8 Zucchini Recipes That Won't Squash Your Summer Health Goals

There's no meal this light summer squash can’t conquer.
By: Emily Lee
Food stylist: Anne Disrude
Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

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Food stylist: Anne Disrude Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

Photo by: Con Poulos

Con Poulos

The thing we love most about zucchini is that it refuses to be labeled. In a culinary context, this firm summer squash is treated as a vegetable, often prepared as a savory main or side dish. But botanically, zucchini is classified as a fruit — and more specifically as a type of berry — which perhaps explains why you’ll find this fiber-packed jack-of-all-trades in sweet breads and pastries too. Few other vegetables can boast the same level of versatility. Luckily, the prime season is long — it begins in June and peaks in late August, so be sure to fit in several trips to the farmers market before summer is over. Whether it’s lightly seasoned and grilled until smoky or grated into fine shreds to be hidden in baked goods, there’s no meal this light summer squash can’t conquer. See for yourself with these 8 in-season zucchini recipes for casserole, zucchini bread and more.

Break out your skillet for this crowd-pleasing one-pot dish, where baked eggs sit atop grated summer squash and zucchini, with a healthy dose of spicy pepper Jack cheese, nutmeg and scallions.

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Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

This is just like your grandmother’s zucchini bread but without the guilt-inducing levels of butter and oil. Whole-wheat pastry flour creates a filling, nutty-tasting loaf. Apple butter lends extra moistness and natural sweetness. Surprisingly, only a third-cup of heart-healthy oil is used in this recipe.

Comforting and easy to make, frittatas are a quintessential brunch dish for a reason. But they can leave you feeling uncomfortably stuffed, given the liberal amounts of cheese and bacon found within them. Here, finely grated zucchini adds extra fiber and bright green color to this light, summery frittata for only 255 calories per serving.

Take your snack spread to the next level with Ellie Krieger’s super-seasonal baked zucchini crisps. Unlike store-bought potato chips, these crisps are light and crunchy without the grease. Your guests will appreciate the homemade touch.

grilled-zucchini-rolls-with-herbs-and-cheese-recipe

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Equally satisfying are Ellie’s grilled zucchini rolls made with reduced-fat goat cheese, lemon and parsley filling. They’re just enough to tide over your guests while you put the finishing touches on dinner.

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Photo by: Johnny Miller

Johnny Miller

Surprise your guests at your next dinner party with these mealworthy stuffed zucchini. Sturdy on the outside but tender on the inside, zucchini are perfect for hollowing out and filling with fresh, seasonal mix-ins. Here, they’re stuffed with breadcrumbs, tomatoes, herbs and garlic.

Zucchini Ribbon Pasta

zucchini-ribbon-pasta-recipe

Zucchini Ribbon Pasta

Photo by: Marshall Troy ©2012,Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Marshall Troy, 2012,Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

If you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner that’s filling yet health-conscious and incorporates seasonal produce, try tossing whole-wheat fettuccine with thin ribbons of green and yellow zucchini. Slicing the zucchini to mimic the shape of noodles makes for a big bowl of pasta that’s actually half vegetables.

Light Spicy Zucchini and Tomato Casserole

Light Spicy Zucchini and Tomato Casserole

Light Spicy Zucchini and Tomato Casserole

©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

For a heartier zucchini main, try Food Network Kitchen’s comforting casserole. Spicy tomato sauce coats layers of sliced zucchini, and a sprinkling of Cotija cheese adds a touch of creaminess. For the best results, quickly broil the zucchini before you assemble the casserole. That way you can ensure all the pieces will be evenly cooked once they’re baked with the tomato sauce.

For more ways to use summer squash, check out these recipes from our friends:

In Jennie's Kitchen: 5 Sweet & Savory Zucchini Recipes

Napa Farmhouse 1885: Italian Marinated Zucchini
The Mom 100: Baby Zucchini Grati n
Creative Culinary: Lemony Summer Squash Bread

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