How to cook fresh zucchini: summer recipes and anti-waste tips
Full season Anti-waste recipes Barbecue & Air Fryer Ideas Fast food 🥗
Zucchini is one of summer's best gifts: local, fresh, ultra-versatile, and often very affordable. Whether you pick it from your garden or find it at the market, it's a staple in the kitchen and never tires! Plain, grilled, grated, stuffed... it adapts to all desires, even the most rushed. Plus, it lends itself to a thousand and one tricks for limiting food waste and delighting the whole family, without any hassle or blowing the budget. 🥗
In this article, discover ideas, summer recipes, anti-waste tips and smart advice for cooking fresh zucchini all summer long (and even after!).
How to cook it: simple and original ideas
Grilled Zucchini on the Barbecue 🔥
Want to change from traditional kebabs? Slice your zucchini into thick slices, lightly oil them, and place them directly on the grill. They're a perfect accompaniment to meat, fish, or even other vegetables. For more inspiration, check out Neary's Barbecue & Grill collection: you'll find ideas and accessories for successful summer cooking.
Air Fryer Zucchini
Looking for a healthy snack or a quick side dish? Cut the zucchini into fries or slices, add a drizzle of olive oil and a few spices, then toss them in your air fryer . The result: golden, tender zucchini, ready in minutes without turning on the oven!
Fresh grated zucchini
To freshen up a plate, there's nothing like grated zucchini. Season with lemon, olive oil, a few seeds, and cream cheese. It's perfect as a starter or to boost a sandwich.
Zucchini velouté or smoothie
Blended zucchini works wonders, hot or cold. With a blender , try a mint velouté or an ultra-fresh green smoothie (zucchini, apple, mint, ice cubes). Ideal for varying pleasures, even as an aperitif.
Summer-style stuffed zucchini
Empty them and garnish them however you like: quinoa, tomatoes, herbs, feta, leftover meat, or tofu. A complete, light, and super customizable dish!
Quick ideas of the week
Stuck for inspiration? Discover all the recipes of the week on our dedicated page: pan-fried zucchini, thin tart, quick wok… there's always a quick idea to pick up!
Anti-waste tips to make the most of everything
- Use the skin too! It's tender, full of fiber, and gives a lovely color. For organic or local zucchini, there's no need to peel it.
- Seeds: Don't throw them away! If they're large, blend them into a soup or savory cake. Otherwise, save them for homemade broth.
- Chip fanatic? Slice the trimmings thinly, drizzle with oil and spices, and toss in the oven or air fryer for homemade chips.
- Leftover cooked zucchini? Add them to a quiche, an omelet, or blend them for a fresh dip (with fromage blanc, garlic, herbs, etc.).
- Soggy zucchini? Don't panic, they're perfect in a soup, curry, or gratin!
- Freezing is possible! Dice the zucchini, blanch it for two minutes, and freeze it to extend the season.
Budget, purchases and useful equipment
Choosing the right zucchini
Choose local, seasonal zucchini that are firm and have smooth, shiny skin. Small to medium-sized zucchini are often tastier and less watery. When shopping at the market, look for bulk lots for a low price.
Smart tools to save time
A good knife, a grater, a spiralizer... but also a blender for soups or smoothies, or an air fryer for healthy fries and chips. For barbecues, think about vegetable baskets to prevent them from falling through the grill! For even more ideas, visit the barbecue & grill selection on Neary.
Low prices, maximum revenue
In season, zucchini is one of the most affordable vegetables. Smart cooking also means getting inspired: find our zucchini recipes every week to add variety without blowing your budget!
Fresh zucchini FAQ
Do I need to peel zucchini for all recipes?
No, especially if it's organic or local! The skin is thin and full of nutrients. You can simply wash it, and it can be eaten without any problem in most preparations.
How to prevent zucchini from releasing water during cooking?
Lightly salt it after cutting and let it drain for a few minutes. Drain, then cook over high heat. Tip: cooking in an air fryer or on the barbecue also limits this problem!
Can you freeze fresh zucchini?
Yes! Cut it into cubes or slices, blanch it for two minutes in boiling water, dry it well, then freeze it in portions. Practical for soups or stir-fries out of season.
Can zucchini be eaten raw?
Yes, it's delicious grated or thinly sliced, seasoned with lemon, olive oil, and herbs. Ideal for fresh salads!
What to do with zucchini that are too big or floury?
Use them in soup, puree, or in a savory cake. Remove the seeds if they are too large; their flesh will work wonderfully in a cake or a velouté.
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