With summer comes the onslaught of zucchini. It quickly overtakes the home garden and after a few meals, ends up in your break room with a ‘free’ sign on it. I mean how much sautéed zucchini can one person eat? Don’t despair. Here’s some new ideas to help you enjoy more of this nutritious and versatile vegetable while it’s in season. What makes it so great, you ask? Well, it’s high in antioxidants, fiber, minerals, folate, vitamins C and A, and all those good plant compounds we need.
1. Grilled Zucchini with Goat Cheese & Basil
This is so delicious with the tangy addition of goat cheese and summery hit of fresh basil. Try this anytime you’re grilling; it’s perfect with any protein or on its own. Get the recipe here!
2. Zucchini Noodles
I adore zucchini noodles. A co-worker turned me on to them years ago. They are perfect with a quick sauté in a hot skillet and then a hearty dose of marinara sauce or sautéed with butter, peas and dusted with parmesan. Just make sure it’s a quick sauté – zucchini turns to mush when overcooked. You can use these zucchini noodles anywhere you would typically use linguine, fettuccine or spaghetti. The options are endless. And you can get the handy-dandy spiralizer tool here.
3. Roasted Zucchini with Walnut Pesto
How pretty is this? And it’s easy. Don’t want to fuss with arranging vegetables? No problem. You can make the same dish by piling cubed or sliced zucchini into the pan. This makes a great side dish and the walnut pesto puts it into a league of it’s own. Get the recipe here.
4. Zucchini Potato Fritters
Ok, I love these! I made them this morning and have to say I’m quite thrilled. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these little beauties are completely flourless and addictive. I originally tried to make these with almond flour but that was a disaster. Enter Plan B, the potato. That is not to say potato is the star here. He is more of an Oscar-worthy supporting actor who is perfectly happy to let zucchini shine. Get the recipe here.
This summer, please don’t curse the zucchini. It’s a prolific, hard-working squash with a lot of tricks up it’s sleeves. You can eat the blossoms, eat baby zucchini whole, and produce a variety of nourishing meals with the humble squash. Just please do not overcook it. Or you will be cursing.
Drop a note in the comments and let me know how these recipes work for you. I’m excited to hear how you’ve tamed your squash!