As summer winds down and pumpkin and apple recipes begin to float across the internet, gardeners everywhere are scrambling to make the most of their treasured summer produce.
For most, it means an excessive amount of zucchini to harvest and cook in a very short period of time. If it seems like someone is handing you a home grown zucchini every time you turn around, take advantage of the free veggies and try these delicious and unique recipes.
Appetizers:
Ricotta-Stuffed Zucchini Rolls from Apple Pie, Patis & Pate: Use the rest of your favorite summer produce, zucchini and fresh basil, in this Italian-inspired appetizer recipe that will disappear in seconds.
Spicy Zucchini Pickles from Etsy: If you have more zucchini than you can possibly eat, preserve them for later in the season when they aren’t so prevalent. Pickle them in a salty brine that will last you through the next season.
Baked Zucchini Chips from Mostly Food & Crafts: Satisfy your next greasy potato chip craving by baking a fresh batch of zucchini chips, a perfect pre-dinner nosh or snack.
Side Dishes:
Stuffed Zucchini from Aggie’s Kitchen: When food blogger Aggie Goodman and Rachel Gurk from Not Rachael Ray team up, delicious things happen in their kitchens. The latest? Zucchini boats stuffed with cheese and bell pepper are the perfect dish to bid summer goodbye.
Zucchini Carpaccio from Kalyn’s Kitchen: If you’re still craving fresh summer salads, use up some of your garden produce with sliced raw zucchini covered in fresh herbs and tangy goat cheese.
Baked Zucchini from Almost Turkish Recipes: Give your zucchini an exotic flair with savory spices and serve alongside your favorite chicken, steak or tofu. Top with yogurt for an extra calcium kick.
Main Dishes:
Quinoa Tart with Baby Zucchini from Juls’ Kitchen: With a crunchy and nutty shell, this fresh tart is the perfect way to show off your garden fresh baby zucchini.
Zucchini Crust Pizza from The Gluten-Free Homemaker: If you’re looking to cut gluten from your post-summer diet, make your next pizza crust with the fresh zucchini that you need to use before it spoils.
Cashew Chicken with Zucchini from A Little Tipsy: Make your favorite Asian-inspired dinner a little healthier with the addition of some fresh, green zucchini for a colorful pop – and extra nutrients.