5 Zucchini Side Dishes You’ll Eat the Rest of Summer

Posted: August 15, 2021 7:35 am

Zucchini is a nutrient-packed vegetable that is a healthy addition to your summer meals and salads. This green veggie has a high water content to keep you hydrated in the summer heat, and is a great source of fiber and antioxidants. If you want to add zucchini to your summer menu, here are some creative ways to feature this beneficial food as a side dish.

1. Sautéed Zucchini with Parmesan

This delicious side dish takes about 30 minutes to make and features the distinct and slightly salty flavor of parmesan. The zucchini cooks quickly, and you can add salt and pepper to taste, along with onion and fresh garlic to bring out the flavor of the vegetable. You can serve sautéed zucchini with grilled or broiled seafood like salmon or a hearty white fish like cod. Or, you can present the zucchini dish with a steak cooked to your liking.

2. Garlic Butter Sautéed Zucchini

This dish is easy to make and features diced zucchini with scallions and a mixture of butter and garlic. While minced garlic in a jar will provide a pronounced flavor, fresh garlic cloves will give the dish an earthier flavor that goes great with zucchini. If you’re try to include more vegetables in your diet this summer, you can try this refreshing dish with sautéed chicken or fish served on a bed of rice. You can also allow the zucchini to cool and add a little balsamic vinegar, quinoa, and diced tomatoes to make a colorful summer salad.

3. Baked Zucchini Discs

Baking the zucchini eliminates the need for oil which easily makes this side dish healthier and lower in fat. Top the zucchini with sea salt, cracked pepper, and mozzarella or parmesan cheese to add a delicious crust to the top of the vegetables. This dish can be part of a meat-free meal that includes chickpeas and brown rice, or you can serve the zucchini alongside baked chicken prepared with butter and fresh herbs. If you want the zucchini to have a crispier texture, cut the zucchini into thin slices and top with extra parmesan for a satisfying and salty crunch.

4. Mini Zucchini Pancakes

Savory pancakes are a wonderful appetizer for parties and get-togethers and features flavors of peppers and onions to complement the zucchini. These veggie fritters are best served with a dill yogurt sauce seasoned with lemon and fresh herbs that adds a delicious Mediterranean spin to this tasty meat-free dish. In addition to zucchini, you can also add other chopped veggies like spinach or carrots to add more nutrition to the pancakes. This could be a new way to get everyone in your favorite to enjoy more vegetables. You can also make larger versions of the pancakes and top them with stewed tomatoes and fresh mozzarella for a creative take on a low-carb flatbread.

5. Corn and Zucchini

Whether you’re having an outdoor party or want to enjoy a light summer meal that is packed with flavor and nutrition, this corn and zucchini dish is the perfect addition to your lunch or dinner. In addition to zucchini and corn, this side dish also features olives and is topped with parmesan for briny, salty flavor. You can assemble the veggies in a foil back to give them a smoky, charred taste or sautée the ingredients in a skillet to enjoy with your favorite grilled meat or vegetarian entree.

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