5 fresh and delicious recipes with seasonal zucchini not to be missed in August
Seasonal zucchini Summer recipes Freshness & lightness Quick Ideas
Summer is in full swing, and zucchini is making a big splash on every stall! Easy to cook, light, and full of freshness, it offers a thousand ways to update your menus without any hassle. Whether you're a fan of grilled food, crunchy salads, or comforting dishes, zucchini adapts to all your cravings. Its secret? It captures flavors, pairs equally well with herbs and spices, and always remains creamy. In August, rely on zucchini for colorful, vitamin-packed, and super economical dishes 🥗.
Still hesitant to make it the centerpiece of your meals? Discover unexpected ideas, the best fresh recipes, and our chef's tips for getting the most out of this seasonal star vegetable!
How to Serve Zucchini Without Ever Getting Bored
Zucchini lends itself to all sorts of culinary twists. In carpaccio, it reveals its crunchiness and subtle flavor, ideal with olive oil, lemon, and Parmesan shavings. Cut into tagliatelle using a blender or spiralizer , it lightens your pasta dishes or makes an original base for salads full of freshness.
When it comes to cooking, zucchini loves the oven (gratin, stuffed, roasted), the pan (stir-fried with garlic and herbs) or the griddle. For a super-quick version, try air frying : a few slices, a drizzle of oil, a hint of thyme and you'll have a golden side dish in less than fifteen minutes!
And for variety, consider pairing it with feta, smoked salmon, mint, or even pistachio. Zucchini can also be used in sweet dishes: chocolate-zucchini muffins, lemon muffins... Yes, you can be daring!
Fresh recipes to try urgently
Raw zucchini, mint & lemon salad
Using a peeler, slice the zucchini into thin strips, sprinkle with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and add chopped mint. To boost freshness, sprinkle with lemon zest and a few pumpkin seeds. Perfect as a starter or as a side dish with grilled meat!
Barbecue-style roasted zucchini
Cut the zucchini into chunks, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with smoked paprika and herbes de Provence. Grill them for a few minutes or place them in a very hot oven for a slightly caramelized effect. Try them at your next barbecue party! 🔥
Frozen zucchini and basil velouté
Sauté two zucchini with an onion in a little olive oil, cover with water, and simmer for fifteen minutes. Mix with a bunch of fresh basil and refrigerate. Ultra thirst-quenching, ideal in a glass as an aperitif or to accompany a savory tart.
Express zucchini-parmesan pancakes
Grate two zucchinis, squeeze out the excess water, and mix with an egg, Parmesan cheese, a little flour, salt, and pepper. Brown them in a pan in small piles. Serve hot or cold; perfect for lunchboxes or picnics.
Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini
Hollow out zucchini halves and fill them with a mixture of quinoa, feta, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts, and herbs. Bake for twenty minutes. A complete, colorful, and meatless dish that can be adapted to suit your tastes.
Tips for making zucchini look its best 🥗
- Salt and patience: For firm slices (gratin, pan-fried), salt the courgettes, let them drain for ten minutes then dry - they will hold up better when cooked.
- Perfect blending: Use a powerful blender for ultra-smooth soups and veloutés, even served iced.
- Skin or no skin? The skin of organic zucchini is thin, full of nutrients, and gives a beautiful green color to the dish: no need to peel it!
- Anti-waste: The hearts (seeds) of large zucchinis can flavor an omelet or savory cakes.
- Zucchini for breakfast: Add grated zucchini to your pancakes for extra fluffiness and fiber, without an overpowering taste.
Buy well and equip yourself smartly
To fully enjoy August zucchini, choose firm, smooth ones with shiny, unblemished skin. Smaller zucchini have fewer seeds and finer flesh. Buy them directly from the market or from farmers' baskets: in peak season, they are very affordable, often less than two euros per kilo.
On the equipment side, equipping yourself with a good peeler, a fine grater and a blender will allow you to vary the textures endlessly. To cook quickly and without fat, think about the air fryer : grilled zucchini will never have been so quick to prepare! And for fans of convivial meals, the plancha or the barbecue are the perfect allies. Find a whole selection of accessories in our summer grilling collection .
Need even more ideas? Discover new inspiration every week on Recipes of the Week !
Zucchini FAQ
Do you always have to peel zucchini?
No! The skin is thin and full of fiber, especially on organic zucchini. Washes well, retains color and vitamins: no need to peel unless the skin is damaged or for an ultra-smooth texture.
How to prevent zucchini from releasing too much water during cooking?
Cut it, salt it, let it drain for ten minutes, then pat dry. Prefer brisk cooking (oven, pan, air fryer) to sear quickly. This way, it stays firm and tasty.
Can you freeze zucchini?
Yes, but it's best to blanch it for two minutes before freezing it in pieces. Then use it for soups, gratins, or stir-fries, allowing for a slightly softer texture.
Is zucchini compatible with a low-carb diet?
Absolutely: it's very low in carbohydrates and rich in water and fiber. Perfect for light, satisfying dishes and low-carb recipes.
I'm running out of ideas for aperitifs. Any quick suggestions?
Try raw zucchini strip wraps with cream cheese and herbs, or air-fryer zucchini chips. For even more tips, check out our recipe section !
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