In This Article Show
I always end up with extra zucchini in the summer, whether from my garden or a good deal at the market. The good news is, it’s one of the easiest vegetables to cook with. It has a mild taste that works with almost any flavor, and it can be the main part of a meal or a simple side.
These vegan recipes are how I use it up without getting bored.
They are simple, don’t require strange ingredients, and turn zucchini into something really good.
1. Simple Roasted Zucchini
Zucchini halves or chunks tossed with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt, then roasted until tender and slightly browned. This is my most basic, go-to side dish.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
Click here for the full recipe
2. Zucchini Noodles with Marinara
Spiralized zucchini sautéed just until tender, then topped with your favorite jarred or homemade marinara sauce. It’s a five-minute, no-pasta dinner.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 6g
Click here for the full recipe
3. Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Zucchini halves hollowed out and filled with a mix of quinoa, black beans, corn, and taco spices, then baked until everything is hot.
Nutrition per serving (2 halves):
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 11g
Click here for the full recipe
4. Zucchini and Corn Fritters
Grated zucchini and sweet corn mixed with chickpea flour and spices, then pan-fried until golden and crisp. I eat these with a cool vegan yogurt dip.
Nutrition per serving (2 fritters):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 5g
Click here for the full recipe
5. Creamy Zucchini Soup
Diced zucchini and potato simmered in vegetable broth until soft, then blended until smooth and creamy. A splash of coconut milk makes it rich.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 5g
Click here for the full recipe
6. Zucchini “Meatballs”
Grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, and lentils formed into balls and baked. I serve them over spaghetti or in a sub roll with marinara.
Nutrition per serving (4 meatballs):
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 7g
Click here for the full recipe
7. Zucchini and Chickpea Curry
Chunks of zucchini and chickpeas cooked in a flavorful coconut milk and tomato curry sauce. I always have this with rice.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 10g
Click here for the full recipe
8. Grilled Zucchini Skewers
Chunks of zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion marinated in Italian dressing and grilled on skewers. A simple summer BBQ side.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 4g
Click here for the full recipe
9. Chocolate Zucchini Bread
A moist, sweet quick bread where the zucchini keeps it tender. No one can tell it’s there, but it’s a great way to use a lot at once.
Nutrition per serving (1 slice):
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
Click here for the full recipe
10. Zucchini and White Bean Sauté
Sliced zucchini and canned white beans cooked in a skillet with garlic, lemon, and herbs. It’s a fast, protein-packed lunch.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 12g
Click here for the full recipe
11. Zucchini Rice Casserole
Cooked rice, grated zucchini, corn, and enchilada sauce baked together with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s easy comfort food.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 6g
Click here for the full recipe
12. Zucchini “Bacon”
Very thin lengthwise slices of zucchini marinated in a smoky, salty sauce and baked until chewy and crisp. Perfect for sandwiches or salads.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 50
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 1g
- Fiber: 2g
Click here for the full recipe
13. Zucchini and Potato Hash
Diced zucchini and potatoes pan-fried with onions and smoked paprika until crispy. My favorite hearty breakfast side.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 6g
Click here for the full recipe
14. Lemon Garlic Zucchini Pasta
Thinly sliced zucchini ribbons sautéed quickly with lots of garlic, lemon zest, and pine nuts, then tossed with cooked linguine.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 7g
Click here for the full recipe
15. Zucchini Muffins
Sweet, spiced muffins made with grated zucchini and oats. They make a great grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Nutrition per serving (1 muffin):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
Click here for the full recipe
16. Zucchini and Lentil Stew
A thick, savory stew with zucchini, brown lentils, carrots, and celery. It’s filling, healthy, and tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 13g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 17g
Click here for the full recipe
17. Zucchini “French Fries”
Zucchini cut into fry shapes, coated in breadcrumbs and spices, and baked until crispy. They’re a fun, lighter alternative to potato fries.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
