17 Zucchini Recipes People Actually Get Excited About

You can turn a pile of fresh zucchini into easy, crowd-pleasing meals that work for busy nights, relaxed weekends, or casual gatherings. This gallery gives you plenty of inspiration, from crispy fritters and stuffed boats to baked casseroles, refreshing salads, and quick skillet sides. You'll find everything from light noodle bowls to cheesy breads and roasted vegetable dishes that make zucchini feel anything but boring. Keep scrolling and pick your next favorite way to cook it up.

Smoky Barbecue Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Zucchini halves stuffed with shredded chicken, melted cheese, and chopped herbs, arranged on parchment paper with a bowl of sliced jalapeños on the side. — Smoky Barbecue Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

I'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll get great new recipes from me every week!

These hearty zucchini boats turn a simple vegetable into a fun, satisfying dinner with bold barbecue flavor. Also known as BBQ chicken zucchini boats, they bring together comfort food vibes with a lighter twist. Each bite is savory, cheesy, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but exciting.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Barbecue Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Fresh Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad

A bowl of grilled corn salad with cherry tomatoes, zucchini, basil, and spices, placed on a wooden board next to a halved lime and a small dish of salt—fresh comfort food perfect for those seeking new corn recipes. — Fresh Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This vibrant salad is a sunny mix of grilled vegetables and juicy tomatoes tossed in a bright dressing. Often called a grilled zucchini corn salad, it captures everything you love about backyard BBQ sides. It's refreshing, colorful, and ideal for warm-weather gatherings or easy lunches.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

A plate of zucchini fritters arranged with fresh dill, lemon slices, and a bowl of creamy dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These crispy fritters deliver a satisfying crunch with tender zucchini inside and a light, golden finish. Known as air fryer zucchini fritters, they make a lighter take on a classic comfort snack. They're great for dipping, sharing, or serving as a quick veggie side that still feels indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

Chipotle Zucchini Veggie Tacos

A taco on a plate topped with grilled corn, cabbage, cilantro, cheese, and sauce—one of our favorite comfort food corn recipes—served with small bowls of cilantro and cabbage on the side. — Chipotle Zucchini Veggie Tacos. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These flavorful tacos feature tender zucchini and corn wrapped in warm tortillas with a smoky chipotle kick. Sometimes called zucchini corn tacos, they're a fresh and lively plant-forward meal. Perfect for weeknights, they bring just the right mix of heat and freshness.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Zucchini Veggie Tacos

Shrimp and Zucchini Scampi

This quick, elegant dish swaps traditional pasta for zucchini noodles in a light, garlicky sauce. Often referred to as zucchini scampi, it feels restaurant-worthy but comes together fast. It's a fresh, low-carb dinner that still delivers rich, comforting flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Zucchini Scampi

Mini Zucchini Pesto Quiches

These adorable mini quiches are packed with zucchini and pesto in a flaky, bite-size format. Also known as zucchini appetizer quiches, they're perfect for parties or casual snacking. They stay delicious warm or at room temperature, making them great for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Mini Zucchini Pesto Quiches

Zucchini Noodle Pasta Bowl

A portion of Zucchini on a plate. — Zucchini Noodle Pasta Bowl. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This bright noodle dish brings Mediterranean-inspired flavors together with tender zucchini spirals. Often called Mediterranean zoodles, it's a fresh alternative to traditional pasta. It's light, zesty, and perfect for a quick meal that still feels satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Pasta Bowl

Grilled Zucchini and Yellow Squash

Grilled Zucchini on a plate. — Grilled Zucchini and Yellow Squash. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This easy side dish highlights the natural sweetness of summer squash with a smoky grilled finish. Known as grilled zucchini and squash, it's a versatile companion to almost any meal. It's simple, fresh, and ideal for cookouts or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini and Yellow Squash

Zucchini Pasta Salad with Balsamic

This crisp salad combines spiralized zucchini with juicy tomatoes and creamy cheese in a tangy dressing. Sometimes called a zucchini caprese-style salad, it's a lighter twist on a classic favorite. It's fresh, vibrant, and perfect for picnics or make-ahead lunches.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pasta Salad with Balsamic and Mozzarella

Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

A bowl of breaded and baked zucchini fries served with a small dish of red marinara dipping sauce. — Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These golden zucchini fries deliver a crispy, seasoned coating with a tender veggie center. Also known as air fryer zucchini fries, they're a fun alternative to traditional fries. They're perfect for snacking, dipping, or serving alongside your favorite meals.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Seared Zucchini with Fresh Tomato Finish

A plate of roasted zucchini halves topped with a vibrant salsa of ripe tomatoes, onion, and herbs, garnished with chopped parsley—the perfect summer dish for fans of fresh tomato recipes. — Seared Zucchini with Fresh Tomato Finish. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This restaurant-inspired zucchini dish focuses on simple, high-heat cooking for deep flavor and caramelization. Often referred to as Thomas Keller-style zucchini, it elevates a humble vegetable into something special. It's a beautiful side dish that pairs well with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Seared Zucchini with Fresh Tomato Finish

Savory Cheddar and Rosemary Zucchini Bread

This soft, cheesy quick bread blends fresh zucchini with sharp cheddar and fragrant rosemary. Known as savory zucchini bread, it's perfect for brunches, potlucks, or cozy meals at home. It's comforting, aromatic, and delicious served warm with butter.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cheddar and Rosemary Zucchini Bread

Mom's Favorite Salad

Sliced zucchini salad mixed with fresh herbs and topped with toasted pine nuts, served on a white plate with a wooden spoon in the background. — Creamy Raw Zucchini Salad with Feta Herb Dressing. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This fresh salad features thin zucchini ribbons tossed in a tangy, creamy feta dressing with herbs. Also called a raw zucchini feta salad, it's crisp, bright, and full of texture. It's an easy no-cook option that feels both light and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Raw Zucchini Salad with Feta Herb Dressing

Sautéed Zucchini and Squash with Feta

A plate of diced zucchini and yellow squash mixed with herbs and topped with crumbled feta cheese. — Sautéed Zucchini and Squash with Feta. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This comforting side dish brings together tender zucchini and squash with buttery seasoning and salty feta. Often known as sautéed zucchini and squash, it's a simple way to highlight fresh vegetables. It's cozy, flavorful, and works well with almost any main course.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini and Squash with Feta

Sautéed Zucchini and Sweet Corn Skillet

This quick skillet dish combines sweet corn and zucchini with herbs for a light and satisfying side. Sometimes called zucchini corn sauté, it's an easy weeknight staple. It's fresh, fast, and full of natural summer flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Zucchini and Sweet Corn Skillet

Oven Roasted Zucchini Slices

These roasted zucchini slices come out perfectly tender inside with lightly crisped edges. Known as oven roasted zucchini, they're a simple way to make vegetables feel special. They're an easy side dish that fits into any weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Zucchini Slices

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

This comforting casserole layers zucchini with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a crisp baked topping. Often called a zucchini bake casserole, it's rich, hearty, and satisfying. It's a make-ahead friendly dish that works beautifully for gatherings or family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole