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Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

20+ Delicious Ways to Use Fresh Garden Zucchini

Got more zucchini than you know what to do with? You’re not alone! Every summer, gardens overflow with this versatile squash, and the good news is, there are endless ways to turn it into something delicious! Whether you’re craving a light salad, a cheesy casserole, a cozy soup, or even a sweet loaf of zucchini bread, these fun zucchini recipes have you covered.

Four images of zucchini recipes including a soup, bread, salad and casserole to showcase the versatility of zucchini.

This roundup brings together some of the best zucchini recipes from talented food bloggers, showing you how to make the most of your garden harvest. From healthy and gluten-free options to indulgent comfort foods, there’s something here for every mood and meal. If you’ve been wondering what to make with fresh zucchini, you’re in the right place.

Got lots of tomatoes too? Check out this post on ways to use garden tomatoes.

Table of contents

  • Fried Zucchini Snacks (Oven, Air-Fryer and Deep Fried)
  • Soup and Salad
  • Zucchini Dinner Recipes
  • Zucchini Bread Recipes (Sweet and Savory)

Fried Zucchini Snacks (Oven, Air-Fryer and Deep Fried)

Air Fryer Zucchini Curly Fries
If you’ve got a spiralizer, you need to try these Air Fryer Zucchini Curly Fries from Cathy at Recipe Idea Shop. They’re a playful twist on traditional fries. They are light, crispy, and the perfect way to use up those oversized garden zucchinis.

Fun to make and even more fun to eat, these curly zucchini fries are a fantastic alternative to potato fries and a clever way to get even the pickiest eaters to enjoy zucchini. Dip them in your favorite sauce and you’ve got a snack or side dish that’s as tasty as it is unique.
Zucchini Curly Fries
Air Fryer Zucchini Curly Fries
Fried Zucchini Sticks (Carrabba’s Italian Grill Copycat!)
If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, these Fried Zucchini Sticks from Donna at The Slow Roasted Italian are a must-try. Inspired by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, this copycat recipe gives you that golden, crunchy coating with tender zucchini inside; perfect for satisfying your fried food cravings.

Great as a game-day appetizer, party snack, or just a fun way to use up extra zucchini, these sticks are the ultimate veggie-meets-comfort food dish.
Fried Zucchini Sticks
Fried Zucchini Sticks (Carrabba’s Italian Grill Copycat!)
Crispy Oven Fried Zucchini Chips
Craving something crunchy but still light? These Crispy Oven-Fried Zucchini Chips from Lisa at Jersey Girl Cooks are baked, not fried, so you get all the crisp without the guilt. Coated in a mix of Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, they bake up perfectly crunchy in the oven.

With rave reviews from readers, this recipe is a fun (and healthier) way to enjoy your garden zucchini.
Zucchini Chips
Crispy Oven Fried Zucchini Chips
Parmesan Zucchini Pancakes - Brunch & Batter
These Parmesan Zucchini Cakes from Jennifer at Brunch and Batter are a delicious twist on zucchini fritters and a clever way to use up large or leftover zucchinis. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, they’re packed with Parmesan flavor and come together with just a few simple ingredients.

Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light lunch, these fritters make zucchini feel a little fancy.
Zucchini Pancakes
Parmesan Zucchini Pancakes - Brunch & Batter

Soup and Salad

Charred Zucchini Salad
This Charred Zucchini Salad with Garlic Lemon Sauce is smoky, creamy, crunchy, and fresh all at once. With protein-rich cottage cheese sauce, a drizzle of honey, roasted hazelnuts, and peppery microgreens, it’s the kind of side dish that makes you actually crave zucchini.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or summer entertaining, this recipe from Bella at XOXO Bella is a must-try for anyone with a garden full of zucchini.
Charred Zucchini Salad
Charred zucchini salad with honey drizzle.
Creamy Potato and Zucchini Soup
When you’ve got more zucchini than you know what to do with, this Creamy Potato and Zucchini Soup from The Oregon Dietitian is the answer. It’s rich and velvety, yet surprisingly light, low in calories but full of bold veggie flavor.

Made with summer squash, potatoes, a touch of cream, and a couple kinds of cheese, this soup is cozy enough for chilly nights but fresh enough for summer eating. Perfect for picky eaters and soup lovers alike, it’s a delicious way to turn extra zucchini into a satisfying meal.
Potato + Zucchini Soup
Creamy Potato and Zucchini Soup

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Zucchini Dinner Recipes

Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups (slimmed down)
These Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups from Toni at Make It Skinny Please take everything you love about cheesy, saucy lasagna and give it a lighter, veggie-packed twist. Instead of pasta sheets, thin slices of zucchini are rolled up with reduced-fat cheeses and baked into a bubbly, comforting dish you can feel good about.

Toni also shares smart pro tips to make rolling easy and fuss-free, and readers rave about how delicious and satisfying this recipe is.
Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups (slimmed down)
Zucchini Casserole
This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole from Jessica at The Forked Spoon is comfort food at its finest. Fresh zucchini is baked, smothered with gooey cheese and finished with a golden breadcrumb topping for the ultimate summer side dish.
Easy to follow and absolutely loaded with flavor, it’s no wonder readers are raving about this recipe!
Zucchini Casserole
zucchini casserole.
Zucchini Risotto - Home Cooking Collective
This Zucchini Risotto from Karishma at Home Cooking Collective is the definition of comfort food. Creamy, tender risotto gets an upgrade with jammy "zucchini butter,” swirled in for a melt-in-your-mouth texture and incredible flavor. A touch of lemon zest and fresh herbs brighten every bite, making it both rich and refreshing.

With step-by-step instructions, photos, and expert tips, Karishma makes the process approachable, even if risotto feels intimidating. If you love risotto or just want a luxurious way to enjoy your garden zucchini, this recipe is a must-try.
Zucchini Risotto
Zucchini Risotto - Home Cooking Collective
Sausage Zucchini Skillet + Orzo - The Wooden Skillet
This Sausage Zucchini Skillet with Orzo from Erin at The Wooden Skillet is the kind of quick, one-pan dinner you’ll want on repeat. Packed with flavor and made with easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a smart (and tasty!) way to put fresh zucchini to good use.

Erin walks you step by step through the process, making it approachable for busy weeknights. Hearty, wholesome, and ready in a snap, this skillet meal is a fantastic summer dinner worth trying.
Sausage Zucchini Skillet
Sausage Zucchini Skillet + Orzo - The Wooden Skillet
Pesto Chicken and Zucchini Lasagna | Perfect for feeding a crowd
This Creamy Pesto Chicken and Zucchini Lasagna from Seasons in the Kitchen is comfort food with a delicious twist. Layers of tender pasta and zucchini are filled with juicy chicken, a rich béchamel sauce, and fragrant basil pesto, creating a dish that’s creamy, savory, and absolutely irresistible.

Perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this lasagna is a total crowd-pleaser. With clear, step-by-step instructions, it’s a rewarding recipe to try when you want something a little more special than your usual weeknight dinner.
Zucchini Lasagna
Zucchini mushroom pasta - Greenbowl2soul
This Zucchini Mushroom Pasta from Dana at Green Bowl 2 Soul is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that makes the most of fresh garden zucchini. Tossed with garlicky mushrooms, herbs, and just a touch of red pepper flakes, it’s creamy, flavorful, and satisfying without being heavy.

Dana also shares helpful tips, tricks, and variations so you can make it your own. If you’re looking for a simple but delicious pasta dish to showcase zucchini, this one is definitely worth a try.
Zucchini Mushroom Pasta
Zucchini mushroom pasta - Greenbowl2soul
Crispy Baked Zucchini Feta Tacos - Avocado Skillet
These Crispy Baked Zucchini Feta Tacos from Kristi at Avocado Skillet are a unique, summer-ready spin on taco night. Golden baked zucchini is paired with tangy feta and a squeeze of lemon for a light, flavorful filling that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Ready in under 35 minutes, this high-protein vegetarian recipe makes a fantastic weeknight dinner or snack. Kristi also includes gluten-free and vegan options, so it’s easy to adapt for your table. If you’re craving something fresh and different, these zucchini tacos are a must-try.
Zucchini Feta Tacos
Crispy Baked Zucchini Feta Tacos - Avocado Skillet

Zucchini Bread Recipes (Sweet and Savory)

Zucchini Cheese Bread | Quick Savoury Zucchini Loaf
If you’re more into savory than sweet, this Zucchini Cheese Bread from Jyoti at Living Smart and Healthy is the recipe for you. Loaded with sharp cheddar, a touch of jalapeño heat, and fresh green onions and chives, it’s a bold, flavorful twist on classic zucchini bread.

Moist, cheesy, and full of garden-fresh goodness, this quick bread is perfect as a snack, side dish, or even toasted up for breakfast.
Zucchini Cheese Bread
Zucchini Cheese Bread | Quick Savoury Zucchini Loaf
Zucchini Slice Recipe (Super Easy & Delicious!) | Maple + Mango
This Zucchini Slice from Vanessa at Maple and Mango is an Australian classic that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Think of it as a cross between savory zucchini bread and a crustless quiche: soft, flavorful, and surprisingly satisfying.

With just a handful of ingredients, it’s easy to make, kid-friendly, and a unique way to turn garden zucchini into something memorable. Vanessa shares plenty of helpful tips (plus glowing reviews from readers), making this recipe a go-to for anyone curious to try a new zucchini dish that’s both comforting and simple.
Zucchini Slice
Zucchini Slice Recipe (Super Easy & Delicious!) | Maple + Mango
Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Muffins (Small Batch Recipe)
These Gluten-Free Chocolate Zucchini Muffins from Daniella at The Gluten-Free Austrian are rich, moist, and chocolatey; the perfect way to sneak in extra zucchini. The grated zucchini blends seamlessly into the batter, keeping the muffins soft and tender without ever tasting “healthy.”

With Daniella’s clear step-by-step instructions and pro tips for bakery-style results, these muffins are a foolproof treat you’ll want to bake again and again.
Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Muffins (Small Batch Recipe)
Lemon Zucchini Poppy Seed Bread - Risa’s Family Kitchen
This Lemon Zucchini Poppyseed Bread from Risa’s Family Kitchen is sweet, moist, and bursting with citrus flavor. The secret? A touch of instant pudding mix that amps up both the lemony taste and the tender texture.

With zucchini keeping the loaf soft and poppyseeds adding a little crunch, it’s a unique twist on classic zucchini bread. Readers rave about the combo of lemon and zucchini, making this a must-bake if you love quick breads with a refreshing, summery spin.
Zucchini Poppyseed Bread
Lemon Zucchini Poppy Seed Bread - Risa’s Family Kitchen
Glazed Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread - I Heart Naptime
This Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread from I Heart Naptime is everything you want in a summer bake: moist, flavorful, and topped with a bright lemon glaze. Fresh blueberries and zucchini keep it tender and bursting with flavor, while lemon adds the perfect refreshing kick.

With over 50 five-star reviews, it’s clear readers can’t get enough of this recipe. If you’re looking for a zucchini bread that feels a little special (and tastes like summer in every bite), this one’s a winner.
Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread
Glazed Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread - I Heart Naptime

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I'm the recipe creator, photographer, and official taste tester here! I create everyday recipes inspired by dishes I've had from my favorite restaurants around Sonoma, Napa, and beyond.

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