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It’s a common problem to have during the summer: way too much zucchini on hand. Whether you grow your own zucchini or you receive some from a friend, there are never enough recipes for how to use it. And while most people use it in some type of baked good, here are 15 of the best zucchini recipes that will put a dent in that stockpile! Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a unique cake, these recipes will provide some new inspiration so you can truly enjoy one of the best produce items of the summer!

Offset spatula holding serving of zucchini parmesan showing interior layers with rest of casserole below.

1. Zucchini Parmesan

A spin on a classic dish, this zucchini parmesan recipe creates a hearty meal with the abundant produce of the summer. Layers of zucchini, mozzarella cheese, soppressata, and sauce combine to produce an incredible flavor that's great for any occasion. Finished off with bread crumbs for extra crunch, you'll be surprised at how quickly this meal can come together! Make it once, and it will forever be in your recipe repertoire.
Check out this recipe
Metal stockpot sitting on white countertop filled with penne pasta along with tomatoes and zucchini and basil pieces.

2. Tomato Zucchini Summer Pasta

If you’re looking to enjoy the freshest produce of the summer, then this tomato zucchini summer pasta recipe is for you! Ten ingredients come together in less than thirty minutes to form a simple, flavorful dish that can only be thought of as the essence of summer, all in a quick weeknight pasta.
Check out this recipe
Slice of olive oil cake sitting on white plate on marble surface with orange in background.

3. Orange & Zucchini Olive Oil Cake

When zucchini is in season, there's no better way to use it up than with a cake! This one-bowl wonder of a recipe goes together in a pinch and uses olive oil to moisten the entire dessert. Flavored with orange, it's the best of late summer produce with a simple, sweet glaze!
Check out this recipe
Marble surface with white plate filled with serving of chicken zucchini rice casserole with fork resting on plate with casserole dish in background.

4. Chicken, Zucchini & Rice Casserole

Bringing together chicken, zucchini, and rice, this hearty dish is perfect for a family or group meal, or just for leftovers! A lemon, honey, and olive oil marinade creates a bright yet rich flavor. Rice cooked in chicken stock and cream adds depth, while a cheese topping gives it a melty texture that finishes off a great summer dish.
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White plate with penne topped with cooked tomatoes and chicken zucchini meatballs with pieces of basil and a sprinkle of salt on top.

5. Chicken Zucchini Meatballs

These fresh and quick chicken zucchini meatballs are a great way to enjoy an easy summertime dinner. After the meatballs are seared, a flavorful tomato sauce is created in the same pan. Whether served alone or on a bed of pasta, the meatballs and tomato sauce are the essence of summertime ingredients!
Check out this recipe
Cooked zucchini fritters sitting on wire cooling rack after being browned on the stovetop.

6. Zucchini Fritters with Pesto Aioli

Perfect as a side or as its own meal, these simple-to-make zucchini fritters are great for the summer. Using an abundantly available vegetable combined with scallions, this crispy dish will quickly become a family favorite. Served with homemade pesto aioli, these fritters give a fried texture an elevated taste.
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Top down view of large white bowl filled with greens and white beans topped with lemon zest sitting on white countertop

7. Garlic & Herb White Bean Salad

While this dish is completely vegetarian, the addition of the white beans could make you think otherwise! When paired with garlic and a combination of herbs, this can be a main dish or side!
Check out this recipe
White oval baking dish filled with baked spaghetti squash chicken casserole on white marble surface with melted cheese over the top.

8. Spaghetti Squash Chicken Casserole

Instead of stuffing each spaghetti squash with a filling, this casserole incorporates everything into one easy baking dish. A combination of spaghetti squash, tomatoes, zucchini, and chicken are all mixed together and topped with cheese. Once baked, it’s the perfect, hearty meal for a weeknight or special occasion!
Check out this recipe
Top down view of white bowl filled with zucchini salad with wooden tongs all on white countertop with extra basil dressing and tomatoes

9. Grilled Zucchini & Onion Salad with Basil Dressing

A simple grilled zucchini, onion, cherry tomato, and pepper salad with basil dressing is the perfect summertime meal! Super simple and fresh! 
Check out this recipe
White plate with slice of chocolate zucchini bread sitting on it with crumbs from the bread on the plate.

10. Chocolate Zucchini Bread

While this recipe has the title "bread" in it, it's anything but an ordinary loaf of bread. This decadent, sweet, chocolate-flavored zucchini bread is the perfect treat to bake when there is much zucchini in the garden. Plus, it's a dump-and-stir cake, making it even better to make!
Check out this recipe
White marble countertop with metal sheet pan sitting on surface filled with zucchini crust pizza topped with cheese, sausage, and red bell pepper.

11. Baked Zucchini Crust Pizza

While this recipe may sound like a healthy dish, it’s entirely about the delicious flavor. Sure, there are health components to a zucchini crust, but the real reason to make this is because it’s super tasty! Think of this as combining a casserole and pizza and a perfect weeknight meal!
Check out this recipe
Round browned zucchini and corn fritters sitting on wire cooling rack after coming out of the cooker with browned edges.

12. Zucchini & Corn Fritters

A quick and simple zucchini and corn fritter is the perfect way to use up the best of the late summer season. An easy-to-make batter is mixed together, and small pancake-shaped fritters are fried on the stovetop. When paired with a chipotle sauce, these are a scrumptious side dish!
Check out this recipe
Small Bundt chocolate zucchini cake with chocolate ganache poured over top sitting on white plate with cutting board in background

13. Chocolate & Zucchini Cake

Whoever discovered that zucchini was useful for baking was a genius! This chocolate zucchini cake always turns out super moist and delicious!
Check out this recipe
Top down view of sliced of roasted vegetable pizza on top of white parchment paper on pizza board with extra bowl of sauce and pan of roasted vegetables on marble surface

14. Homemade Roasted Vegetable Pizza

A host of roasted vegetables work together with an easy crust and cheese to make this homemade pizza a delicious one! Skip delivery and make this instead!
Check out this recipe
Salmon sits on a bed of rice next to vegetables.

15. Oven Steamed Salmon with Vegetables

Salmon isn't just a delicious, flakey entree, it also holds great nutritional value! Pair it with rice and veggies, and the perfect meal is created.
Check out this recipe

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Kaleb

Kaleb Wyse is a New York Times bestselling author behind the popular Wyse Guide website. Living on his fourth-generation Iowa farm, he loves sharing recipes and gardening tips that come from traditions that feel comfortably familiar. His down-to-earth style makes sustainable living and farm life feel like home!

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