixture, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Zucchini Fritters

Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these zucchini fritters are a delightful appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium zucchinis, grated
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Cooking method:

1. Squeeze excess moisture from the grated zucchini.
2. In a bowl, combine zucchini, flour, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the skillet, flatten slightly, and fry until golden on both sides.
5. Drain on paper towels before serving.

Zucchini and Corn Quesadillas

These quesadillas are a cheesy and satisfying blend of zucchini, corn, and melty cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Sauté diced zucchini and corn in a pan with butter until tender.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Place a tortilla in a skillet, sprinkle half with cheese, zucchini, and corn, then fold.
4. Cook until cheese melts and tortilla is golden brown, flipping once.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients and serve warm.

Creamy Zucchini Soup

This creamy zucchini soup is both nourishing and comforting, perfect for a light dinner or appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Cooking method:

1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
2. Add zucchini slices and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Blend the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Zucchini Pizza Bites

A low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, these zucchini bites are topped with your favorite pizza toppings.

Ingredients:

• 2 large zucchinis, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni slices or other toppings
• Olive oil for brushing

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush zucchini slices with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet.
3. Top each slice with pizza sauce, cheese, and preferred toppings.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve immediately while hot.

Zucchini and Mushroom Stir-Fry

A quick and flavorful dish, the zucchini and mushroom stir-fry is perfect for showcasing fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic, zucchini, and mushrooms, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in soy sauce and continue to cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve as a side or over rice for a complete meal.

Zucchini and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

A rich and creamy pasta dish, these zucchini and ricotta stuffed shells are baked to perfection with a tasty tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 medium zucchinis, grated
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
2. Mix zucchini with ricotta cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Fill each pasta shell with the zucchini mixture.
4. Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish, arrange stuffed shells, and sprinkle with mozzarella.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Grilled Zucchini and Halloumi Salad

A refreshing salad featuring grilled zucchini and halloumi cheese, making it a flavorful and satisfying option.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 200g halloumi cheese, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Lemon juice for drizzling
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Brush zucchini and halloumi slices with olive oil.
3. Grill until zucchini is tender and halloumi is golden, about 3 minutes per side.
4. Arrange on a plate with cherry tomatoes, drizzle with lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Zucchini Lasagna

A low-carb twist on the classic, this zucchini lasagna layers delicious ingredients without the pasta.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ground meat and onion in a skillet until browned.
3. In a baking dish, layer zucchini slices, meat mixture, marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.
4. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.