It’s National Zucchini Day! Celebrate With These 15 Summer Recipes

Summer is when zucchini grows in abundance. Perhaps you have a garden filled with zucchini or you have a generous friend who shares his or her abundance with you. Well, lucky you! Zucchini, or “courgette” in French, is a type of summer squash. They have a mild flavor that makes them perfect for pairing with any type of spice or flavor profile.

Zucchini are also healthier than you might think. They are 95 percent water which means they are low in calories and a refreshing choice in the summer. Zucchini is packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium, folate, protein, and fiber. They also have more potassium than bananas! These nutrients promote bone health, heart health, muscle growth, healthy weight, aid in cancer prevention, and maintain a healthy nervous system.

Some people think zucchini is bland and tasteless. Be sure to buy zucchini that are firm, heavy, and small in size. Zucchini are tastier when young but lose their flavor when they get too big. Rather than bland, think of their mild flavor as a blank canvas on which you will create your masterpiece. Try cooking with zucchini in lots of different ways. For recipes and ideas, see 10 Delicious Ways to Use All That Summer Zucchini, 10 Ways to Cook with Fresh Summer Squash, and 10 Zucchini-Filled Dishes for National Zucchini Day.

So whether you’re lucky enough to be surrounded by zucchini or you have one zucchina (yes, that’s the singular of zucchini) you’re not sure what to do with, here are 15 recipes that will show you just how exciting zucchini can be.

1. Mango Zucchini Bread Ice Cream Sandwiches

Turn any quick bread into a yummy dessert like these Mango Zucchini Bread Ice Cream Sandwiches. The tropical bread is perfect for holding the creamy banana ice cream in this new twist on a classic.

2. Zucchini Chickpea Burger

Zucchini is the perfect ingredient for making moist veggie burgers like these Zucchini Chickpea Burgers. Packed with protein and flavor, these are perfect for summer grilling.

Get the Summer Cookbook!

3. Maple Sweetened Zucchini Doughnuts With Date Frosting

If you like zucchini bread, you’ll love these Zucchini Doughnuts with Date Frosting! Sweetened with maple syrup and baked rather than fried, these doughnuts will remind you of muffin tops – which we all know are the best part!

4. Zucchini Chickpea Fritters

When you want something quick and simple yet still delicious, these Zucchini Chickpea Fritters are the answer. Have them with a salad or just munch on them for a flavorful snack.

5. Clean Eating Zucchini Boats With Creamy Garlic Sauce

These Clean Eating Zucchini Boats with Creamy Garlic Sauce are perfect as an entrée or as a side dish. Filled with spiced ground walnuts, the creamy garlic sauce makes these irresistible.

6. Zucchini Carrot Cupcakes With Avocado Icing

Eating healthy doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good cupcake. These Zucchini Carrot Cupcakes are filled with healthy veggies, topped with a creamy avocado icing and they’re delicious It’s a win-win!

7. Zucchini, Corn, and Red Pepper Pancakes

If you have lots of zucchini, you need to make these Zucchini, Corn, and Red Pepper Pancakes. Filled with summer ingredients of zucchini, corn, and basil, these pancakes are creamy and delicious.

8. Vegan Creamy Ginger-Coconut Kale Zucchini Spaghetti

Go green and love it! This Creamy Ginger-Coconut Kale Zucchini Spaghetti has green zucchini noodles and green sauce. Filled with immune-boosting superfoods, it’s so easy to be green!

9. Raw Vegan Nacho Cheese Zucchini Chips

These Nacho Cheese Zucchini Chips are going to be your new favorite snack! Seasoned with spicy nacho cheese flavors, these dehydrated chips are the perfect way to use your summer zucchini.

10. Red Beet and Zucchini Pancakes With Ruccola Tarragon Salad

These colorful Red Beet and Zucchini Pancakes will be a hit. Topped with an avocado and tahini sauce and served on a ruccola salad, this dish has flavors that are distinct and delightful.

11. BBQ Pulled Zucchini

This BBQ Pulled Zucchini is a fantastic veggie alternative to traditional pulled pork. With color from beets and flavorful seasoning, even carnivores will love the pulled pork-style filling.

12. Kolokithia (Traditional Greek Zucchini)

Go Greek with Kolokithia! This is a healthier, vegan version of the traditional Greek zucchini dish. Made with tomatoes, garlic, and Greek oregano, you’ll want to make a double batch so you can have leftovers.

13. Avocado Zucchini Sushi With Brown Rice

This Avocado Zucchini Sushi with Brown Rice is creamy, rich, and super good for your body and mind. The zucchini is light, fresh, and juicy so the avocado balances it out. Wrap it all up in seaweed and brown rice and you have the perfect summer dish.

14. Summer Squash Tartlets With Caramelized Onions and Tofu Ricotta

These Summer Squash Tartlets are so pretty; they would be wonderful for special parties or brunches, bridal showers, or if you need to impress the in-laws. Filled with sweet caramelized onions and salty, creamy tofu ricotta, these tartlets taste great served hot or cold.

15. Fat-Free Vegan ‘Cheese’ Sauce

Cheese sauce may not come to mind when you think of zucchini but this Fat-Free Vegan “Cheese” Sauce will change that. Made with zucchini and potatoes, you can feel good about this cheesy sauce that is perfect for dipping, mac and cheese, or topping baked potatoes and roasted veggies.

Make any of these amazing recipes and we guarantee you’ll never think of zucchini as bland again!

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