My Best Zucchini Recipes From Garden to Table
I know zucchini is not always at the top of everyone’s grocery list. I’m convinced that’s only because you haven’t tried my best zucchini recipes yet! These versatile green veggies are very underrated. They are not only packed with nutrients, but they can be hidden so easily that even your green-veggie-hating kids could benefit from them without even noticing. Whether you want to eat healthier or are trying to sneak some more veggies onto your kids’ plates, zucchinis are your secret weapon.
Zucchinis are in season from late June to September, which means now is the perfect time to make the most out of their freshness and health benefits. Next time you’re at the farmers market or the grocery store, you’ll definitely want to throw a few in your cart to ensure you can make my all-time best zucchini recipes that I’m going to share with you today.
Health Benefits of Zucchini
- Very low in calories but still full of vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C to support your immune system and keep your skin glowing
- Vitamin A to support your vision
- Manganese, which will support your metabolism and bones
- Potassium, which can help in regulating blood pressure
- B Vitamins to give you a boost of energy
- Packed with antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been known to support your vision
- With a high water and fibre content, zucchinis will provide your body with smoother digestion
- Very low on the glycemic index, which will maintain those blood sugar levels
- Zucchinis contain bioactive compounds that can reduce your risk of many diseases
Fun Fact: Zucchini is also known as Summer Squash!
Now, let’s cook! Here is a collection of my best zucchini recipes.
Sunflower Zucchini Pesto Pasta
This recipe is one of my go-to summer side dishes. It is filled with fresh veggies and herbs, each offering a different bright flavour. This can also be easily turned into a main dish just by adding some protein, like some BBQ chicken or crispy roasted chickpeas!
While pesto is typically made with pine nuts, I chose to substitute them with sunflower seeds, which pair perfectly with the herbs. Sunflower seeds are much cheaper than pine nuts. Who doesn’t need to be budget-friendly these days with the price of healthy food?! I swapped out regular pasta for spiralized zucchini for a light, gluten-free twist that keeps it refreshing during those hot summer days.
Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to start their morning with a warm chocolate muffin? I definitely do!
As we know, muffins are typically filled with processed flour and sugars that can put us at risk for many diseases. That’s why I am very excited to share this recipe with you. I have found a way to sneak in some greens to muffins so we don’t feel so guilty eating one (or two) for breakfast! Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are the perfect balance of comfort and nourishment, making them an amazing way to start your day. The texture of these muffins is soft and moist thanks to the zucchini, but you’d never know it’s in there. They are rich and fudgy without processed sugars… Can you believe it?! These muffins are naturally sweetened with honey, which will give you that sweet flavour without the side effect of a huge sugar crash.
You already know the benefits of zucchinis now, so let’s talk about chocolate. In the right amount, dark chocolate can offer many health benefits. It includes something called PEA (phenylethylamine). PEA is a compound that can give us focus, alertness, and an overall feel-good mood.
Pair one of these muffins with your favourite tea or coffee, and you’ve got a cozy, nourishing breakfast that feels like a treat but fuels you at the same time!
Zucchini Pasta with Tomato & Mushroom Sauce
Pasta is not just a comfort food for the cold weather! This zucchini pasta with tomato and mushroom sauce brings all those flavours you crave into a fresh, summery, nutrient-packed dish. Using spiralized zucchini instead of noodles, this dish is very light and perfect for a warm summery day to ensure you feel satisfied but not too heavy.
It is so quick to throw together. Free from gluten, grains, dairy and nuts, this makes it a great option for almost all dietary needs! Using zucchini noodles instead of regular noodles really allows this dish to give you energy rather than leave you feeling sluggish and wanting to sit on the couch all night. This dish is full of veggies, fueling your body for those summer activities the next day.
This dish has a special backstory as it was created by one of my former students at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition, Devina Daya. I love being able to make connections with my students and work with them on ideas, so this recipe is very special to me!
Summer Cilantro Zucchini Pasta
This Summer Cilantro Zucchini Pasta is everything you want for a warm weather meal. It is light, vibrant and completely plant-based! Like the other pastas listed above, the noodles are swapped for spiralized zucchini, making this dish gluten-free as well. For this dish, the sauce is the real highlight; made with creamy avocado and cilantro, delivering a bright, tangy flavour (with no dairy)! It is then topped with my spicy lime pumpkin seeds, offering that perfect crunch with a little bit of heat. Enjoy this paleo-friendly pasta for your next dinner on the patio. You can also bring it to a friend’s for a potluck and show them that healthy eating can be delicious!
Cooking Class: Sweet & Savoury Zucchini
If these recipes sound good to you, join me in my cooking class this August! I will be taking you through how to make TWO of these delicious Zucchini recipes, my Chocolate Zucchini Muffins and Pesto Zucchini Pasta.
Space is extremely limited for August, so if you’re considering a session, I recommend booking as soon as possible to secure your preferred date. I’m also happy to create a custom session that aligns with your monthly wellness or engagement goals.
Let’s make this summer your healthiest one yet! Reach out to me at info@jesselanewellness.com. Visit the Corporate Wellness page to learn more about my nutrition education webinars and reserve your spot.