Zucchini can do more than you think. From a quick saute to veggie-packed casseroles and bakes, these healthy zucchini recipes are fresh takes on summer favorites.
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Chorizo & Grits Breakfast Bowls
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up, I bonded with my dad over chorizo and eggs. My fresh approach combines them with grits and black beans for this chorizo breakfast bowl. You can even add a spoonful of pico de gallo. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 344 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 239mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch.
2/38
Zucchini Ricotta Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
I have made this lasagna-like zucchini casserole frequently over the years and shared the recipe with many people. It's a little bit lighter than other layered casseroles, making it an amazing choice for anyone trying to eat right. —Eleanor Hauserman, Huntsville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 150 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
3/38
Zucchini Boats
From the Recipe Creator:
After working hard all our lives and raising a family, we're now enjoying a simpler life. Getting back to the basics means enjoying old-fashioned comfort foods like these stuffed zucchini boats. —Mrs. C. Thon, Atlin, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed zucchini half: 312 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
4/38
Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always had to be creative when getting my family to eat vegetables, so I decided to make stuffed zucchini using the pizza flavors that everyone loves. It worked! We like to include sausage for a main dish but it could be a meatless side too. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed zucchini halves: 206 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
5/38
Grilled Zucchini
From the Recipe Creator:
Wondering what to do with all your garden-grown zucchini in the summer? Give it a sizzle and a little heat with this healthy side. It’s also an easy recipe to double or triple for summer cookouts. —Alia Shuttleworth, Auburn, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 zucchini halves: 73 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
6/38
Zucchini Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
We plant zucchini every year and always seem to have more than we can use! This hearty zucchini lasagna is a delicious way to use an abundant crop. —Charlotte McDaniel, Williamsville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 273 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
7/38
Summer Squash and Zucchini Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this colorful, tasty zucchini salad years ago for a recipe contest and was delighted when I won honorable mention! The recipe easily doubles and is the perfect dish to take to potlucks or family gatherings. —Paula Wharton, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 101 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
8/38
Tomato Zucchini Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe after planting too many zucchini plants in our vegetable garden. My husband loved it the first time I served it and now we make it quite often. —Joy Turner, Amherst, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup sauce: 89 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
9/38
Roasted Vegetable Strata
From the Recipe Creator:
With the abundance of zucchini my family has in the fall, this is the perfect dish to use some of what we have. Cheesy and rich, the warm, classic breakfast dish is sure to please! —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 349 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
10/38
Stir-Fry Rice Bowl
From the Recipe Creator:
My meatless version of Korean bibimbap is tasty, pretty and easy to tweak for different spice levels. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 305 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 364mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
11/38
Arrabbiata Sauce with Zucchini Noodles
From the Recipe Creator:
This popular Italian dish is flavorful and spicy. We decided to re-create one of our favorite jarred sauces and serve over zucchini pasta for a lighter, healthier meal that's naturally gluten-free. The results were amazing! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup sauce with 1 cup zucchini noodles: 287 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
12/38
Stewed Zucchini and Tomatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
A fresh take on traditional vegetable sides, this make-ahead dish stars zucchini, tomatoes and green pepper. Bubbly cheddar cheese adds a down-home feel. —Barbara Smith, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 126 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
13/38
Summer Zucchini Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always experimenting when my garden is cranking out zucchini and summer squash. This simple and healthy pasta dish is one of my latest wins. It's meatless, but you can add shredded chicken or grilled salmon for a heartier dish. —Beth Berlin, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 254 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
14/38
Grilled Zucchini Salad with Mediterranean Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
This zucchini salad with Mediterranean dressing is the best side dish. I also like to add summer squash for a variation, or crumbled goat cheese when I want some extra creaminess. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 220 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 252mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
15/38
Mimi’s Lentil Medley
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this one summer evening by putting together what I had on hand. My husband gave it his top rating. —Mary Ann Hazen, Rochester Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without bacon): 225 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 404mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
16/38
Summer Squash Mushroom Casserole
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 234 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 564mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
17/38
Rustic Summer Vegetable Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
My veggie pasta proves you can’t have too much of a good thing. Feel free to change it up with whatever fresh veggies are in the garden or farmers market. —Bryn Namavari, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 315 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 445mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 15g protein.
18/38
California Quinoa
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always changing this salad up. Here I used tomato, zucchini and olives for a Greek-inspired salad. Try adding a few more favorite fresh veggies you know your family will love. —Elizabeth Lubin, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 310 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
19/38
Turkey Sausage Soup with Fresh Vegetables
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family is big on soup. This favorite is quick to make and very tasty, and it gives me plenty of time to have fun with my kids and grandkids while it slow-cooks. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 167 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
20/38
Yellow Squash & Watermelon Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I always like to bring this healthy option to parties and potlucks, and people seem to really appreciate that. No oil is necessary for this salad; the lemon juice combines with the feta to lightly coat the bright, fresh ingredients. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 61 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
21/38
Dijon Veggies with Couscous
From the Recipe Creator:
Coated in a tangy Dijon sauce, these tasty veggies and fluffy couscous make for a delightful side. —Juliana Dumitru, Fairview Park, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 182 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
22/38
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
From the Recipe Creator:
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 522mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
23/38
Fiesta Chopped Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
We create this colorful garden mixture with vegetables that are bursting with flavor. The dressing makes the fresh salad a welcome addition to almost any entree. —Merwyn Garbini, Tuscon, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 91 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
24/38
Vegetable & Beef Stuffed Red Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making this stuffed pepper recipe. It's one of the few ways I can get my husband to eat veggies. Make it meatless by replacing the beef with eggplant and adding more vegetables like mushrooms or squash. You can also replace the rice with barley, couscous or even orzo. —Jennifer Zimmerman, Avondale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 287 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
25/38
Baby Kale Salad with Avocado-Lime Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
We pull a bunch of ingredients from our garden when we make this baby kale salad with zucchini and sweet onion. The yogurt dressing layers on big lime flavor. —Suzanna Esther, State College, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups salad with 3 tablespoons dressing: 74 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
26/38
Vegetable and Barley Pilaf
From the Recipe Creator:
Hearty, colorful, easy and fast were the reviews we gave this good-for-you dish. Barley has a healthy amount of soluble fiber, which aids digestion. And it can help to lower cholesterol too! You can easily substitute other fresh veggies you have on hand. —Jesse Klausmeier, Burbank, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 219 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 480mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 10g fiber), 9g protein.
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Grilled Chicken Chopped Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Layered desserts always grab my family’s attention, but salads? Not
so much. I wondered if I could get everyone on board by presenting
a healthy salad in an eye-catching way. I’m happy to say that it worked. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3 cups: 239 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
28/38
Whole Wheat Veggie Pizza
From the Recipe Creator:
A wonderful crust layered with herbed tomato sauce and toppings encourages my family of six to dig right in to this low-fat main course. —Denise Warner, Red Lodge, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 190 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
29/38
Sauteed Squash with Tomatoes & Onions
From the Recipe Creator:
My favorite meals show a love of family and food. This zucchini dish with tomatoes is like a scaled-down ratatouille. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 60 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
30/38
Ribbon Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
From the Recipe Creator:
Zucchini, cucumbers and carrots are peeled into “ribbons” for this citrusy salad. We like to serve it for parties and special occasions. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 162 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
31/38
Zucchini Burgers
From the Recipe Creator:
With just-picked-from-the-garden-zucchini, your kids won’t even know these burgers are meatless. —Kimberly Danek Pinkson, San Anselmo, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 314 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 467mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
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Rotini Pasta Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
For a light meal, we toss rotini pasta with cucumber, zucchini and sweet peppers. Make this cucumber pasta salad into a main dish by adding grilled chicken. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without olives): 142 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
33/38
Skewerless Stovetop Kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this quick and easy recipe so much, we never have any leftovers. It's also great on the grill. —Jennifer Mitchell, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 236 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 757mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
34/38
Heirloom Tomato & Zucchini Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Tomato wedges give this salad a juicy bite. It's a great use of fresh herbs and veggies from your own garden or the farmers market. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 68 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
35/38
Potato Veggie Quesadillas
From the Recipe Creator:
I am always looking for recipes that will encourage children to eat vegetables and this one has been a huge success. You can also use other vegetables, such as mushrooms, eggplant, asparagus and broccoli. Just remember to roast your vegetables before making the quesadillas. —Kathy Carlan, Canton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla: 279 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 479mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
36/38
Full Garden Frittata
From the Recipe Creator:
I was cooking for a health-conscious friend and wanted to serve a frittata. To brighten it up, I added leftover bruschetta topping and fresh mozzarella. Now that's breakfast. It's become a favorite among my friends and family, and a staple in my recipe book. —Melissa Rosenthal, Vista, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 wedges: 227 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 375mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
37/38
Chicken Skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken skewers with tender chunks of chicken and garden-fresh veggies are easy to assemble and are always a hit at parties. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 244 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
38/38
Mediterranean Turkey Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always heard that it’s important to eat a rainbow of colors to get all of the nutrients we need. Thanks to my garden-grown veggies, this dish certainly fits the bill. —Nicole Ehlert, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 259 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 504mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Healthy Zucchini Recipes FAQ
What healthy zucchini recipes are best to make ahead?
Zucchini casserole, veggie-packed stratas and cold grain salads are some of the best healthy zucchini recipes to prep in advance.. These dishes hold up well in the fridge and reheat without losing texture. While “healthy” can mean different things to different people, many zucchini recipes that are made with whole grains, lean proteins or lots of vegetables fit the criteria. If you are prepping meals a few days ahead, it is best to cool dishes completely before storing, and keep dressings or sauces separate until serving. Invest in good freezer-safe containers to keep them fresh and reheat on a low heat setting before serving.
Are there low-calorie zucchini dishes that will keep me full?
Zucchini is a natural fit for low-calorie meals, especially when paired with ingredients that add fiber or protein. Many low-calorie recipes combine zucchini with wholesome ingredients like lentils, quinoa, eggs or beans, which help meals feel more complete. For a quick tip, roast zucchini instead of boiling it to get a deeper, almost caramelized flavor, something that makes even lighter meals feel satisfying.
What gluten-free zucchini meals are easy enough for weeknight dinners?
Many zucchini recipes are naturally gluten-free or easy to adapt with a few swaps. Zucchini noodles with pesto, baked veggie boats with rice or meat or quick vegetable stir-fries all come together fast and don’t require any specialty ingredients. Since zucchini cooks quickly, it’s an easy choice to make simple, flavorful gluten-free meals.
