We love a good zucchini moment. This highly versatile, nutrient-packed squash is available year-round, making it a staple in many households. Most people are used to seeing zucchini as a side dish, but while frying it up in a pan with some olive oil, salt, and pepper is simple and delicious, zucchini can be prepared in so many different and unique ways you may have never even known about. It can be a main course, a side dish, and even dessert.

Whether you’re trying to get more veggies into your family’s or your diet, or you just love zucchini as much as we do, these unique ways to prepare our favorite squash will have you coming back for seconds and thirds.

Make Zucchini Chips

Veggie chips are a healthier option than store-bought potato chips, and they’re easy to make! Slice the zucchini thinly, toss with olive oil, garlic, sea salt, and seasons of your choice. Pop it in the oven on a very low setting, and out comes a tasty, guilt-free snack.

Bake Some Zucchini Bread

If you’ve never tried zucchini bread before, you’re in for a treat. Zucchini adds flavorless moisture in the baking process while boosting the nutritional value of the final product. Regardless of what recipe you choose, zucchini bread is relatively simple to bake and is a great way to sneak in some veggies for a recipe the whole family will love.

Fry Up Zucchini Latkes

Traditional latkes are made with potatoes, and if you’ve ever had them, you already know they’re absolutely delicious with a dollop of applesauce or sour cream on top. Zucchini latkes are a unique spin on the beloved recipe and are a low calorie, flavor-packed option. Plus, you can use them as a vessel for fried eggs, proteins, and yogurt.

Make Veggie-Packed Nachos

Nachos are pretty universally loved, but they’re not exactly a beacon of healthy foods. For the carb-conscious, zucchini nachos are the next best thing and fairly easy to make. Slice it up, grill it, then load it with shredded cheese, black beans, avocado, roasted corn, salsa, or whatever nacho-themed veggies you like.

Whip Up Some Chocolate Zucchini Cake

As we mentioned earlier, zucchini is a flavorless way of adding moisture to baked goods. Using shredded zucchini in your chocolate cake recipe adds a rich and decadent flavor due to the extra moisture the zucchini provides. Bake this for family or friends, and they’ll never know they’re eating vegetables!

Try A Zucchini-Based Alternative Pasta

Zoodles have been around for quite some time, and you’ve likely seen it sold in your local grocery store. But, not everyone can get on board with zoodles as the texture is a bit different from traditional pasta. This is where alternative pastas shine, especially if you’re looking for gluten-free, dairy-free, and high protein options without sacrificing flavor. With zucchini pasta, you get high nutritional value along with the pasta texture you’re used to. Made with only three ingredients, Veggiecraft Farms’ Zucchini Pasta is loaded with fiber and protein, and it’s gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

Don’t know where to start? Check out these recipes to spark your inspiration:

Greek Penne Salad with Veggie-Based Penne Pasta

Meatless Veggie-Based Spaghetti Carbonara

Pesto Veggie-Based Spaghetti