Wondering what to make with too much zucchini? This list of delicious zucchini recipes is all you need. Everything from easy sides like grilled zucchini spears to dinner casseroles and even zucchini chips!

image and pin image 2 for easy zucchini recipes featuring baked zucchini spears with parmesan cheese.

Zucchini! 

A staple Mediterranean diet ingredient, zucchini boasts some great benefits. It is high in antioxidants, rich in nutrients and vitamins, and because of its high water and fiber content, it also promotes healthy digestion by reducing your risk of constipation.

Right around mid-July, gardens and markets are abundant with zucchini, and if you’re one of the lucky ones who ended up with a few too many zucchinis, it’s time to put them to good use!

Luckily, zucchini is a versatile ingredient that you can eat in a salad or sliced and dipped in your favorite dip. You can also cook zucchini many different ways: sautéed simply in a pan with a bit of good olive oil, roasted with other veggies, sliced and tossed in pasta, a pot of homemade vegetable soup, or turned into boats to hold a delicious mixture of tomatoes and fresh herbs for the perfect summer appetizer! I mix them into my Summer Pasta Salad with Corn–the list goes on!

There are so many ways to cook zucchini, and I am sharing 25 easy zucchini recipes to get you started. 

collage image and pin image 1 for best zucchini recipes featuring 4 zucchini recipes from The Mediterranean Dish.

Our top 5 best zucchini recipes

These tasty zucchini recipes are fan favorites on the site, and also on my regular dinner rotation at home! They’re delicious, wholesome, and simple to prepare. Check them out:

Baked Zucchini Recipe with Parmesan Cheese and Thyme

Crisp and tender baked zucchini fries with a golden crust of Parmesan, thyme and oregano. Serve these gluten-free Italian-style zucchini batons hot, with a dipping sauce like tzatziki.

Baked Zucchini Sticks On plate with garnish of fresh parsley
Easy baked zucchini

Vegetarian Moussaka

This roasted vegetable moussaka with eggplant, potatoes, and zucchini with a chunky tomato-lentil sauce is simply the best. Hearty, superbly delicious, and filled with nutrients. Even meat lovers won’t miss the meat!

Vegetarian moussaka with eggplant, potatoes, zucchini and bechamel on top
Vegetarian moussaka

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Looking for a 20-minute appetizer or side dish? Loaded zucchini boats are your ticket! You’ll love the Mediterranean vibes from tomato, feta cheese, and plenty of fresh herbs. 

Mediterranean grilled zucchini boats filled with tomato, feta, and fresh herb mixture
Zucchini boats

Skillet Zucchini Recipe with Balsamic Glaze

This incredibly easy side dish is perfect if you’re short on time! And while I share instructions for how to make homemade balsamic glaze, you can save time by using store-bought instead. This zucchini recipe pairs well with steamed salmon, Greek keftedes, and grilled chicken.

Sauteed zucchini on fork with balsamic glaze and black sesame seeds
Skillet zucchini with balsamic glaze

Vegetarian Lasagna Rolls

This twist on classic lasagna is delicious, satisfying, and super simple to make! If you’d like to work ahead, you can completely assemble the zucchini lasagna roll-ups and refrigerate (for up to one night), but don’t bake them until you’re ready.

Vegetarian Lasagna Rolls
Vegetarian lasagna roll-ups

Baked zucchini recipes

One of my favorite ways to cook zucchini is in the oven, because I can pretty much let the oven do the hard work while I prepare the other parts of my meal! Here are some baked zucchini recipes to try:

Baked Zucchini Chips

These crispy, addictive zucchini chips are sure to become your new favorite snack! Be sure to slice your zucchini thinly for best results. (I always use a mandolin so all my slices are uniform in thickness.)

Baked Zucchini Chips with Tzataziki Sauce
Zucchini chips with tzatziki

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

Simple, hands-off Italian-style baked chicken and vegetables (zucchini, red bell peppers, and broccoli) ready in 30 minutes or less! One of my favorite sheet pan dinners, this recipe is delicious over your favorite pasta or grain

Baked chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan
Sheet pan chicken and veggies

Zucchini side dishes

Zucchini is an unfussy, mild-flavored vegetable that complements a huge variety of main dishes. Whether by itself or paired with other vegetables, zucchini is a delicious, nutritious side! Try these side dishes with zucchini:

Greek Roasted Vegetables (Briam)

A beautiful vegan Greek dish chock-full of zucchini slices, potatoes, and red onions, and overflowing with flavor! I arrange my vegetables into round rows, but you can skip this and simply arrange them flat on your baking pan – they will taste delicious no matter how they’re presented! 

Briam Greek Roasted Vegetables served with a side of feta and olives
Roasted vegetables, Greek-style

Italian Oven-Roasted Vegetables

These roasted vegetables with zucchini, potatoes, and more are so easy to throw together on busy weeknights! Serve them as a side alongside garlic Dijon chicken and boneless leg of lamb, or as a vegetarian main on a simple bed of lemon rice or quinoa. 

Italian Oven Roasted Vegetables | The Mediterranean Dish. Simple and delicious oven roasted vegetables, the Italian way! Not your average side dish! These veggies will be your new favorite! Comes together in 20 mins or so. See the recipe on TheMediterraneanDish.com
Italian roasted vegetables

Grilled zucchini recipes

When temperatures rise and you just want to be outdoors, it’s time to bring out the grill! And grilling zucchini to tender perfection is easier than you might think. Here are some grilled zucchini recipes, with tips, to try:

Mediterranean-Style Grilled Zucchini Salad

This grilled zucchini salad is so easy and delicious! All it takes is olive oil, cumin, lemon juice, garlic, and some fresh herbs to build show-stopping flavor with very little time and effort. 

grilled zucchini and feta cheese salad with fresh herbs
Grilled zucchini salad

Easy Vegetable Kabobs

Zucchini, mushrooms, onions, grape tomatoes, and Brussels sprouts make the perfect veggie kabobs! Simply flavored with dried oregano, Aleppo-style pepper, and lemon juice, these vegetable skewers take just 10 minutes on the grill! 

Overheard view of grilled vegetable skewers on a blue plate with a dish of romesco sauce
Grilled vegetable skewers with dipping sauce

Easy Grilled Zucchini 

Quick, flavor-packed grilled zucchini is perfect for your next cookout or to use as a side with your favorite entree! Follow my tips for tender, but never soggy, grilled zucchini spears in about 10 minutes!

close up of grilled zucchini with some sumac sprinkled on top, with lemon slices on the side.
Easy grilled zucchini

Zucchini casserole and pasta recipes

There’s nothing like a casserole or hearty pasta dish when you’re in the mood for comfort food. The veggie-heavy dishes below combine all the coziness you could ask for with nutrient-dense vegetables! Here are some recipes to try: 

Zucchini Bechamel Casserole

This Egyptian casserole made with zucchini, ground beef, mozzarella cheese, and bechamel sauce is so simple and yummy! Even though it’s a hearty main dish on its own, I still sometimes add some tabouli alongside. 

Mediterranean-Style Zucchini Casserole

In this casserole, layers of zucchini, carrots, and onions, are topped with a perfectly spiced meat sauce. Serve it with Lebanese rice. This recipe is great for batch cooking because it freezes well!

Mediterranean Style Zucchini Casserole | The Mediterranean Dish. Low carb zucchini casseroles with layers of zucchini, carrots, onions and a perfectly spiced meat sauce. Aromatics, warm Mediterranean spices, and fresh herbs make all the difference. See the full recipe on themediterraneandish.com #mediterraneandiet #zucchini #casserole #lowcarb #keto
Zucchini casserole

Vegetarian Baked Ziti

Think of ziti as lasagne’s more relaxed cousin. Just as delicious, with much less effort! This is a great recipe option if you’re looking for something hearty to cook without meat. If you can’t find ziti pasta, penne works just fine! (It’s actually what I use, because I don’t come across ziti very often.) 

Vegetarian Baked Ziti in Blue Casserole Dish. Serving spoon on the side
Vegetarian baked ziti

Easy Pasta Primavera

Al dente pasta, tender roasted veggies, and a lighter primavera sauce make this recipe something special. The best thing about this pasta primavera is that because I make it year-round with seasonal vegetables, it never turns out quite the same way twice! 

Pasta primavera with roasted veggies in a bowl. A large serving bowl to the side
Pasta primavera

Zucchini soup

An easy way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet is to throw them into soups! And zucchini is delicious in brothy soups because it absorbs so much flavor. Here are some zucchini soup recipes to try:

Easy Ratatouille

My take on this classic French stew takes one pot and just 40 minutes to make! I typically make this easy recipe a day or two ahead of time because the flavors meld so beautifully if given a little extra time.  

ratatouille in a large pot
Ratatouille

Minestrone Soup

My quick Italian minestrone is brimming with vegetables (like green beans and zucchini), beans, and a bit of pasta. But the flavorful tomato broth steals the show!

Minestrone soup recipe served in a bowl
Minestrone soup

Vegetable Soup

Mediterranean-style homemade vegetable soup with zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, fresh herbs, and chickpeas! It’s so easy to make this veggie soup your own: Swap out the vegetables for what you have on hand, or replace the chickpeas with different beans! 

Homemade vegetable soup served in bowls with added side of fresh parsley, lime and crushed peppers
Vegetable soup

Zucchini for breakfast!

It can be difficult to incorporate vegetables into typical breakfast meals, but I love starting the day off with some veggies to fuel me for the day ahead! Here are some Mediterranean-style breakfast recipes with zucchini:

Crustless Zucchini Quiche

My egg casserole with fresh herbs, shallots, and tomatoes is lighter than a traditional quiche because it lacks a crust, and you can use milk instead of heavy cream. 

Crustless Zucchini Quiche Recipe | The Mediterranean Dish. Simple crustless zucchini quiche recipe with fresh herbs, tomatoes, and shallots. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. See our suggestions for what to serve along. #zucchini #quiche #crustlessquiche #zucchinirecipe #breakfast #brunch #holidaybrunch #vegetarianrecipes #savorypie #eggs #mediterraneandiet #mediterraneanrecipes
Zucchini quiche

Zucchini Baked Omelet

This Middle Eastern-style baked omelet comes together in just 30 minutes! Think of this as sort of like a more dense frittata. Serve it alongside fattoush salad for a delicious breakfast or brunch!

baked omelet with zucchini in a cast-iron skillet.

Vegetable Frittata

Roasted vegetables, rich extra virgin olive oil, and tangy feta cheese make this frittata simply sublime! Pro tip: A pinch of baking powder mixed into the egg batter will give you perfectly fluffy eggs.

A Black Pan with Handles Containing a Freshly Baked Broccoli Red Pepper Frittata
Vegetable frittata

More easy zucchini recipes 

When I said zucchini is versatile, I wasn’t kidding! The recipes below all make the most of zucchini’s delicate flavor and tender texture. Check them out:

Stuffed Zucchini Recipe

In this Middle Eastern-style recipe, hollowed-out zucchini acts as a vessel for a spiced mixture of rice and ground beef. And don’t worry, we don’t waste any of the zucchini flesh! It gets cooked right along with the stuffed zucchini.

stuffed zucchini on a large platter.

Orzo with Zucchini and Chickpeas

For a satisfying vegan main meal or hearty side dish, you have to try this orzo recipe with zucchini and chickpeas cooked in a chunky, garlicky tomato sauce.

Orzo with zucchini, chickpeas, and tomatoes. Garnished with fresh mint and toasted pine nuts
Orzo with vegetables

Pesto Chicken and Vegetables

Dinner in 20 minutes! This one-pan pesto chicken and vegetables is an easy-as-can-be weeknight meal! Use homemade basil pesto if you have it, but store-bought works fine as well.

pesto chicken and vegetables in a pan
Pesto chicken and veggies

Grain Bowls with Lentils, Chickpeas, and Vegetables 

Try a grain power bowl for a perfect nutrition boost. They’re also an easy way to turn pantry staples into a satisfying meal! I used lentils, chickpeas, zucchini, tomatoes, and avocado, but I also share tips for creating your own grain bowls. 

Mediterranean Grain Bowls with lentils, zucchini, avocados, tomatoes and topped with feta cheese.

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5 from 15 votes

25+ Best zucchini recipes: Baked Zucchini Recipe with Parmesan and Thyme

Suzy Karadsheh of The Mediterranean Dish. In the kitchenSuzy Karadsheh
image and pin image 2 for easy zucchini recipes featuring baked zucchini spears with parmesan cheese.
On my list of easy zucchini recipes above, you'll find sides, snacks, casseroles, and more! To get started, try this fan-favorite baked zucchini recipe with thyme and parmesan cheese! Serve these zucchini spears hot out of the oven, alongside some tzatziki for a tasty appetizer.
Prep – 10 minutes
Cook – 15 minutes
Cuisine:
Italian
Serves – 5 people
Course:
Appetizer, Side Dish

Ingredients
  

For Parmesan-Thyme Topping:

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, no stems
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • pinch kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Mix together the grated Parmesan, thyme, and spices in a medium bowl.
  • Prepare a large baking sheet that's topped with a wire baking rack. Lightly brush the wire baking rack with extra virgin olive oil (or use a healthy cooking spray.) Place the zucchini spears, skin-side down, on the baking rack in a single layer. Brush each one with extra virgin olive oil.
  • Sprinkle the herb and cheese topping on each zucchini stick so they are all lightly coated.
  • Bake in the heated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender. For a crispy golden topping, broil for 2 to 3 minutes more. Watch it carefully so the zucchini does not burn.
  • Serve immediately as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, or as a side next to your protein of choice.

Video

Notes

  • Tip for success: Be sure to cut the zucchini into thick spears or batons so they become crisp with a good bite when baked. And don’t skip using a wire rack, if possible. The wire baking rack allows the hot air to circulate freely so that the zucchini sticks will not get soggy. If you use a wire rack, the zucchini sticks will be tender on the inside, and firm with a crisp topping on the outside. 
  • Serving suggestions: Baked zucchini spears make a light appetizer next to your favorite dipping sauce. But they are also an easy side next to your favorite protein, like Garlic Dijon Chicken, Pan-Seared Trout, Salmon Kabobs, or Lamb Burgers.
  • Leftovers and storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Visit Our Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils and all-natural and organic spices (like the sweet Spanish paprika used in this recipe).

Nutrition

Calories: 66kcalCarbohydrates: 4.8gProtein: 5.4gFat: 3.3gSaturated Fat: 1.8gPotassium: 319.4mgFiber: 1.6gVitamin A: 458.2IUVitamin C: 22.3mgCalcium: 139.3mgIron: 0.9mg
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I’m Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I’m all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you’re here…
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5 from 15 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Sphall says:

    I can hardly wait to try out your recipes. They look so delicious. Can eggplants with seeds be eaten?

    1. Suzy says:

      Hi, Sphall. Yes, they are edible, but they are on the more bitter side.

  2. Mel says:

    5 stars
    SO many recipes ! Saved to email folder. There’s a puddle on the floor because I have been drooling so much. 😂. I’ve got Wifey eating more this year, our local veg shop has had lots so far this year , they have a small holding, so saves me growing any. They have had so many they only charge 50 cents for a kilo ! Cheaper and tastier than the local Greek (We live on Corfu island ) supermarkets..
    Thank you so much for posting these. 😘

    1. Suzy says:

      LOL! Hope you find lots of recipes you enjoy here :).

    2. BARBARA says:

      That made me laugh. 😂

  3. Tara says:

    5 stars
    Thanks, Suzy! Can’t wait to use these ideas on our abundance of zucchini this summer!!

  4. gena says:

    I love your recipes. They are my go to recipes when I need something flavorful and delicious. Thank you.

    1. Suzy says:

      Awesome! Love to hear it! Thanks, Gena!

  5. Richard D Schinella says:

    5 stars
    Dear Suzy,
    Thank you for these great zucchini recipes. I have a big vegetable garden and always end up with too many zucchini.
    1) So, early in the season I pick zucchini flowers which I stuff with herbed ricotta, dip them in batter and fry them. They are a great appetizer.
    2) Late in the season some zucchini have become very large. These I use to make a curried zucchini soup that is absolutely delicious to drink from a cup on cold winter mornings.

    1. Suzy says:

      Thanks for sharing, Richard!

  6. Ms Margery Turner says:

    5 stars
    Hi Suzy ! Just to say since signing up to your website- Beginning Of 2020 -I love the recipes & all the interesting data you submit , Thank you Very much , Stay Safe , X Margery

    1. Suzy says:

      Thank you so much! Glad you’ve found the blog helpful!

  7. Tawnie Kroll says:

    5 stars
    The zucchini boats were full of flavor and easy to make! I can’t wait to try these other zucchini recipes too, especially the breakfast options, yum! Thank you!

    1. Suzy says:

      Hope you find some new recipes here you enjoy!!

  8. Cathleen says:

    5 stars
    I always buy zucchinis on a whim, then have nothing in mind for what to do with them. This post is definitely going to come in handy, bookmarked for later 🙂

  9. Diana Reis says:

    5 stars
    Amazing recipe collection. I’m Italian American and these recipes have all of the flavors of homecooking.

    1. Suzy says:

      Thanks, Diana!

  10. Jacque Hastert says:

    5 stars
    I have a ton of zucchini and these recipes are perfect right now! I don’t know which one I will be making first, but most of these will be getting made!

  11. Vanessa Sturman says:

    5 stars
    This went down sooooo well for a BBQ I had at the weekend with family. They absolutely loved it. I swapped the feta out for vegan feta but other than that, I followed your recipe to the T and it was wonderful. Looking forward to seeing more of your summery recipes!

  12. Vanessa Sturman says:

    5 stars
    This went down sooooo well for a BBQ I had at the weekend with family. They absolutely loved it. I swapped the feta out for vegan feta but other than that, I followed your recipe to the T and it was wonderful. Thank you

    1. Suzy says:

      Thanks, Vanessa!

  13. Kate says:

    5 stars
    I’ve made the stuffed zucchini boats, pasta primavera and sheet pan chicken in the past. All were absolutely scrumptious! Can’t way to try the others on the list!

  14. Amanda says:

    5 stars
    My friend gave me a lot of zucchini from her garden, so now I have made a couple of these recipes already and can’t wait to try the rest! Thanks for putting them together in one convenient place!

    1. Suzy says:

      My pleasure, Amanda! Hope you find some recipes you really love!