When you cook with zucchini, you can make many different things. It goes well with many flavors, so you can use it in a variety of dishes. You can make light and fresh salads or filling and cozy casseroles. Zucchini can be mixed with lots of different ingredients to make tasty meals.
In this article, we’ll look at some fun ideas for what to eat with zucchini. Whether you want easy side dishes, main courses, or desserts, you’ll get ideas here. Learn how to make zucchini taste better with herbs and spices, add protein for a filling meal, or use it in baked goods for a tasty change.
Get ready to make your cooking more interesting with these creative and delicious zucchini combinations.
What To Pair With Zucchini?
Zucchini is a flexible vegetable that goes well with many different flavors and ingredients. Here are some tasty choices to think about:
1. Herbs And Spices
Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, and dill go well with Zucchini. They give zucchini dishes more flavor. For instance, mix Zucchini with olive oil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes before cooking for a tasty side dish.
2. Cheese
Zucchini and cheese taste great together. Parmesan cheese gives a salty and nutty taste that goes well with the mild zucchini flavor. For a yummy snack or side dish, you can try filling zucchini halves with a mix of grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and herbs.
3. Proteins
Combining Zucchini with high-protein foods like chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beans makes a basic zucchini dish into a filling meal. For example, cook Zucchini with chicken, cherry tomatoes, and a bit of balsamic vinegar for a fast and healthy dinner.
4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes and zucchini go well together in Mediterranean dishes. Mix roasted zucchini with diced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for a tasty caprese salad. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes to pasta with zucchini for extra flavor.
5. Nuts And Seeds
Grilled nuts and seeds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to zucchini dishes. Try adding toasted pine nuts or almonds on top of zucchini pasta for extra texture. Mix sesame seeds into zucchini stir-fries for an Asian flavor.
6. Citrus
Adding lemon or lime juice to zucchini dishes makes them taste better and gives them a tangy flavor. Try putting lemon juice on grilled Zucchini or adding lime juice to zucchini marinades for a refreshing kick.
7. Balsamic Glaze
Drizzle some balsamic glaze on roasted zucchini to make it sweeter and tastier. It adds a nice caramelized flavor. You can use it to top off roasted zucchini dishes or grilled zucchini on sticks.
8. Grains
When you mix zucchini with grains, you get a balanced and healthy meal. For a nutritious bowl, you can cook Zucchini with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese. Or you can stuff zucchini with brown rice, veggies, and herbs for a filling vegetarian meal.
9. Tzatziki Sauce
This tasty Greek sauce is made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. It goes really well with Zucchini. The tasty sauce complements the light flavor of the Zucchini, making it a satisfying side dish. Whether you’re making grilled or roasted zucchini, tzatziki sauce is a simple and tasty addition.
10. Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant parmesan is a strong-tasting side dish that goes well with Zucchini’s mild flavor. The mix of tomato sauce, melted cheese, and baked eggplant is a great match for the light Zucchini. Both are classic summer vegetables, making them a perfect choice for a summer meal.
11. Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp skewers give you protein and a tasty flavor that makes Zucchini taste even better. The grilled shrimp and soft zucchini go well together, making a delicious meal. This dish is easy to make and great for a barbecue or party.
How To Store Zucchini?
Here are some ways to keep Zucchini fresh when you store it:
1. Freshness Check
When choosing Zucchini at the store or market, pick ones that feel firm and have shiny, smooth skin. Don’t get zucchinis that are soft, have marks, or look moldy. The skin should be a vibrant green color and not appear dull or off-colored.
2. Trimming
After you bring your zucchini home, it’s a good idea to cut off the ends. Remove the stem and the blossom end because they can go bad quickly and might have bacteria. Use a sharp knife to make neat cuts.
3. Ventilation
Zucchinis stay fresher with good air circulation. Put them in a container with small holes or a bag with small holes in the fridge drawer. Don’t seal zucchinis tightly in a bag without holes, or they might get too wet and go bad.
4. Avoid Washing
It’s better not to wash Zucchini before keeping it unless it’s really dirty. Washing zucchini can make it go bad faster because it adds moisture. If you have to wash it, make sure it’s completely dry before putting it in the fridge.
5. Storage Containers
Choose storage containers or bags made for vegetables that allow air to flow through. This will stop the ZucchiniZucchini from getting mushy or growing mold.
6. Separation
Don’t keep Zucchini near smelly foods like onions and garlic. It can soak up the smell and change the taste. Store zucchini by itself in the fridge to keep it fresh and tasty.
7. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Keep Zucchini in a cold, dark spot in your fridge. Sunlight can make zucchinis dry out and spoil faster. A drawer or shelf in a cool place is best.
8. Use Paper Towels
Put some paper towels in the container or bag with the Zucchini. The paper towels will soak up extra moisture, so the Zucchini stays dry and fresh for longer.
9. Rotate Stock
If you have many zucchini, eat the oldest ones first so they don’t go bad. This way, you always have the freshest zucchini to eat.
10. Freezing Tips
If you have a lot of zucchini, you can freeze it for later. Boil it quickly, then put it in cold water to stop the cooking. Dry it and put it in a container that can go in the freezer. Write the date on it so you know when you froze it.
Tips For Serving Zucchini
Of course! Here are some ways to serve ZucchiniZucchini:
1. Grilled Zucchini
Cut Zucchini into thick circles or strips, coat with olive oil, add salt and pepper, then cook on the grill until soft and slightly charred. Eat as a side dish or mix into salads or pasta.
2. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
Make zucchini noodles using a spiralizer. Cook the vegetables in a pan with garlic and olive oil instead of pasta for a healthier option. Add sauce and protein to finish the dish.
3. Stuffed Zucchini
Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise. Take out the inside. Fill the empty shells with cooked quinoa or rice, veggies, herbs, and cheese. Bake until Zucchini is soft and filling is warm for a yummy and healthy meal.
4. Zucchini Fritters
Shred zucchini and mix it with eggs, breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings to make a mixture. Cook spoonfuls of the mixture in a pan until crispy and golden brown. Enjoy zucchini fritters as a delicious starter or side dish.
5. Zucchini Chips
Cut Zucchini into thin slices, mix with spices and olive oil, then bake until crispy. Zucchini chips are a healthy snack or can be added to salads and soups for a crunchy texture.
6. Zucchini Boat Pizzas
Cut zucchini in half, remove seeds, and fill with pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings. Cook in the oven until the cheese is melted and golden for a unique pizza.
7. Zucchini Salads
For more crunch and taste, mix raw or grilled zucchini into salads. Add zucchini to lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and a tasty dressing for a healthy and tasty salad.
8. Zucchini Stir-Fry
Cut Zucchini into thin pieces and cook quickly with other veggies, meat (like chicken or tofu), and stir-fry sauce. Eat over rice or noodles for a fast and tasty meal.
9. Zucchini Soups
Blend cooked zucchini with broth, garlic, onions, and herbs to make a smooth and cozy soup. Mix in a bit of cream or coconut milk to make it taste richer.
10. Zucchini Dips
Mix together cooked and cooled zucchini with yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to create a creamy and healthy dip. Enjoy it with fresh veggies or pita chips for a tasty snack.
In summary, Zucchini is a great ingredient to use with many flavors and dishes. You can grill it with meat, add it to pasta for a fresh taste, or put it in baked goods for a healthy twist. Trying out different combinations can help you find tasty ways to eat this versatile vegetable.
Thanks for reading. I hope you find it helpful.