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Have some extra zucchini on hand? Make one of these healthy dinner recipes tonight. From veggie-packed quiches to make-ahead casseroles, these meals make the most out of the summer vegetable. Whether you try our Sheet-Pan Chicken with Zucchini and our Tofu-Zucchini Piccata, we’re sure you’ll want to make these healthy dinners all summer.
01 of 15
Sheet-Pan Chicken with Zucchini
From juicy chicken thighs to tender zucchini, everything cooks together on one sheet pan for a flavorful dinner with easy cleanup. Poblano peppers offer a nice heat, but you can easily swap them out for a green bell pepper if you want something milder. Cutting the chicken thighs in half ensures they cook at the same rate as the vegetables.
02 of 15
Mediterranean Diet Zucchini Casserole
This simple zucchini casserole is suitable for those following the Mediterranean diet. Roasting the vegetables first concentrates their flavor and helps keep the casserole from becoming watery. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a crispy panko topping add a savory finish.
03 of 15
Tofu-Zucchini Piccata
This plant-forward take on piccata swaps the traditional meat for protein-rich tofu while keeping the bright, lemony caper sauce the dish is known for. Whole-wheat spaghetti and plenty of zucchini add fiber, while garlic, parsley and olive oil round out the flavors.
04 of 15
Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Zucchini
A sweet and savory honey-garlic marinade gives these grilled chicken thighs plenty of flavor while keeping them juicy. Zucchini cooks alongside on the grill until tender and lightly charred, making this an easy summer dinner with minimal cleanup.
05 of 15
Zucchini & Summer Squash Ribbon Quiche
This zucchini and summer squash ribbon quiche highlights tender summer vegetables arranged in a pretty spiral inside a crisp pie crust. Thin ribbons of zucchini and summer squash bake into a creamy egg filling seasoned with garlic-herb seasoning and pepper. A simple ricotta and chive topping adds a fresh, savory finish that complements the delicate vegetables.
06 of 15
Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole
This hearty dinner takes all the flavors of classic stuffed zucchini and turns them into an easy casserole. Instead of hollowing and stuffing each zucchini, everything is layered in one dish for a quicker, no-fuss dinner. A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top melts into a bubbly, golden layer that ties it all together. This cozy casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is an excellent way to use up summer zucchini.
07 of 15
Creamy Zucchini Spaghetti
This creamy spaghetti with zucchini is a comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights and when you have a bumper crop of zucchini on hand. Spaghetti is coated in a silky, garlic-infused cream sauce that clings to every bite, while fresh zucchini slices add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color. This dish comes together quickly and pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
08 of 15
Ginger-Soy Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp
These ginger-soy zucchini noodles with shrimp are a light, flavorful no-cook dish that’s perfect for warmer days. Thinly sliced zucchini offers a crisp and refreshing base, while the sauce (made with ginger, soy and lime juice) adds bold and bright flavors. Precooked shrimp make this meal fast and convenient—just toss everything together and serve! It’s a fresh, protein-packed bowl that comes together in minutes.
09 of 15
Creamy Chicken & Zucchini Casserole
This creamy chicken-and-zucchini casserole is a cozy dish that delivers all the flavors of cacio e pepe with a twist! Instead of pasta, tender chopped zucchini and juicy chicken pieces are folded into a peppery, cheesy sauce, bringing on all the savory flavors that fans of the classic Roman dish love. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that’s just as satisfying as a traditional creamy pasta dish.
10 of 15
Zucchini Scampi
This veggie-packed twist on scampi makes zucchini and summer squash the star of the plate instead of shrimp. We love the mix of squash, but you can use one or the other if you prefer. White wine provides needed acidity and balances well with the aromatic garlic and rich butter to create a luxurious sauce. Charring the lemon is a simple step, but adds complex tart and smoky flavors to this easy side.
11 of 15
Sheet-Pan Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini & Potatoes
Sheet-pan turkey meatballs with zucchini and potatoes is an all-in-one meal that’s easy to prepare. Juicy turkey meatballs are seasoned with spinach and feta cheese, then roasted alongside tender chunks of zucchini and crispy golden potatoes. A creamy, cooling yogurt dip at the base ties everything together.
12 of 15
Lemon Zucchini Pasta
This lemon zucchini pasta only takes 25 minutes to make, making it ideal for busy summer evenings. Fresh zucchini blends perfectly with the lemony sauce. If you have summer squash on hand, you can use that instead. You can also experiment with topping the pasta with different fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add variety.
13 of 15
Grilled Zucchini & Halloumi Pitas
This grilled halloumi pita is summer-ready with tender-crisp zucchini, fresh tomatoes and smoky halloumi cheese. You can prepare this sandwich inside using a grill pan, or outside using a gas grill. You can grill halloumi cheese just like you would any other protein (it doesn’t melt); letting it cook undisturbed makes it release from the grill pan easily.
14 of 15
Creamy Zucchini & Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake
If you're swimming in zucchini, take some off your hands with this creamy zucchini and chicken pasta bake. The zucchini melts into the sauce, while Dijon mustard and lemon zest brighten the flavor. You can swap out the zucchini for summer squash if you prefer, and if you have leftover chicken you can use that in place of the rotisserie chicken.
15 of 15
Penne with Zucchini & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
The unbelievable truth about Italian cooking is that your life can be forever altered with just 20 minutes and a few simple ingredients. This dish, which I’ve adapted from the traditional spaghetti alla Nerano, is a perfect case in point! First created by Chef Maria Grazia, who served her signature zucchini pasta in the idyllic village of Nerano on the Amalfi Coast, this version stays close to the original, with zucchini, a rather flavorless vegetable on its own, caramelized until the flavor intensifies to what can only be described as transformative. Excerpted from Everyday Delicious copyright © 2024 by Rocco DiSpirito. Used by permission of Rodale Books an imprint and division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Original Source:
https://www.eatingwell.com/healthy-zucchini-dinner-recipes-11991049