17 Fresh Zucchini Recipes Done in 45 Minutes or Less! (2024)

Spaghetti and Zucchini Noodles with Basil-Walnut Pesto

If you're trying to limit your carb intake, it's time to invest in a spiralizer to make fresh zucchini noodles. The spiraled squash takes the place of part of the pasta, but we still have some whole-wheat spaghetti in this zucchini dinner for added texture. You'll also get to utilize your herb garden here—the recipe calls for 2 cups of basil leaves.

Zoodle Pizza Casserole

Squash isn't always the easiest sell for kids, but no negotiating is required to get them to dig into this casserole using zucchini noodles. Ask your little sous chefs to choose their favorite pizza ingredients for toppings.

Zucchini-Wrapped Pork

If you have five minutes, you've got all the time you need to prep this quick and easy dinner recipe. Wrap portions of pork tenderloin in thin slices of zucchini to seal in the the juices and add an elegant look. While we call for a topping of basil pesto, you could also try blending a bit of zucchini into the pesto for extra squash flavor. Serve with quinoa, brown rice, or orzo to round out this simple summer supper.

Grilled Zucchini and Goat Cheese Toasts

If you need some ideas for what to do with all that garden zucchini, grill it. This easy appetizer recipe gives your fresh squash and bread a nice char. Paired with goat cheese and a sprinkle of za'atar (Middle Eastern spice blend) it creates one unforgettable bite.

Ravioli, Zucchini, and Browned Butter

Supplement store-bought pasta with sliced zucchini and a tangy balsamic drizzle to give it a gourmet taste (rather than just OK). Crunchy chopped almonds are an ideal contrast to the fork-tender zucchini half-moons in this 30-minute meal.

Spiraled Zucchini and Crispy Potato Salad

Craving curly fries without all the fat and calories? Spiralize a spud, oven-fry the curlicues, and use them as a garnish on this refreshing zucchini-tomato salad. Kids big and small will enjoy twirling the zoodles in this simple yet showy starter.

Zucchini and Tomato Frittata

Caramelize zucchini, onions, and tomatoes, to bring out their natural sugars and turn them into something your family will crave. Start this 30-minute summer frittata recipe by searing the slices of zucchini to caramelized perfection, then layer on the tomatoes, eggs, cheese, and walnuts. The result: a savory pie that's just as delicious right out of the oven as it is reheated the next day.

Air-Fried Zucchini Chips

Add some delicious crunch to your healthy snack lineup with this easy air-fried zucchini recipe. Toss fresh zucchini coins in a quick egg wash and cheese panko before a quick round in the air fryer for a dippable, oil-free starter.

Buy It: Dash 6-qt. Deluxe Electric Air Fryer (Amazon)

Carrot and Zucchini Bars

Three parts carrot and two parts zucchini make these fan-favorite nutty dessert bars moist and surprisingly light. Many baking recipes take hours, but not this hidden-vegetable dessert. It bakes in 25 minutes.

Herbed Chicken, Orzo, and Zucchini

Dinner in 30 minutes is a relief. This protein-rich recipe delivers, as well as adding a half zucchini per serving to ensure your family gets their vitamin fix. Toss together a fruit salad to serve on the side to cover all your nutrition bases.

Lemon-Pepper Air-Fryer Shrimp and Veggies

Season succulent shrimp, zucchini, and summer squash with a simple lemon-pepper seasoning, pop it in your air fryer, and bam! You've got a quick, easy dinner idea filled with summer-fresh flavor.

Noodles and "Zoodles" with Saffron and Cream

Two ounces of spaghetti might look and sound like a skimpy portion, but that's the true serving size. (Go ahead and check the back of the box.) Bulk up each bowl with a handful of zucchini noodles for a cheese pasta recipe that actually satisfies.

Lemon-Garlic Braised Eggs

Don't let the fanciness of this mouthwatering photo keep you from creating this zucchini recipe (it only takes 25 minutes to make!). The zoodles make a nest for eggs, garlic, and lemon juice. It's the perfect recipe for summer brunch or a light dinner.

Zucchini-Banana Snack Cake

At first glance, this dessert looks like a classic chocolate brownie recipe. Take a peek at the list of ingredients, however, and you'll see all the surprising nutrition-boosting elements. Mashed banana and shredded zucchini make the bars moist, while whole wheat flour and flaxseeds add fiber.

Individual Squash Casseroles

Single-serving, cheese-topped casseroles are a surefire way to coax picky eaters into eating vegetables. Slice up a mix of yellow summer squash and zucchini and alternate them around the casserole for a striped look.

Chicken and Tomato Stuffed Zucchini

Use this six-ingredient fresh zucchini recipe (a twist on more standard stuffed peppers) to clean out your refrigerator. Choose chicken or turkey, any variety of steamed veggies, and your favorite cheese to stack inside each squash "boat." This low-carb recipe needs only 10 minutes in the oven before hitting your plate.

Pork-Zucchini Tacos

Sneak a few extra veggies into your family taco night with this zucchini dinner recipe. The quick-cooking summer vegetable pairs with ground pork for a 25-minute meal everyone will enjoy. Add radishes and cotija cheese for extra crunch and tangy flavor.