Why and how to cook zucchini this summer: fresh recipes and anti-waste tips
Star vegetable of the summer Ultra easy to cook Fresh & anti-waste recipes Rich in water & fiber
Zucchini: the star vegetable of summer 🥗
When temperatures rise, zucchini arrives in force on the shelves! We love it for its freshness, its lightness, and its ability to be used in a thousand quick recipes. With its mild flavor, it pleases all palates, even those of children. Easy to prepare, zucchini can be cooked raw or cooked, alone or in a mixture. Rich in water (more than ninety percent), it hydrates, satiates without weighing you down, and provides a good dose of fiber. As a bonus, its local cultivation limits the carbon footprint: it's the zero-guilt vegetable of summer!
Fresh recipe ideas, BBQ & smoothies 🔥
In summer, zucchini lends itself to all your freshness cravings. You can grate it or cut it into tagliatelle for a crunchy salad with feta, mint, and lemon. Grilled for a few minutes on the barbecue, it develops irresistible smoky notes – consider pairing it with an olive oil and thyme marinade. If you have an Air Fryer , try zucchini chips: they're ready in a flash and make a sensation as an aperitif!
Grilled Zucchini on the BBQ
Slice it thickly, add oil, salt, and herbs—then hit the grill. A real must-have for kebabs and fish. Need some ideas for your barbecue? Check out Neary's Barbecue & Grill collection!
Fresh salad
Grate the raw zucchini, add tomatoes, cream cheese, seeds, and a lemony vinaigrette. It's ready in five minutes and a real change from the classic green salad!
Zucchini smoothie
Yes, you read that right! Blended with apple, lemon, mint, and a few ice cubes, zucchini adds a velvety texture to your drinks. Use a smoothie blender for a perfect texture and an ultra-thirst-quenching effect.
Zucchini pancakes
Make patties by combining grated zucchini, egg, cheese, flour, and herbs. A few minutes in a pan or air fryer and you've got a veggie dish that the whole family will love.
Anti-waste & conservation tips 🥗
Don't throw away the ends anymore!
Zucchini ends can flavor a homemade broth or cold soup. Even the skins (if organic) are delicious pan-fried to accompany a pasta dish.
Zucchini too big?
If you come across an XXL zucchini, remove the seeds from the core, grate the flesh, and add it to a savory cake or homemade tomato sauce. This gives it a soft texture without an overpowering flavor.
Top conservation
Store your zucchini in the refrigerator's crisper drawer, unwashed and uncut, to preserve their crunch. If they soften, they're ready for soup or gazpacho!
Express freezing
Cut the zucchini into cubes or slices, poach them for a minute, then drain and freeze flat. You can use them all winter long in stir-fries or soups.
Buying well, budget & ideas for everyone 💡
When it's peak season, zucchini remains one of the most affordable vegetables. Choose local producers or AMAPs for maximum freshness and a fair price. Small, firm, smooth zucchini are the tastiest, but don't shy away from the slightly lopsided varieties: they're just as good, sometimes even more flavorful!
Consider checking out our Recipes of the Week section to mix things up without breaking the bank. You'll find original ideas for cooking zucchini and other seasonal vegetables, whether you're alone or with others.
Zucchini FAQ: your questions, our answers
Should I peel the zucchini?
No, the skin is thin and rich in nutrients. If your zucchini is organic, wash it well and eat it whole. For children or those with sensitive palates, you can partially peel it.
Can you eat raw zucchini?
Yes, raw zucchini can be enjoyed in salads, carpaccio, or even grated in a sandwich. Its mild flavor pairs perfectly with feta, lemon, or mint.
How to avoid “spongy” zucchini?
Use firm zucchini, avoid overcooking them, and salt them after cooking to keep their texture. If you're using them in a gratin, let them drain with a little salt before assembling them.
What to do with an overripe or softened zucchini?
Don't throw it away! Blend it into a velvety soup or add it to a tomato sauce, a cake, or even pancake batter for a tasty anti-waste solution.
Any original ideas for serving zucchini?
Try it in a sweet smoothie (with apple and mint), as chips in the Air Fryer, or even on skewers on the BBQ. For more ideas, check out our Air Fryer guide or the Neary BBQ selection .
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