Zucchini has a fairly thin green skin that is liable to bruise if not handled carefully. There are several varieties of zucchini available; the familiar long oval shape, fingerling zucchini, round or globe zucchini, and golden zucchini. Handle any variety carefully and store it well covered in the refrigerator up to a week.
Follow the preparation steps for the recipes carefully. Some of them call for grated zucchini; this must usually be dried. The easiest way to accomplish this is to place it in a dishtowel and wring it out over the sink. You can also dry grated or cut zucchini by sprinkling it with salt, letting it stand for 10-15 minutes, then wringing it out in the dish towel as described.
Most zucchini has a firm, smooth skin. If the skin is prickly, peel it with a swivel-bladed vegetable peeler before use. If your zucchini have grown to a large size (over 2" in diameter) think about peeling it before you use it, and salt it to remove excess water. The larger versions are better in baking and cooked in casseroles and soups. The smaller zucchini are excellent cut into rounds or strips and eaten with various appetizer dips. If the zucchini is small, under 2" in diameter, you can substitute it pound for pound for summer squash, those thin-skinned yellow rods that are so sweet and crunchy.
Enjoy these recipes and use up your abundance of zucchini!
Start With ... Zucchini
- Zucchini Cake
This spicy and tender cake with its fabulous cream cheese frosting is a great way to get your kids to eat vegetables! - Pasta Ratatouille
You can substitute another zucchini or two for the eggplant in this colorful and healthy recipe if you'd like. It's perfect for a fall dinner on the porch. - Red Snapper and Yellow Squash
Substitute sliced zucchini for the yellow squash in this super quick microwave recipe. - Vegetable Stir Fry
This five ingredient recipe adds onion, basil, tomatoes, and Havarti cheese to tender zucchini. It's great as a side dish or the main course for a vegetarian lunch. - Couscous Vegetable Salad
Use more zucchini if you'd like in this easy and nutritious recipe. - Zucchini Fritters
Serve these crisp little fritters with ketchup and watch your children devour them. - Herbed Mostaccioli
Another five ingredient recipe! This elegant pasta dish is ready to serve in about 20 minutes. If you have some tomatoes from your garden, chop them and add as well. - Whole Wheat Zucchini Bars
Shredded zucchini adds moisture, flavor, and great texture to these moist bars. Tuck a few into lunchboxes this week for a nice treat. - Mustard Grilled Salmon Salad
Use another zucchini in place of the summer squash in this fabulous colorful and delicious main dish salad. - Orange Cauliflower Salad
This super simple salad is a great accompaniment to grilled chicken or steak. - Zucchini Bread
This moist and tender bread is a perfect choice for breakfast on the run or for a coffee break mid morning. - Salsa Frittata
Substitute zucchini for the summer squash and cucumber in this simple recipe for a light dinner or hearty breakfast. - Grilled Vegetable Panini
Once again, use zucchini for the summer squash in this easy crisp hot sandwich recipe. - Crockpot Greek Stew
This hearty stew with butternut squash, garbanzo beans, tomatoes and zucchini is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. - Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry
Lots of zucchini pairs with chicken, garlic, and stir fry sauce in this easy five ingredient recipe. - Marinated Vegetable Salad
Substitute zucchini for the summer squash in this colorful and delicious salad recipe.
