Zucchini is a variety of summer squash that is known for its culinary versatility. You can use zucchini to make a wide variety of satisfying savory dishes, from veggie kabobs to noodles, and it can even be used to make healthy dessert alternatives.
Another great thing about zucchini is how well it pairs with other vegetables, particularly, other types of squash.
We’ve tried and tested many zucchini and squash recipes to come up with our top 15, and we’re going to share those recipes with you today!
1. Simple Roasted Zucchini And Squash
If you want to keep things simple, a side of roasted zucchini and squash makes the perfect accompaniment to any meat-based or even vegetarian meal.
If you’re not sure what to serve alongside your roast chicken or favorite meat alternative, this is one recipe we recommend.
The extra-virgin olive oil and seasonings (including basil, parsley, ground pepper, and salt) bring out the flavors of the zucchini and summer squash without masking the vegetables’ authentic taste.
Preparation is quick and easy and the roasting process takes a maximum of 25 minutes.
2. Parmesan Roasted Zucchini And Squash
Looking for ways to take your roasted zucchini and squash to another level? Why not try adding some strong Parmesan cheese?
All you need in addition to the zucchini and squash is some olive oil, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic, dried oregano, and of course, the Parmesan.
This sumptuous side dish only takes about 5 minutes to prepare, and 10 minutes to cook, so you won’t need more than 15 minutes in total. At 187 calories per serving, this cheesy side is surprisingly low-calorie and provides 7 grams of protein.
3. Skillet Zucchini And Yellow Squash
This recipe for skillet zucchini and yellow squash might not sound particularly extravagant, and that’s because it’s not. However, you can’t beat a simple side like this when you want to eat quickly, and we think it’s perfect for the summer months.
You don’t need many ingredients for this recipe: just 2 small zucchini and 2 yellow crookneck squash in addition to some Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, olive oil, and butter.
Adding the Parmesan cheese at the end is optional, but we recommend trying it because the flavor contrast it creates is incredible.
4. Sautéed Zucchini And Squash
Another way to prepare squash for a simple side dish is to sauté the vegetable. If you’ve been wondering how to sauté zucchini and squash for the best flavors, we recommend this recipe.
You’ll be using a summer squash as well as a zucchini squash, and you’ll also need some yellow onion, garlic, salted butter, black pepper, sea salt, and Italian herbs for extra seasoning.
Because the recipe recommends cutting the squash into half moon shapes, you’ll get more browning and caramelization, which is key to bringing out the flavors.
5. Cheesy Zucchini And Squash Casserole
If you want to use zucchini and other squash varieties as the integral part of your meal rather than a side, you can’t go wrong with this cheesy zucchini and squash casserole!
This casserole tastes incredibly rich thanks to the cream sauce, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan. However, it’s also packed with healthy micronutrients from the zucchini, squash, onion, and garlic.
You can garnish your casserole with fresh parsley, and there’s Italian seasoning in the casserole itself for an extra burst of fresh flavor.
6. Zucchini And Squash Bake
This zucchini and squash bake is a slightly healthier alternative to the casserole, so if you’re trying to watch your daily intake of calories, especially from fat, this is an excellent recipe to make instead.
You’ll only need 6 ingredients for this bake (zucchini, yellow squash, breadcrumbs, oregano leaves, olive oil, and Parmesan) so it’s easy to make, especially since the method only consists of 2 steps.
With only 139 calories per serving, this is a nutritious and delicious meal that proves you don’t have to give up tasty food to maintain a healthy lifestyle!
7. Grilled Squash Ribbons And Prosciutto With Mint Dressing
In our opinion, these grilled squash ribbons with prosciutto and mint dressing make the perfect appetizer for a light summer meal.
You only need 30 minutes to prepare these delicious skewers, and less than 10 ingredients. You’ll be using lime zest, lime juice, chopped mint, cloves, olive oil, and ground pepper for the dressing.
Meanwhile, the only ingredients you need for the skewers themselves are yellow squash, zucchini, and prosciutto. To make the vegetables extra crispy, the recipe recommends brushing them with oil before baking, and the result is fantastic.
8. Yellow Squash And Zucchini Gratin
Zucchini and summer squash can be grown year-round, meaning that you can use these vegetables for summery dishes as well as hearty cold-weather food, like this yellow squash and zucchini gratin.
You can have this gratin ready in just 35 minutes because preparation takes 25 minutes, and you only need to bake it for 10.
10 ingredients are needed for the recipe, including the zucchini and squash, shallots, bread crumbs, heavy whipping cream, butter, sea salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
9. Pizza Zucchini Boats
This recipe for pizza zucchini boats is one of our all-time favorites because it proves that eating well can be fun and delicious.
To make these pizza boats, you just need some large zucchini, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, and whatever toppings you like (the recipe suggests mini pepperoni and basil to garnish, but you can get creative here).
If you follow the topping suggestions in the recipe, you’ll get 21 grams of protein per serving, so this recipe helps you to meet your macronutrient requirements as well as your micronutrients.
10. Grilled Zucchini And Squash
Returning to the idea of serving zucchini and squash as a side dish, you can easily grill these vegetables to bring out their flavor while maintaining a tender and appetizing texture.
To do this, you’ll need some lemon juice, black pepper, salt, garlic, and extra-virgin olive oil. These ingredients complement the natural flavors in the squash and zucchini beautifully without being overpowering.
If you want, you can garnish your grilled zucchini and squash with fresh herbs such as parsley before serving with a dash of lemon juice.
11. Zucchini Enchiladas
If you love enchiladas but are looking for ways to make your favorite dish healthier, these zucchini enchiladas are perfect.
These enchiladas are low-carb and packed with nutrients. In addition to the zucchini, you will need some olive oil, onion and garlic, ground cumin, kosher salt, chili powder, shredded cheddar, Monterey jack, sour cream, enchilada sauce, and cilantro.
You can also add some rotisserie chicken, but you could also leave this out to keep the dish meat-free. The total time needed to make these enchiladas is 40 minutes, and only 20 minutes of this is prep time.
12. Yellow Squash Tots With Garlicky Yogurt Dip
Can’t get enough of tater tots? We hear you. But what about if you’re trying to make healthier lifestyle choices? Well, in that case, these yellow squash tots are the logical alternative.
You can use either yellow squash or zucchini for this recipe, and for the tots themselves, you’ll also need an egg, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, an onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
For the yogurt tip, all you need is Greek yogurt (unsweetened) and some lemon juice, parsley, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
13. Air Fryer Squash
Air fryer squash is another great idea for when you’re craving a crispy, breaded treat without the excess carbs and fats.
You only need yellow squash (or zucchini) and some all-purpose flour, eggs, buttermilk, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, black pepper, and kosher salt.
You only need to cook the squash for about 8 minutes and preparation is fast and easy, so this is a low-effort snack or side to prepare when you’re hungry.
14. Grilled Squash, Corn And Kale Salad
Squash is the perfect vegetable to incorporate into a light and flavorful summer salad. What makes this particular salad recipe so delicious is the za’atar spice mix, which adds a lot of flavor.
The ingredients for the salad itself are squash and zucchini, corn, red cabbage, kale, broccoli sprouts, salt, pepper, and extra-virgin olive oil.
For the vinaigrette, you’ll be using shallots, cloves, sunflower seeds, za’atar, olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, kosher salt, and water.
15. Ratatouille Slab Pie
This ratatouille slab pie is one of our favorite fall and winter meals, and it’s a really interesting twist on the classic French recipe.
You’ll need both zucchini and yellow squash as well as eggplant, tomatoes, onion, and bell peppers. The pie crust is made from all-purpose pie dough, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time preparing the pastry.
In total, the recipe takes 2.5 hours to make, but only 50 minutes of this is active cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Zucchini and squash make an excellent vegetable pairing, and you can use this combination to make so many different recipes, from light and easy salads to hearty pies, bakes, and casseroles.
We hope you enjoy trying out these recipes and sampling the results!
