The secrets to easily cooking zucchini in summer: recipes and anti-waste tips
Seasonal zucchini Quick recipes Anti-waste Smart budget Barbecue & Air Fryer Ideas
Zucchini is the star of our summers, but admit it, sometimes you run out of ideas for preparing it! 🥗 Good news: this light vegetable can be cooked in a flash, in a hot or cold dish, and can be used everywhere, from gratin to smoothie. In this article, you'll discover how to vary the pleasures without ever getting bored, adopt good anti-waste reflexes and succeed with your zucchini every time, even when you come home late at night.
Perfect for impromptu barbecues or quick air-fryer meals, zucchini can be adapted to any style of summer cooking. Ready to stock up on tips?
Ideas for cooking zucchini in summer
Grilled Zucchini on the Barbecue 🔥
Cut your zucchini into thick slices, add olive oil, salt, and herbs (thyme, mint). Then, on the grill! In just a few minutes, you'll have tender vegetables, perfect as a side dish or to slip into a sandwich. For more grilling ideas, explore our barbecue selection .
Air Fryer Zucchini
Looking for a healthy appetizer or a quick meal? Cut the zucchini into sticks, sprinkle with spices and a drizzle of oil, then pop it in your air fryer ! In less than fifteen minutes, you'll have light and crispy fries. Kids love them, and so will you.
Ultra-simple zucchini gratin
Zucchini, a little cream (or plant-based cream), grated Emmental cheese, and pop it in the oven to brown everything. Tip: add a touch of curry or nutmeg to spice things up. It's the ultimate break-from-the-routine dish that's sure to please!
Quick sautéed zucchini
Sauté the zucchini slices in a hot pan with garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of fleur de sel. It's ready in five minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Raw zucchini salad 🥗
Grated, in tagliatelle or diced, raw zucchini pairs wonderfully with lemon, feta, mint or seeds. Freshness guaranteed!
Cold zucchini smoothie or soup
Blended with yogurt, basil and a dash of lemon in your favorite blender , zucchini becomes a light base for cold soup or green smoothie, to sip all summer long.
Anti-waste tips and perfect cooking
Don't throw away the skin anymore!
Zucchini skin is thin and full of fiber. Simply scrub it under water, trim the ends, and cook it whole: zero waste, preserved flavor, and color to boot.
Reuse leftover zucchini
Got little bits of zucchini lying around? Slip them into an omelet, a quiche, or even a savory cake for a delicious brunch. Anti-waste recipes are smart and delicious!
Zucchini too big?
Late-season giant zucchini are ideal stuffed, in blended soup, or as a gratin. You can also make pancakes or fritters with them for an aperitif.
Express cooking without water
Zucchini releases a lot of water. For golden, non-soggy slices, sear them over high heat in a skillet or air fryer, without a lid. This keeps them crisp!
Budget, purchases & smart equipment
Good news: zucchini is an economical vegetable, especially in season! You can buy large baskets at low prices at markets or AMAP (Community-supported agriculture). Choose firm zucchini with smooth, shiny skin and no blemishes. Green varieties are the most common, but also consider yellow zucchini for its color.
As for equipment, a simple knife and a frying pan are enough, but for variety, equip yourself with an air fryer or a blender to explore new textures. For recipe ideas every week, browse our dedicated page !
FAQ
Should I peel the zucchini?
No! The skin is thin, rich in nutrients and fiber. A simple rinse is all it takes. You save time and you're doing something less wasteful.
How to prevent zucchini from releasing too much water?
Preferably cook over high heat, without a lid, and add salt only at the end of cooking. You can also quickly drain it with a little salt if necessary.
Can you freeze zucchini?
Yes, cut it into cubes or slices, blanch them for a minute in boiling water, then cool them before freezing. Ideal for soups and stir-fries out of season.
What original associations with zucchini?
Try zucchini with mint, feta, lemon, or even a sweet version (soft zucchini cake!). It's surprising and delicious.
Where can I find a variety of recipes?
Find new ideas all year round on our Recipes of the Week page for cooking zucchini without ever getting bored.
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