Zucchini is a flexible and nutritious vegetable that can be found in both sweet and savory recipes. It’s also quick-cooking, making it the perfect last-minute addition to a weeknight meal! Find five new meals ready in under 30 minutes here- all from Choose Homemade!
Here we will explore a wide range of quick recipes with zucchini as well as the nutritional benefits, selection, storage, and helpful tips!
Zucchini Nutrition
Zucchini is packed with vitamin C, which boosts our immune system and helps fight off infections. It also has a high water content of 94 percent! Eating foods that carry large amounts of water helps to keep you hydrated and keeps you feeling fuller for longer due to the amount of space it takes up in our stomachs. Additionally, zucchini is a good source of various B vitamins which help us with our energy levels!
How to Select
Zucchini is in its peak season from May through September. It’s one of the most well-known summer squash varieties, making it a popular item at many farmer’s markets!
Whether you are shopping at the grocery store or farmers market, here are some key characteristics to look for when choosing zucchini:
- Small in size. The smaller the zucchini, the fewer seeds there are! Zucchinis between 4 to 7 inches tend to have the best flavor and texture.
- Check for soft spots and cuts. A zucchini should be firm to the touch, but can easily be cut with just a fingernail. Cuts expose the flesh and can speed up rotting.
- Look for bright colors. Zucchini can be green, yellow, and even multi-colored! Whichever variety you are buying, look for a bright, vibrant shade. These varieties make a colorful addition to any dish and larger varieties can be used to hold filling!
How to Store
Fresh:
For best results, store your unwashed zucchini in the refrigerator in a paper or plastic bag with one end left open. This will keep your zucchini fresh for 1-2 weeks.
Cooked:
To ensure your zucchini stays fresh and tasty after cooking, it’s best to store it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. It’s important to place the container in a visible spot to avoid forgetting about it. This will help you make the most out of your zucchini and keep it from going to waste.
Frozen:
If you happen to have extra zucchini, you can store it for later use by freezing it. Frozen zucchini is great to have on hand to add to hot dishes like stir-fries. We prefer to cook zucchini before freezing it as zucchini is not as enjoyable to eat raw after thawing. See our four simple steps to freezing zucchini below!
- Rinse and slice zucchini.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add sliced zucchini and cook 1 minute.
- Prepare a bowl of ice water. Drain zucchini and add to ice water. Allow to sit for 3-5 minutes, until cool.
- Drain zucchini and add to airtight containers or freezer bags. Store in freezer up to 3 months.
Zucchini Recipes
Parmesan Zucchini Squash Fries
If you are craving something crispy and savory try these baked Parmesan Zucchini Squash Fries. They are perfect for snacking but can also be enjoyed alongside an entree as a side dish. Try them with tasty dips like spicy marinara or homemade ranch dip for extra flavor!
Easy Skillet Lasagna
This recipe for Easy Skillet Lasagna is an excellent way to add zucchini to your diet. It’s also ideal for meal prepping. One batch yields six servings, but you can always use the website’s ingredient function to double the recipe and get 12 servings! You can freeze the lasagna in oven-safe foil containers and reheat it in the oven for an easy reheat-and-eat dinner!
Zucchini Muffins
Are you struggling to get your kids to eat their veggies? Try this sweet recipe for zucchini muffins that incorporates both a fruit and a vegetable. Not only does it satisfy their sweet tooth, but it’s also a nutritious way to sneak in some extra vitamins and minerals. And the best part? You can turn it into a fun activity by letting your little ones help you make it. They can mix the dry ingredients, measure and pour the liquids, and even scoop the batter into a muffin pan. Give it a try and watch your kids devour these healthy treats without even realizing they’re eating zucchini!
Lemon Shrimp Stir-Fry
Lemon Shrimp Stir-Fry is a refreshing dish that combines shrimp with crunchy snap peas in a simple garlic chili lemon sauce. One medium zucchini is required for this recipe, but you can also substitute it for yellow summer squash or a different zucchini variety, whatever you have on hand!
Honduran Style Meatball Soup
Packed with lean ground beef, a variety of vegetables, and fragrant herbs and spices, this Honduran Style Meatball Soup offers a delicious and satisfying meal that’s also nutritious. Substitute with any ground meat and try different root vegetables like turnips, parsnips, or rutabaga in place of the carrots and potatoes!
Summary
Zucchini is packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C, B vitamins, and fiber, making it a healthy addition to any diet. When selecting zucchini, aim for smaller ones between 4 to 7 inches in length, ensuring they have the best flavor and texture. For more delicious recipes featuring zucchini visit choosehome.org and follow us on Facebook @Choose Homemade