Here are 45 healthy zucchini recipes that are easy to follow, use simple wholesome ingredients, and are packed with flavour! Enjoy your zucchini all year round whether it’s the main dish, a side dish, or even a baked dessert! There is something for everyone. As always, tips, variations, ways to serve it, and storage suggestions included.

Also included are lots of ways to make healthier versions of your favourites like healthy zucchini bread, zucchini lasagna, and even healthy zucchini brownies.

Healthy zucchini recipes with photos of zucchini in recipes.

Healthy Zucchini Recipes

Zucchini is a beautiful summer squash that we just can’t get enough of! It’s a juicy, buttery, tender-crisp veggie that is just as delicious grilled or steamed as it is roasted or baked. If you’ve got a garden full of zucchini (or courgette as they are sometimes called!) that you’re wondering what to do with, or you just happen to love zucchini, you’re sure to find your new favourite recipe in this list. There are side dishes, main dishes, and even desserts!

Despite it being a summer squash, zucchini can be found at your local grocery store all year round, so keep these easy healthy zucchini recipes handy when you’re looking for holiday side dishes and cozy baked goods. You’ll find that each recipe is easy to follow, gives tips and tricks to make it even easier, uses simple, fresh, and healthy ingredients, and allows for customizing the way you like it.

So, keep reading. There are a TON of healthy and easy zucchini recipes at your fingertips! I’ve collected 45 healthy zucchini recipes from my blog that are reader favorites.

Why We Love Zucchini Recipes

  • Plenty of ideas on what to do with more than enough zucchini.
  • Healthy and delicious are always two things I keep at the forefront of my recipes.
  • Versatile recipes for a versatile vegetable, whether it be a main dish, a side dish or a healthy zucchini dessert. It could be vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, or all of the above. It could be a baked zucchini recipes healthy, grilled or a spiralized zoodle!
  • Kid-friendly recipes are in abundance in this collection of recipes. Find ones your whole family will love and add them to your rotation. Adding more veggies to your kids’ meals and desserts is now even easier.
  • Quick and easy is the name of the busy household game. Anything that works for a busy family I have included in here. Perfect for easy weeknight zucchini dinners.

Cooking with Zucchini Tips

  • Types of zucchini: You can use green or yellow, long or round, squash or zucchini in recipes interchangeably.
  • Don’t overcook: Zucchini consists of over 90% water by weight. Follow the recipe and stop cooking squash when it’s still firm and might appear undercooked.
  • Large garden zucchini: If the recipe is calling for a small-medium zucchini, cut a large zucchini in half. Slice it into 2-inch rounds on the angle. sliced zucchini on a cutting board
  • Freezing: Zucchini doesn’t freeze well because of the high water content. The only way I would recommend is to freeze cubed or grated zucchini and then use it in soups and baking later on.
  • Cooking methods: When baking or grilling sliced rounds, you want to make sure they are thick enough to not become soggy, and uniform sizes, to cook evenly.
  • Zucchini skin: No need to peel it, even when you’re baking with it. Zucchini skin is edible and easily digestible and comes with a lot of nutrients. Just make sure you wash it first!

I hope you enjoy these healthy zucchini recipes as much as I do! Let me know which ones you try by rating them in the comment section below.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Zucchini Recipes

The beauty of these recipes is they come with all of the information you could possibly need! Depending on the recipe, you will be given specific storage suggestions based on whatever it is. Some will let you know to only store in the fridge for a couple of days, while others will let you know it can be made ahead for meal prep or freezes very well. You will find them at the bottom of the recipes and when in doubt feel free to leave me a question in the comment section and I will get back to you with an answer.

More Healthy Zucchini FAQs

Is zucchini healthy?

It is very healthy. Zucchini is a superfood full of antioxidants as well as vitamins A (improves eye health) and C (boosts immune system and guards against asthma), fibre (lowers cholesterol), and potassium (lowers blood pressure). It’s also a tasty and versatile veggie which makes it easier to add to your daily diet.

How to cook zucchini healthy?

Zucchini itself is healthy, so you want to keep it as close to its natural state as possible for optimum nutrients. Bringing out its natural flavours without overpowering it with unhealthy ingredients is the best way to enjoy it. You can steam, bake, roast, or grill zucchini, and depending on how high the heat is, or how long it’s cooked, will determine how much of its nutrients are lost. In the end, no matter what, all of my recipes are created with health in mind. These recipes celebrate zucchini and all of its nutrients and flavours!

Can you eat zucchini with the skin?

Absolutely! In fact, you will find all kinds of nutrients within the skin of the zucchini. It’s also soft, and very thin, so definitely keep it on. Zucchini contains a lot of water, so in some cases, the skin serves a purpose of keeping everything intact and not falling apart while it cooks.

Zucchini Chicken Recipes

Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini

Mexican Chicken and Zucchini cooked in one skillet with black beans, corn, fresh herbs, taco seasoning and melted cheese on top. One pan, low carb and 30 minutes dinner.
Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini

Caprese Chicken and Zucchini

Caprese Chicken and Zucchini cooked in fresh tomato sauce, with melted buffalo mozzarella cheese on top and garnished with basil. Serve on its own for easy low carb dinner or with spaghetti for a family meal. Buon appetito!

Caprese Chicken & Zucchini

Chicken Zucchini Casserole

Low-carb Chicken Zucchini Casserole with layers of chicken, zucchini noodles and easy enchilada sauce. Lots of fiber, vegetables and protein.

Chicken Zucchini Casserole

Chicken Zucchini and Corn

This garlic Chicken Zucchini and Corn recipe is a 20 minute healthy weeknight dinner that was inspired by my Ukrainian roots. Low carb, easy and one pan deliciousness!

Chicken Zucchini and Corn

Greek Chicken Kabobs

Greek Chicken Kabobs recipe flavoured in as little as 30 minutes marinade, then grilled on skewers with vegetables for the most delicious and healthy chicken souvlaki.

greek chicken kabobs with zucchini

Quinoa Skillet with Chicken and Garden Veggies

Quinoa Skillet recipe with chicken breast and vegetables like zucchini, tomato and corn. Healthy chicken and quinoa dinner in less than 40 minutes with leftovers the whole family will love.

Quinoa Skillet with Chicken and Garden Veggies

Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Loaded with chicken, a savory sauce, diced zucchini and bell pepper and then topped with crunchy cashews and green onions, these lettuce wraps are perfect for a low carb lunch or light dinner!

healthy chicken lettuce wraps on plate

Zucchini Dinner Recipes

Ground Turkey and Zucchini

This 30 minute healthy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is delicious low carb one pot dinner recipe that will become your family’s favourite! Minimum ingredients and effort with maximum flavour.

Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet with Pesto

Zucchini Lasagna

Zucchini Lasagna made low carb with layers of zucchini instead of pasta, flavorful turkey tomato sauce and gooey cheese. Classic comfort food experience at only 318 calories per huge slice.

Zucchini Lasagna

Tex Mex Rice and Beans with Zucchini

Tex Mex Rice and Beans is a 30 minute one pot easy and healthy Mexican rice with zucchini, brown rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and spices

Tex Mex Rice and Beans with Zucchini

Tuna Zucchini Fritters

Tuna Zucchini Fritters for a 30 minute kid friendly healthy recipe with canned tuna, Parmesan cheese and a hefty dose of vegetables.

Tuna Zucchini Fritters

Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes

Pasta with zucchini, tomatoes, garlic and basil is 20 minute healthy dinner that is a summertime must have. Light and fresh, everyone will love this garden dinner!

Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes

Shrimp with Zucchini

Lemon dill Shrimp with Zucchini recipe with crunchy zucchini and bursting peas, sautéed with lemon, garlic and dill and ready in 15 minutes.

Lemon Dill Shrimp, Zucchini & Peas in 15 Minutes

Pad Thai Zucchini Noodles

Pad Thai Zucchini Noodles recipe with zucchini pasta, healthy peanut sauce, shrimp or tofu and half amount of calories in under 20 minutes.

Pad Thai Zucchini Noodles Salad

Crustless Zucchini Quiche

Melt in your mouth Zucchini Quiche without the crust. Tastes so good cold! Simple ingredients make it an easy quiche recipe to whip up any time life gives you zucchini.

Crustless Zucchini Quiche

Healthy Turkey Burgers

Juicy and flavorful Turkey Burger recipe with 5 simple ingredients. And one secret ingredient (hint: it’s also called courgette!) holds turkey burgers together without the breadcrumbs.

Healthy Turkey Burger

Healthy Black Bean Burgers

Bake, fry or grill these flavorful vegetarian Healthy Black Bean Burgers that are packed with plant protein, zucchini and rice! Veggie burgers hold up well and get a bit of chipotle heat from chili pepper in adobe sauce. Serve with Russian potato salad in the summer!

black bean burger on bun with toppings

Turkey Meatballs

Turkey Meatballs stay moist and juicy from added zucchini! Low carb with no breadcrumbs these baked meatballs are perfect for pasta night, as an appetizer, in a salad or make a sub.

turkey meatballs on plate with garnish

Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls

Served over fiber rich brown rice, your family will gobble up these Beef, Rice and Vegetable Bowls! Featuring lean ground beef, pepper, zucchini, eggplant and an Asian inspired sauce, these sweet and spicy bowls hit the spot.

korean ground beef rice bowl in bowl with fork

Minestrone Soup

Hearty and filling Minestrone Soup is full of garden bounty including zucchini, green beans, carrots and kale! Simmered in a tomato broth this herb filled, aromatic soup will be a dinnertime winner.

minestrone soup in a bowl with herbs beside bowl

Best Ever Vegetable Soup

A tasty way to get your veggies in! Loaded Vegetable Soup has zucchini, pepper , onion, corn, potatoes, carrots and celery that are simmered in a smoky tomato sauce that is mmmm, mmmm good!

vegetable soup in pot with ladle

Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry

A seafood and veggie stir fry not to be missed! Easy Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry uses firm vegetables such as zucchini, broccoli and peppers coated in a thick and flavorful sauce.

shrimp stir fry in bowl on top of a towel

Zucchini Side Dishes

Baked Parmesan Zucchini

Baked Parmesan Zucchini are a baked zucchini recipe that is not only healthy but big on flavor, yet still low calorie and outrageously tasty. Slices of zucchini baked until crispy and cheese melted on top with simple spices.

Parmesan Zucchini Sticks

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini Fritters with crispy outside, soft inside and only 5 ingredients. They are perfect for summer zucchini surplus and will disappear at the table.

zucchini fritters

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice and Zucchini

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice recipe with riced cauliflower, garlic and shredded zucchini for an extra vegetable boost. Easy, low carb and compliment just about any main dish.

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice and Zucchini

Healthy Zucchini Casserole

Cheesy Healthy Zucchini Casserole uses 3 lbs of zucchini and is so easy, quick and low carb. So much flavor from garlic, herbs and Parmesan cheese. So much yum in this baked zucchini recipe that is a healthy summertime favorite.

Zucchini Casserole

Zucchini Tomato Bake

Healthy Zucchini Tomato Casserole with garlic and Parmesan in 5 minutes of prep. Serve as low carb side dish or add cooked chicken for a 30 minute dinner.

Zucchini Tomato Bake

Sauteed Zucchini

I could talk about this Sauteed Zucchini for days! Talking points would include how they take 5 minutes, how simple are the ingredients, how tasty it is and best of all how healthy they are. But don’t trust my words. Try for yourself!

Sauteed Zucchini

Grilled Zucchini

Grilled Zucchini with garlic, oil, salt and pepper is our Ukrainian-Russian family recipe. We grill zucchini along with any meat all summer long.

Grilled Zucchini

Zucchini Potato Bake

This healthy Zucchini Potato Bake is inspired by my Ukrainian upbringing. It is chock full of vegetables, contains no whipping cream and just the right amount of cheese and lots of flavour!

Zucchini Potato Bake

Mediterranean Baked Zucchini Sticks

Mediterranean Baked Zucchini Sticks recipe are crunchy oven roasted zucchini with feta cheese, fresh parsley and no breading.

Mediterranean Baked Zucchini Sticks

Marinade for Grilled Vegetables

A summertime grilling favorite! The best balsamic Marinade for Grilled Vegetables includes grilled zucchini, bell pepper and red onion and then tosses them with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette and fresh parsley for a side dish that will disappear in a flash.

grilled vegetables pepper zucchini and onion

Zucchini Baking Recipes

Healthy Zucchini Bread

Healthy Zucchini Bread with applesauce, whole wheat flour and low sugar and low fat. Super delicious, easy and moist recipe.

Healthy Zucchini Bread

Healthy Banana Zucchini Muffins

Healthy Banana Zucchini Muffins made healthy with whole wheat flour, maple syrup and chocolate bar chunks. Moist and tasty with very little oil.

Banana Zucchini Muffins

Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins

Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins are moist, light and a delicious way to use your fresh summer zucchini! Naturally sweetened and naturally gluten free, these muffins are perfect for breakfast or snack.

Almond flour zucchini muffins with three stacked.

Healthy Lemon Zucchini Bread

Healthy Lemon Zucchini Bread that is super moist, lemon-y, sweet and so soft. It will blow your mind! Great for dessert and healthy enough for breakfast or  snack. You may also love this healthy lemon poppy seed bread.

Healthy Lemon Zucchini Bread

Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread with simple wholesome ingredients in one bowl. Easy, moist and double chocolate quick bread with sneaky veggies.

Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Healthy Lemon Zucchini Muffins

Healthy Lemon Zucchini Muffins made healthy with whole wheat flour, plain yogurt, zucchini and no refined sugar. A melt in your mouth muffin that stays moist due to zucchini.

Lemon Zucchini Muffins

Healthy Zucchini Banana Bread

Healthy Zucchini Banana Bread is easy quick bread perfect for summer baking. Moistened and sweetened with fruit and veggies, it is a hybrid of two favorite breads with virtually no oil.

zucchini banana bread in pan

Almond Flour Zucchini Bread

A cake like bread that is gluten free and perfectly moist! This Almond Flour Zucchini Bread will be a hit with your family who will ask for it on repeat.

almond flour zucchini bread on plate beside zucchini

Healthy Zucchini Muffins

Healthy Zucchini Muffins with applesauce. Use whole wheat or spelt or even gluten free all purpose. Moist and fluffy and a hit not only during the summer but year round.

Healthy zucchini muffins with a bowl of shredded zucchini and one muffin unwrapped.

Healthy Zucchini Brownies

Zucchini Brownies are easy, fudgy and healthy. Kids will eat them up and not even realize they are eating a vegetable. Taste even better next day.

Healthy Zucchini Brownies

Healthy Pumpkin Cake

Healthy pumpkin cake with both pumpkin and zucchini! Cinnamon spiced for all the fall feels plus topped with a greek yogurt icing makes this cake suitable for dessert…or a decadent breakfast.

pumpkin cake slice on plate with fork and cake tin in background

More Healthy Recipes

Tex Mex chicken and zucchini with melted cheese and cilantro in blue skillet.

45 Healthy Zucchini Recipes: Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini

One of our most popular zucchini recipes! Chicken, zucchini, black beans and corn seasoned with fresh herbs and taco seasoning and then cooked in one skillet under blanket of gooey cheese. Low carb 30 minute dinner.
5 from 8 votes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 342
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 lb boneless & skinless chicken breasts cut into 1″ chunks
  • 2 large zucchini diced
  • 3 bell peppers medium, chopped
  • 1 onion medium, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves large, minced
  • 1 cup corn fresh or frozen
  • 14 oz can low sodium black beans drained & rinsed
  • 14 oz low sodium diced tomatoes not drained
  • 1 tbsp oil avocado or coconut
  • 1 tbsp cumin divided
  • 1 tsp taco seasoning store bought or homemade taco seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup Tex Mex or Colby Jack cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup green onions chopped
  • 1/2 cup cilantro chopped

Instructions 

  • Preheat large ceramic non-stick skillet on medium heat and swirl oil to heat. Add onion, garlic and bell pepper and saute for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Push vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add chicken and sprinkle with 1 tsp cumin, salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add corn, black beans, tomatoes, zucchini, taco seasoning and remaining cumin. Stir well, cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes on low-medium heat.
  • Sprinkle with shredded cheese, cover and cook until cheese has melted. Garnish with green onion and cilantro. Serve hot on its own; or with Instant Pot quinoa or Instant Pot brown rice.

Video

Notes

  • Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Do not freeze.
  • To Reheat: Simmer on low heat in covered skillet for 5 minutes. No additional water or oil is needed to reheat if you use a non-stick skillet.
  • Do not over cook the zucchini. Zucchini is comprised of 95% water. The longer you cook zucchini, the more water it releases. Follow the recipe and cooking times and do NOT cook until the zucchini appears soft and cooked (or your dinner will be mushy).

Nutrition

Calories: 342kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 712mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex Mex
Author: Olena Osipov
Did you make this recipe?Mention @ifoodreal or tag #ifoodreal!

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About Olena

Welcome! I grew up in Ukraine watching my grandma cook with simple ingredients. I have spent the last 11 years making it my mission to help you cook quick and easy meals for your family!

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made the Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini for dinner last night, and it was deeeelicious! I don’t like bell pepper, so I substituted with a can of green chiles. Served it over white rice and with a dollop of sour cream. Will definitely be making this again!

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