Use These Zucchini Recipes and Never Let a Squash Go Bad Again (2024)

Use These Zucchini Recipes and Never Let a Squash Go Bad Again (1)

If, like most folks, you want your family to have healthy dinner recipes on the table, then you're probably looking for ways to add more fresh vegetables on their plates. And in the summer, especially, there's one vegetable in particular worth turning to over and over: zucchini. Zucchini is inexpensive, nutritious, and its mild taste and creamy texture make it incredibly versatile.

Whether you want to make zucchini the centerpiece of a show-stopping quick, easy dinner recipe, give it a turn with your grilling recipes, serve it as a side, or sneak in into kid-friendly meals (see desserts, like these sweet apple muffins), we have a feeling you'll find at least one recipe on our list that'll fill the bill.

🍴 Let us share our favorite recipes from the Country Kitchen to yours.

Haven't spent much time cooking with zucchini before? You're in for a treat. This supercharged summer staple can be cooked and enjoyed in a ton of different ways, and it's bound to change your summer produce game for the better. From classic recipes like zucchini fritters with chili lime mayo to more newfangled options (zucchini cookies with brown butter cream cheese frosting, anyone?), you'll be surprised by the variety you can elicit from this one magical vegetable. And if you're trying to make use of leftover produce, we've also included some easy pasta recipes that will use up lots of veggies in your fridge. We're sure that these healthy zucchini recipes are ones your family won't get tired of any time soon!

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1

Grilled Zucchini and Yellow Squash With Lemon-Scallion Dressing

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Add a spicy kick to your grilled veggies with a vibrant jalapeño, lemon, and scallion dressing.

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2

Marinated Zucchini and Yellow Squash Tart

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You'll want to put this goat cheese and ricotta spread on just about anything after tasting this tart.

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SHOP BAKING SHEETS

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3

Classic Zucchini Bread

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Think of this as the ultimate "use it up" recipe—an easy way to turn a spare zuke or two into a snackably sweet anytime treat. Throw in a handful of nuts or chocolate chips, and it's even better!

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4

Turkey Meatballs Over Zucchini Noodles

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"Zoodles" and lean turkey meatballs make this a healthier (but just as delicious!) alternative to spaghetti.

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6

Pasta with Tomatoes, Zucchini, and Pesto

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This summery recipe incorporates classic Italian colors and flavors, creating a light and tasty pasta dish.

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7

Crispy Zucchini Strips

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This fry alternative showcases summer's finest veggie.

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8

Pasta with Sautéed Peppers, Zucchini, and Smoked Mozzarella

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This fresh pasta dish puts a springtime twist on spaghetti night.

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SHOP PASTA POTS

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9

Spaghetti with Roasted Zucchini

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It's hard to trump tasty strands of spaghetti, but this zucchini topping just might. Tossed with garlicky homemade bread crumbs, crushed red pepper, oil and salt, and baked until golden brown, it's utterly delectable.

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SHOP PASTA POTS

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10

Italian Sausage Stuffed Zucchini

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In a bowl, combine chopped cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and breadcrumbs. Spoon mixture into zucchini and drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 425 degrees F until tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

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11

Orzo with Zucchini, Dill, and Feta

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Elevate this rice-like pasta from simple side to satisfying main with bright Mediterranean touches: tangy citrus, fragrant dill, and salty cheese.

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SHOP PASTA POTS

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12

Sicilian Chicken Breast with Zucchini

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Navel oranges give this meal a burst of citrus-y flavor, with delicious grilled zucchini on the side.

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13

Lemony Zucchini, Fresh Garlic, and Parmesan Pizza

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This vegetarian pizza with lemony zucchini and fresh garlic is a satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

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14

Penne with Summer Vegetables

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This recipe takes advantage of some of summer's best produce to create a light but filling pasta dish.

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SHOP PASTA POTS

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15

Pizza with Zucchini

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Grilling adds a new texture and flavor to pizza. This vegetarian pie, topped with grilled zucchini, fresh ricotta, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan, is a satisfying mix of colors and flavors. Try our other variations on this quick recipe: Pizza with Sausage and Mushrooms and Pizza with Arugula and Prosciutto (also pictured).

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16

Fish and Zucchini Tacos

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This quick and easy recipe uses roasted fish for a healthier take on the usual fried fish taco. Serve with salsa on the side for a fun light meal the whole family will enjoy.

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17

Sweet and Smoky Salmon Kabobs

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Just toss salmon chunks and zucchini slices in a bowl of brown sugar and spices and thread them onto skewers for this easy, healthy main-dish grill recipe.

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18

Provençale Arctic Char

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This healthy meal combines Arctic char fillets (similar to salmon) with healthy summer veggies and heart-healthy olives.

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19

Tuna Tomato Linguine

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Dinner's done in a hurry when you toss linguine with a no-cook sauce of fresh zucchini ribbons, tuna, and capers.

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20

Ravioli and Zucchini Lasagna

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For a change of pace, we've replaced standard lasagna noodles with cheese-filled ravioli. Let this dish cool for five to 10 minutes before serving to ensure proper slicing.

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Use These Zucchini Recipes and Never Let a Squash Go Bad Again (2024)

FAQs

How can you tell if zucchini squash is bad? ›

If your zucchini looks stringy, not firm and meaty, it's time to be discarded. Off smell - Zucchini has a neutral, "green" scent. If your zucchini smells rotten or "off", it's safe to say it should be tossed. Bitter taste - When fresh, zucchini has a very neutral flavor.

Is zucchini good or bad for you? ›

Zucchini is a versatile squash rich in vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. It may offer several health benefits, ranging from improved digestion to a lower risk of heart disease. Zucchini may aid your bones, thyroid, and prostate. If you're curious, try adding this soft, mild fruit to your diet today.

What does zucchini look like when it goes bad? ›

If you see mold, black spots, browning, yellowing, shriveling, or wrinkling on the skin of your zucchini, it has likely gone bad. A soft, mushy, or slimy texture also indicates spoilage. When picking zucchini at the store, look for smooth, blemish-free skin with a vibrant dark green color.

Should zucchini be stored in the fridge or counter? ›

Do Store Fresh Zucchini in the Fridge. If properly stored, zucchini will last up to a week. The best way to store zucchini is in the refrigerator, preferably in the crisper drawer where humidity is kept to a minimum.

How do I know when my squash is bad? ›

Keep your eye out for any brown spots or blemishes; these can indicate the start of spoiling. Any soft spots or slimy areas are also a sign that your squash has gone bad. Old squash tends to have soft flesh, leathery skin, and a hollow feel. And, of course, any spots of mold mean it's time to toss your squash.

How can you tell if squash is good or bad? ›

A squash with soft spots and is soft to the touch, is a sign that the squash has gone bad. And if it starts to leak fluid, that's a sure sign that the squash is spoiled. Likewise, if the flesh and seeds of the fruit are mushy and slimy, that's a clear sign that it shouldn't be eaten.

When should you not eat zucchini? ›

Bad zucchini will feel rubbery or slimy to the touch. It may also have an off-putting smell and dark or fuzzy moldy spots. The interior of bad zucchini may be off-white to brownish with stringy, mushy flesh and large, hard seeds.

Which is healthier zucchini or yellow squash? ›

Is yellow squash as nutritious as zucchini? The two are very similar in terms of their nutrition content and health perks. For example, both are about 95% water, making them low in both calories and carbs, and are decent sources of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber.

What does zucchini do for your stomach? ›

Zucchini can help promote healthy digestion in several ways. Firstly, it is rich in water , containing 94.8 grams (g) of water per 100 g of fruit. Water is essential for helping improve digestion. Water in the diet helps soften stools and makes them easier to pass, reducing the chances of constipation.

Can I eat 2 week old zucchini? ›

How Long Does Zucchini Last? Now that you know how to store zucchini and how to freeze zucchini, you're probably wondering how long you have to use it. Whole zucchini in the fridge can last up to a week and cut zucchini in the freezer can last up to three months.

Is zucchini still good after 2 weeks? ›

Zucchini requires a cool, dry place for storing, such as the crisper drawer in the refrigerator. With proper storage, fresh zucchini harvested from the garden lasts about one to two weeks. Frozen zucchini remains good for up to 10 months, while canned or pickled squash lasts up to two years.

Is it OK to eat zucchini with a little mold? ›

If food is covered with mold, discard it.

How do you store zucchini so it doesn't go bad? ›

To store zucchini in the fridge, keep the squash whole, dry and unwashed. Store them in a plastic or paper bag with one end open to encourage air circulation, and pop them in the refrigerator crisper drawer. They'll keep there for 1 to 2 weeks, though you'll probably see the skin start to shrivel over time.

How do you keep zucchini from going bad? ›

Zucchini thrives in a dry environment, so pop it into the crisper drawer whole, preferably in a plastic or paper bag with one end open for ventilation. The minimal humidity will keep it from going bad. Stored properly, it'll last one or two weeks, though you'll probably see the skin shrivel as the days pass.

How long does zucchini squash last in the fridge? ›

To store zucchini in the fridge, keep the squash whole, dry and unwashed. Store them in a plastic or paper bag with one end open to encourage air circulation, and pop them in the refrigerator crisper drawer. They'll keep there for 1 to 2 weeks, though you'll probably see the skin start to shrivel over time.

How long does it take for zucchini to go bad? ›

Zucchini thrives in a dry environment, so pop it into the crisper drawer whole, preferably in a plastic or paper bag with one end open for ventilation. The minimal humidity will keep it from going bad. Stored properly, it'll last one or two weeks, though you'll probably see the skin shrivel as the days pass.

How long is zucchini squash good for? ›

Store squash ideally between 41 to 50 °F with a relative humidity of 95%. Under these conditions, squash is acceptable for up to 2 weeks. Squash stored at refrigeration temperatures of 41 °F should have a shelf life of 4 days.

What does squash rot look like? ›

Summer squash with rotten ends and fuzzy growth caused by choanephora rot. White, then purplish-black fungal growth, covers the flowers. The blossom end of the squash is soft, rotted and covered with fluffy purplish-black fungal growth.

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