Versatile Zucchini

Zucchini is a favorite in my kitchen because it is truly a versatile veggie! I find myself relying on it when I need to fill a hankering for grains without grains. Zucchini noodles,topped generously with salt and butter, is my go-to comfort dish.

From noodles to brownies, here are the Top 10 Uses for Zucchini:

1. Zucchini Noodles

Hands down, my favorite way to transform zucchini. Use zucchini noodles in place of regular spaghetti and top with your choice of sauces. Making zucchini noodles couldn’t be simpler:

• Use a spiralizer to quickly cut the zucchini into noodles. Another option is a julienne peeler – my favorite because it is super cheap and takes up no storage space in my kitchen! Here’s a step-by-step tutorial for making zucchini spaghetti with a julienne peeler.
• Cook the noodles by boiling or sautéing. To boil them, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the zucchini noodles, and cook for 30 seconds to a minute, until tender. To sauté, stir in a skillet over medium high heat with butter or coconut oil. Cook for about 5 minutes, until tender.
• Top with your favorite sauce! Try the Basic Bolognese from Paleo Newbie (pictured above) or Creamy Avocado Sauce (my favorite!).

2. Zucchini Chips

Potato chips move over… zucchini chips are in the house! You can make them in a dehydrator or make them in the oven.

3. Savory Zucchini Bread

This grain-free Savory Zucchini Bread is perfect with eggs for breakfast or as a side dish to dinner. You can even make savory french toast with it and serve topped with bacon jam… oh my, so divine!

4. Zucchini Roll-Ups

Kids love making – and eating – zucchini roll-ups. Experiment with fillings to find your favorite. Here are a few places to get started: Zucchini Pesto Rolls, Zucchini Herb Rolls, Zucchini and Red Pepper Rolls. You can use my homemade goat cheese in these recipes if cow dairy is an issue for you.

5. Zucchini Lasagna

Zucchini is not only a spaghetti substitute, it’s a lasagna noodle substitute! Try this Zucchini Lasagna recipe from Skinny Taste. (FYI, the recipe calls for low fat dairy products, which contain additives and stabilizers… it is healthier to get full-fat dairy products). If you want a dairy-free version, try this Zucchini Lasagna with Cashew Cheese.

6. Zucchini Brownies

Get ready to meet your new favorite baked good. Incredibly moist, these Paleo Zucchini Brownies are a one-bowl-wonder! (These are made with almond butter which have the same issues of almond flour… just a heads up).

7. Zucchini Hummus

Zucchini creates a silky, legume-free hummus, perfect for all your veggie-dipping-needs.

8. Zucchini Pancakes

Perfect for lazy mornings or for a casual dinner, Zucchini Pancakes are light and filling. Omit the spices and add cinnamon to the recipe for a sweet version you can top with syrup or fruit.

9. Zucchini Pizza Crust

No grains allowed? No problem! Try a Zucchini Pizza Crust.

10. Stuffed Zucchini

A good-ole’ family favorite… zucchini boats (Paleo recipe). When I was little, my favorite kitchen job was helping my mom hollow out the zucchini and spooning in the filling. And I still love that job!  (If you can’t do the almond flour in the recipe, use 1/4 cup coconut flour instead.)

Also check out my Top 10 Uses for Cauliflower. Did you know you can make rice-less risotto with cauliflower? Or flourless biscuits with cauliflower? It’s just as versatile as zucchini!

Do you have a favorite zucchini recipe? Have you made any of these creative zucchini dishes before?