Spice up your summer meals with 21 delicious and easy summer zucchini side dishes! Zucchini is the versatile veggie that will change your plate’s life.
Zucchini season is here! This green veggie is like summer’s secret weapon. It’s yummy, easy to cook, and good for you. But forget boring steamed zucchini – we’re talking fun and exciting sides that will make everyone ask for seconds! Get ready to wow your friends and family with these 21 awesome zucchini side dishes.
Why Zucchini is the Summer Veggie Hero
Zucchini is like the superhero of summer veggies for a few reasons:
- It’s a chameleon: Zucchini can be grilled, roasted, baked, or even spiralized into noodles! It takes on flavors easily, so you can make it as simple or fancy as you want.
- It’s a health boost: Zucchini is packed with vitamins and fiber, which keep your body happy and healthy. It’s also low in calories, so you can enjoy it without feeling guilty.
- It’s in season: Zucchini is at its best during the summer, so you can get it fresh and flavorful. It’s also usually affordable, which is always a bonus.
21 Zucchini’s Summertime Transformation
Ready to see what zucchini can do? Here are 21 amazing side dish ideas that will make you love this veggie even more:
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Zucchini Salad
Raw Zucchini Salad marinated in a delicious blend of fresh lemon juice, garlic and salt then topped with creamy feta cheese and buttery pine nuts! An easy and healthy recipe to serve all summer!
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Baked zucchini made Italian style with tomatoes.
Ther tastiest and easiest recipe for baked zucchini! Try it before your summer zucchini is gone!
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Simple Cheesy Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Fresh zucchini, yellow squash, and shredded cheese, with a little seasoning, are the simple ingredients in this Simple Cheesy Zucchini and Yellow Squash.
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Easy Zucchini Soup
Use up your summer zucchini harvest and make this easy zucchini soup recipe! It’s simple to throw together with a handful of everyday ingredients.
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Vegan Zucchini Stuffing Casserole
Zucchini Stuffing Casserole is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish! It’s made with zucchini, seasoned vegetables, stock, and herbs. This recipe is 100% VEGAN and easy to make.
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Baked Zucchini Fries
This recipe transforms zucchini into crispy fries baked to perfection.
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20 Minute Sautéed Zucchini & Mushrooms
This recipe for sautéed sliced zucchini and mushrooms is an extra easy vegetable side dish that’s ready within 20 minutes
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Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Grilled vegetable skewers are the perfect light and flavorful side dish for summer. Sliced veggies are coated in a flavorful herb dressing.
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Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
With freshly grated cheese, a handful of seasonings, and Panko breadcrumbs, these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are crispy and healthy!
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Easy Grilled Italian Zucchini
This easy grilled italian zucchini is a fresh & delicious vegetarian side dish seasoned and cooked perfectly on the grill in just 20 minutes!
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Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips are crisp, addictive and so easy to make! They’re a healthy snack or side dish that the whole family will love!
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Lighter Zucchini Gratin
Lighter zucchini gratin with sliced zucchini in a creamy white sauce. Topped with cheese and breadcrumbs. A healthy and simple dish for a zucchini glut.
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Baked Zucchini Carrot Fritters
These colourful Baked Zucchini Carrot Fritters are delicious as side or as a meal all on their own! Vegetarian, gluten free and great for meal prep!
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Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad
Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad is a fresh summer side that goes well with anything. Full of flavor lots of crunch and so simple it will become your new summer go-to dish.
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Roasted Zucchini and Squash
Roasted zucchini and squash is a quick and easy side dish that’s ready in 20 minutes. Sliced zucchini and squash are coated in Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese then roasted in the oven.
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Crunchy Quick Zucchini Pickles
These quick zucchini pickles are simple to make and delicious. Zucchini are sliced and pickled with dill and spices for an easy refrigerator pickle that takes only 10 minutes to make.
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Risotto con Zucchini
Enjoy fresh summer flavors with this Risotto con Zucchini! A creamy Italian dinner idea, this rice recipe is full of fresh flavors with a lighter consistency than many risottos.
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Cheesy Zucchini Casserole – Veggie Side Dish Made with Leftover Rice!
Turn your fresh vegetables and leftover rice into this Cheesy Zucchini Casserole for an easy and creamy gluten free side dish! Yum!
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Sautéed Zucchini and Onions
Sautéed zucchini and onions is an easy stovetop side dish. Cubed zucchini and onions are sautéed in butter and seasoned with red pepper flakes.
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Warm Zucchini Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
This Warm Zucchini Salad with balsamic vinaigrette could be served as a side dish to your meat for dinner or on it’s own for lunch.
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Zucchini Power-Ups
- Make it a meal: Top your zoodles with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
- Add some spice: Mix in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a kick.
- Get creative: Try different pesto flavors, like basil, sun-dried tomato, or even avocado.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Zucchini is versatile, so don’t be afraid to try new things!
Zucchini Tips and Tricks
- Choose the right zucchini: Look for zucchini that are small to medium-sized, firm, and free of blemishes.
- Store properly: Zucchini can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep like a pro: Wash zucchini thoroughly and trim the ends. For zoodles, use a spiralizer or julienne peeler. For grilling or baking, slice into rounds or planks.
- Season to perfection: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning are great additions to zucchini.
- Don’t overcook: Zucchini cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. It should be tender but still have a little bite.
Zucchini: More Than Just a Veggie
Zucchini is the ultimate summer veggie. It’s versatile, delicious, and good for you. So don’t let it sit in your fridge forgotten – try these 21 exciting side dishes and see why zucchini is the star of the summer table!
