14 Easy Zucchini + Summer Squash Recipes

Branch out beyond zucchini bread with these quick and easy - and healthy! - zucchini and summer squash recipes from local San Diego foodie bloggers.

Is your CSA box overloaded with zucchini and summer squash? Not sure what to do with it beyond a quick saute or making a zucchini bread? Think beyond the basics and try some new recipes!

Below is a list of creative, inventive ways to use up all that leftover zucchini plus some new favorite recipes to your meal planning, courtesy of local San Diego food bloggers.

zucchini Appetizer Recipes

Zucchini Corn Cakes with Tarragon Remoulade 

Fritters and corn cakes are a classic way to use up zucchini plus highlight the flavors of summer. The tarragon remoulade sauce kicks it up a notch. (Whitney Bond)

Zucchini Fritters

These classic zucchini fritters from Sam the Cooking Guy are a perfect complement to a creamy yogurt dip or a Thai chili sauce. (Sam the Cooking Guy)

Pan-Seared Zucchini with Harissa Hummus [GF]

A flavorful blend of spicy, creamy, tangy and smoky, this unique homemade hummus complements the zucchini perfectly. Leave out the feta for a vegan version. (Kitchen Konfidence)

Keto Zucchini Tots [GF]

A great way to use up leftover zucchini and a great way to introduce these veggies to kids! (Kirbie's Cravings)

Zucchini Zoodles, Pasta + Main Dish Recipes

Easy Lemony Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto [Vegan, GF]

A perfect, no-cook recipe highlighting all of the best flavors of summer. Serve with a bountiful salad and fresh fruit to round out the dinner. (EA Stewart)

Zucchini Vegan Ricotta Roll Ups [Vegan, GF]

Zucchini is a great sub for traditional lasagna noodles. It holds up in cooking plus it reduces the total carb load of the dish. This recipe also uses tofu in place of ricotta to give it that classic creamy filling feel. (Fueled Naturally)

Thai Peanut Zucchini Noodles [Dairy-Free]

These zucchini noodles aka “zoodles” are tossed with a creamy, savory and spicy Thai peanut sauce for a quick dinner meal. Sub the honey for a vegan version and sub soy sauce for coconut aminos for a gluten-free dish. (Kirbie's Cravings)

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Stuffed Zucchini Boats [GF, Dairy Free]

A simple way to cook up your zucchini and pack a ton of flavor. Simply saute shrimp, then a bounty of veggies while your zucchini boats roast in the oven, assemble and serve! Blogger Jennifer also lists 10 other zucchini boat recipe variations to try. (Carlsbad Cravings)

Zucchini Quinoa Burgers [Vegan, GF]

Zucchini, corn, quinoa and chickpeas are combined to make a hearty burger that everyone will enjoy. Add in some chili powder or chipotle to give it a spicy kick. (Whitney Bond)

Zucchini Pad Thai [GF, Dairy Free]

This low-carb version of a Thai classic uses zucchini and carrots to form the noodle base, plus a rich, gluten-free sauce made with coconut aminos, macadamia nuts, dates, lime, ginger and herbs. (Migraine Relief Recipes)

Kid-Friendly Pasta Primavera [Vegan]

Looking for a way to get your kids to eat more veggies? This kid-friendly pasta sauce packs a ton of flavor together with 8 different vegetables - all blended together of course, so they can't pick them out 😉 (Family Spice)

Zucchini Muffins + Bread

Zucchini Lemon Jalapeno Muffins

Many desserts can benefit from a hint of spice - it helps to balance out the sweet and salt flavors on your palate. Give them a try! (Mama Maggie's Kitchen)

Keto Zucchini Bread [GF]

A low-carb, veggie-packed alternative to a sweet banana bread loaf. Add in low-carb chocolate chips for an extra treat. (Kirbie's Cravings)

Grain-Free Zucchini Bread [Vegan, GF]

This bread recipe uses more wholemeal ingredients such as hazelnut meal, ground chia seeds and applesauce along with grated zucchini. Sub the honey for maple syrup for a vegan, gluten-free version.

Looking for More Healthy San Diego Eats?

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