Zucchini: The versatile veggie you can sneak into any meal!

Zucchini can be seen as boring, bland, and just plain ho-hum, but this super chameleon vegetable just simply isn’t getting the credit that it deserves! Zucchini can be added to soups, sauces, salads, casseroles, stir-fried, baked, roasted, spiralized, grated, and much more.

Zucchini, also referred to as a courgette is available in a variety of colours- dark green, light green or yellow or striped. Zucchini are best when they are no longer than 6 inches (15 cm). Zucchini should be firm with a smooth glossy skin and no soft spots or bruises.

To store Zucchini, keep it in the fridge in a plastic bag or wrapped in plastic. It should last up to 5 days this way. Zucchini can be frozen for up to 6 months. Cut the zucchini into slices, blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes and then plunge in cold water. Drain and pat dry with paper towels. Flash freeze the slices by placing them on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, store the slices in a freezer bag.

Zucchini has such a delicate and subtle flavour that it lends itself well to a variety of dishes, including baked goods.

Here are our favorite zucchini recipes! Try some with all the wonderful seasonal zucchini before fall sneaks up on us!

Zucchini Corn Muffins
With a spark of heat from cayenne these muffins are wonderful on their own or alongside a summer salad. Wrap them individually and freeze so they are at the ready for an on-the-go snack.

Fresh Tomato and Zuccini Tart via Foodland Ontario
Take advantage of summer’s bounty and encase fresh tomatoes and zucchini in a flaky pastry.

Zucchini Ricotta Rolls
Take a spin on lasagna and try these zucchini rolls. With all the flavour of lasagna you can serve this up as a main course or side dish with some extra pasta sauce alongside.

Mediterranean Zucchini and Eggplant via Foodland Ontario
Because this dish is equally good at room temperature, the eggplant and zucchini can be grilled ahead of time then drizzled with reserved dressing and feta just before serving. Try the different summer squashes, such as Sunburst, for interesting shapes. For added colour, surround with wedges or slices of Ontario Tomato.

Grilled Pork Chops with Fresh Peach Salsa and Grilled Zucchini
This simple dish also shows how easily you can adapt the classic flavours of salsa to just about any fruit. Try it; you just might discover that you prefer peaches to tomatoes in your salsa!

Zucchini Pepper Slaw
Look for yellow zucchini or summer squash in season to change up the colour variety in this slaw. Be sure to toss the slaw just before serving for the best flavour and texture of the zucchini.

Zucchini Waffles with Berries
Crisp fluffy waffles with the addition of zucchini add a touch of colour and are a great backdrop for fresh berries. Fruit and vegetables have a wonderful marriage in this family favourite recipe.

Grilled Broccoli and Tomato Skewers
A fun idea for a different way to serve up vegetables. The roasted or grilled flavour of the vegetables will make you want to cook them up this way all the time! Enjoy.