5 Easy Zucchini Side Dish Recipes for Quick Dinners

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be transformed into a variety of dishes, making it the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re a busy mom, a working professional, or just someone who loves good food, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the world of zucchini and discover the benefits and main ingredients of these 5 Easy Zucchini Side Dish Recipes for Quick Dinners.

Zucchini is a remarkably versatile vegetable that has become a favorite in kitchens around the world. Whether sautéed, grilled, roasted, or baked, zucchini’s mild flavor and tender texture make it an excellent canvas for a variety of culinary creations.

Nutritional Benefits of Zucchini

• Low in Calories: Zucchini is incredibly low in calories, making it a perfect choice for those watching their caloric intake.
• High in Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, zucchini helps fight oxidative stress and may contribute to eye health.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Zucchini is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium.
• High in Fiber: The fiber content in zucchini promotes digestive health and can help in maintaining a healthy weight.

According to Healthline, incorporating zucchini into your diet can support heart health, aid in digestion, and even help manage blood sugar levels.

Tips for Preparation

• Choose Fresh Zucchini: Look for firm, vibrant green zucchinis with smooth skin. Smaller zucchinis tend to be more tender and flavorful.
• Store Properly: Keep zucchini in a breathable bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer to maintain its freshness.
• Don’t Peel: The skin of zucchini contains many of its nutrients and adds texture to your dishes. So, leave the skin on!
• Experiment with Cuts: Try slicing, dicing, or spiralizing zucchini to add variety to your meals.
• Salting Zucchini: For recipes requiring firm zucchini, sprinkle salt on the slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes, then blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

1. Baked Zucchini Fries

Imagine the perfect blend of crispy, savory, and healthy all in one bite. Our Baked Zucchini Fries offer a delightful twist on the classic French fry, providing a softly crunchy exterior with a tender, juicy zucchini center. These fries are deliciously seasoned with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and herbs, making them an irresistible side dish for any dinner table. Not only are they flavorful, but they are also a healthier alternative to traditional fries, perfect for those looking to indulge without the guilt.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (60g)
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs (60g)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5g)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (5g)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.25g)
• 2 large eggs
• Olive oil spray

Cooking Method

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil spray.
2. Begin by washing the zucchinis thoroughly, then cut them into fry-like shapes. Aim for uniform pieces for even cooking.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. In another shallow dish, beat the two large eggs until well combined.
5. Dip each zucchini piece first into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat evenly with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
6. Place the coated zucchini pieces onto the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer for optimal crispiness.
7. Lightly spray the zucchini fries with olive oil spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini fries are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to turn them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
9. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
10. Enjoy your Baked Zucchini Fries as a healthy and flavorful side dish, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite condiment.

 

2. Garlic Parmesan Zucchini

Experience the delightful combination of zucchini’s tender bite with the savory notes of garlic and a crisp Parmesan crust. This dish is not only rich in flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal side for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients and cooking method, and the full recipe description you will get from therecipecritic.com

3. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Tossed with a vibrant homemade pesto, this dish brings together the freshness of basil, the nuttiness of pine nuts, and the creaminess of Parmesan cheese for an irresistible, healthy side.

Ingredients and the full recipe description you will get from twopeasandtheirpod.com

Cooking Method:

1. In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently, until slightly tender.
4. Remove from heat, add the pesto to the skillet, and toss to coat the zucchini noodles evenly.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

4. Zucchini Parmesan Chips

Imagine a crispy, golden-brown chip that bursts with the rich, savory flavor of Parmesan cheese, balanced by the mild, slightly sweet taste of fresh zucchini. These Zucchini Parmesan Chips are not only a delight to munch on but also an easy and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with any dinner. Lightly seasoned and oven-baked to perfection, this recipe transforms simple zucchini into a gourmet treat.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (60g) Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Wash and thinly slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) rounds. A mandoline slicer can help achieve even slices, ensuring uniform cooking.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. In another bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil until they are evenly coated. This will help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the slices and provide a crispy texture.
5. Dip each zucchini slice into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure the coating adheres well. Place coated slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chips are golden brown and crispy. Turn the slices halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These chips can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch.

Pro Tip: For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. Also, consider using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.

5. Garlic Butter Zucchini Noodles

Imagine twirling delicate strands of zucchini noodles coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that melts in your mouth. This dish combines the fresh, mild taste of zucchini with the deep, savory notes of garlic and butter, creating a side dish that’s both elegant and comforting. Simple yet sophisticated, these Garlic Butter Zucchini Noodles are perfect for transforming any quick dinner into a gourmet experience.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized (about 6 cups)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42 grams)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 grams)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Cooking Method:

1. Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchinis. Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles, or use a julienne peeler if a spiralizer is not available.
2. Heat Butter and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add Zucchini Noodles: Add the spiralized zucchini to the skillet. Toss to coat the noodles in the garlic butter sauce.
4. Season and Cook: Add the lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the zucchini noodles are tender but still slightly crisp. Avoid overcooking to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.
5. Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles. Toss well to combine and melt the cheese.
6. Serve: Transfer the garlic butter zucchini noodles to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

6. Grilled Zucchini with Lemon and Herbs

This Grilled Zucchini with Lemon and Herbs is a refreshing and simple side dish that brings the bright, zesty flavors of lemon together with the earthy aroma of fresh herbs. The zucchini slices are perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char, creating a deliciously savory experience with every bite. This dish is an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a light and healthy snack.

Ingredients

• 3 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (5 g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (15 g)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (15 g)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (15 g)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stove.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped basil, thyme, and parsley. Stir well to create the marinade.
3. Place the zucchini strips in a large dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the zucchini and ensure each piece is well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the zucchini marinate for at least 15 minutes.
4. Once the grill is hot, lightly oil the grill grates or grill pan to prevent sticking.
5. Remove the zucchini strips from the marinade and shake off any excess. Arrange the zucchini strips in a single layer on the grill or grill pan.
6. Grill the zucchini for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
7. Transfer the grilled zucchini to a serving platter. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
8. Enjoy your Grilled Zucchini with Lemon and Herbs as a delightful side dish that complements any meal!

7.  Zucchini and Corn Salad

Experience the vibrant and refreshing taste of summer with our Zucchini and Corn Salad. This delightful side dish combines the crispness of fresh zucchini with the sweet pop of corn kernels, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Enhanced with a zesty lime dressing, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also a nutritious addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini, diced (approx. 400g)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (150g)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (150g)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (40g)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (15g)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (30ml)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method

1. Prep the zucchini: Wash the zucchini thoroughly under running water. Dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. Place the zucchini in a large salad bowl.
2. Cook the corn: If you are using fresh corn, bring a pot of water to boil and cook the corn kernels for about 3-4 minutes. Drain and let cool. For frozen corn, simply thaw it as per package instructions. Add the corn to the bowl with zucchini.
3. Prepare the veggies: Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely chop the red onion. Add both to the salad bowl along with the chopped cilantro.
4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine: Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the salad bowl. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Chill and serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for about 20 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish to your main course.

By incorporating these tips and recipes into your cooking routine, you’ll be able to enjoy the numerous health benefits of zucchini while delighting your taste buds with its versatile flavors. Happy cooking!