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Don't Let That Zucchini Waste Itself



If you want to know how I really feel about summer this is it. The truth? There are so many gifts that nature gives us and some of them are fresh vegetables! Instead of running to the grocery store just walk outside and pick those deliciously great zucchinis. It is almost like they grow faster then we can eat. So, why not bake something sweet or savory and hand over to some of your co-workers – do not let natures gift go to waste. I am go to share 12 simple and easy recipes that you can make with your fresh zucchinis. Or if you do not have your own garden, do not let those hydrating snacks go to waste!


Ever heard the saying, "Use what your Mama gave you"


I have this rule that I follow where I only buy groceries for three to four days at a time. That way I guarantee that nothing is going to get thrown out. It is like it forces me to prepare all my food and ensures a healthy plate because when you buy only whole and fresh foods, they do not last very long.


You will learn different ways to add in fresh Zucchini to your daily routine without even thinking about it. You will also find 12 ways that you can save yourself from wasteful buying. Here is your guide to finding some of the best recipes you will try:


You never know maybe you will end up saying, “Wow, those zucchinis taste really good,” said no one ever, until now.

Coming up with some of the best recipes can be time consuming, but truth be told there is not a lot that goes into it other than putting together a list of all my favorite desserts and dishes. So, I am going to start with one of my all-time favorites. It is moist, sweet, crunchy, a little bit of spice, and can be salty… can you guess what my number 1 is?


This has got to be one of the best bread recipes that I have ever made. So many flavors can

be added in like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, this can be perfect for a summer morning and is PERFECT for a fall morning. Fresh zucchini makes my mouth water when I think about it, but even better than that, adding a bit of apple to this recipe makes it taste that much better. This bread can be made gluten and dairy-free. Pack this wonderful breakfast food up on a platter and share it with your co-workers. They will love every bit of it – and will thank you!



I cannot get these to last longer than two-days in my house, they are so yummy! This dairy-free alternative will be perfect for anyone that is on my 21-day detox program. You must make sure that you set some aside and hide them away from the rest of the family so that you have some for yourself 😊.


Aside from zucchini bread being on the top of my list, I have searched for years on different ways to make this more transportable to and from house-warming gatherings, graduate parties, and even work-hosted baking competitions. What could be better than a slice of warm, sweet, and delectable bread? Muffins – such a perfect match making it my #2.



These are a “healthy” alternative to other gluten-free and dairy free breakfast treats. Made

with those farm fresh zucchinis, these healthy fat miniature bites are great for eating on the go and tasty enough to eat after you come home from work. You can make them with oats instead of nut flour or coconut flour, but if you are like me you will want to add-in a sprinkle of walnuts for that extra crunch. A great go-to for any time of the day! Check out these delightful healthy bites.



Ever tried a crustless low-calorie quiche? Well, here is your change because after you try this, you will not go back. This light and fluffy pie alternative is great for covering that pie plate and bringing the party to your table – putting this dish at #3.



I cannot promise this fluffy and crust-free dish will make it long in your house. Although it is

low-calorie, it is also the taste of heaven. This nutrition-packed dessert can be served in the morning, afternoon, or evening because whether you know it or not, zucchini has some of the best health benefits – it is known to improve thyroid function and increase heart health. It is quick and easy to whip up if you are craving something on the fly. This stuff is so good you will want to sneak this stuff into your bed while no one is watching!



Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day! Start it off right with this creamy, healthy, and crunchy meal. Wake up bright and early and throw together some of my favorite tasting oatmeal with zucchini and your favorite add-ins (walnuts, cinnamon, and almond butter for me 😊) sitting at #4.



Like I mentioned earlier, there is no better way to add in your farm fresh veggies that in your

breakfast! I love eating a wholesome meal in the morning. This popular breakfast is a great source of antioxidants, potassium, and vitamin C – did you know that zucchini has over % of your daily needs?! This meal will really throw your family for a loop, they will be confused when you do not pull a loaf of bread out of the oven. Make this vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free breakfast for yourself. Top it with anything you like, walnuts, yogurt (dairy-free), almond butter - I promise you will thank me!




Hmmm… what more can you do with zucchini other than make sweet-smelling treats? I will tell ya, you can make a great side to any dish with this creative zoodle garden pasta. Not only can you pick from your garden-fresh veggies, but you will be glowing after this refreshing side piece.



This grain-free side is perfect for any occasion, picnic, dinner, bonfire, brunch – anything you

can think of. There is no better way to substitute noodles than with a healthy alternative (veggies!) because you can make this pasta as creative as you would like. I love making the spiral pasta and the prep time is so easy. You will gain the trust of your kids, neighbors, or anyone that tries this low-carb, nutrient-rich pasta. You can also substitute this healthy side with regular pasta to make this perfect for a summer meal.



I do not know about you, but one of my favorite breakfast/dinner foods is a pancake. It is delicious, fluffy, and filling so I spent my time trying to find a make-over to the traditional pancake recipe. I think I have finally found what I am looking for in this Zucchini pancake, at #6.



Ever find that gluten-free, grain-free substitute for something so good? Whether you are

following the Whole-30 meal plan or have made your own, you will want to find something that will keep that delicious flavor while keeping the integrity of the dish. Soft and creamy in the middle, yet crunchy on the outside. This traditional dish substitutes flour very well by using cassava flour and shredded zucchini in place of dairy. I like to add other fresh picks as my toppings because nothing tastes better than grabbing a bite with banana, berries, pancake, some zucchini, and a tad bit of pure maple srup. Mmmm...Your taste-buds will be thankful for you making this recipe!



One of the hardest things for me to do is not eat French fries. I always remind myself that even though they are derived from potatoes, which is a vegetable, does not mean that they are healthy…until now! Ever tried Baked Zucchini fried – now is your chance to serve your favorite cravings with a healthy and gluten-free snack making this #7.



A simple alternative to those greasy, soggy, and stale French fries are fresh, crispy, and

healthful zucchini fries. You can coat these with almond flour and parmesan, or you may keep this dairy-free without the cheese. Since we are being health-conscious we are substituting the normal breadcrumbs which makes this a perfect keto-friendly snack. You will love these because there is essentially no mess to clean up! When you have company over, pull these out and no one will know the difference. Bake them up and save some on the side so that your family cannot eat all of them at once. That would defeat the purpose of having them for snacks.



When I grab for a midday snack or a late-night treat usually, I go for something salty, savory, or sweet. I do my best to keep low-calorie alternatives nearby so that I am quality conscious and calorie dense. Make gluten and dairy-free zucchini & sweet potato bars to keep your sweet tooth happy and blood sugar leveled.



You can serve these heated-up or cold which makes them great for on the go treats, in a

lunch salad, or on the side of your dinner plate. These is grain, gluten, dairy, and nut-free unless you choose to throw in some optional add-ins (nuts, cinnamon, oatmeal, nut butter, etc.) these are perfect with any extra ingredients. Keeping a low-calorie snack nearby can be challenging but having fresh vegetables on the counter will make this an easier transition for when those tantalizing cravings hit – as we all know, they show up at the worst times!


Looking for a crispy, low-calorie snack or lunch? There is no better way than to pick your vegetables that you probably will forget about and leave on the counter. Here is a quick and delicious way to use up those zucchinis – this keto and gluten-free Zucchini Fritter will have you begging for more. Check out this tasteful #9.



Eating gluten-free and low-carb is a challenge when it comes to trying new things. If you are

like me, you do not follow any specific meal plan except your own. When it comes to baking and cooking, I like to experiment and when I found this recipe, I could not resist trying them. Made with almond flour or coconut flour if you are nut-free allows for a crunchy addition. They are easily out together and baked in the over or on the stove top. Grab some of these to snack on throughout the day or take a grab-n-go back to eat on your way to work. You cannot go wrong with these mouth-watering zucchini fritters.



Paleo is the new deal and if you are new to the whole thing, you will love this recipe. As grilling season ramps up it is going to be time to start adding some delectable grilling recipes to the table. Can you imagine a vegetable inside a burger? I know it sounds whacky, but a Zucchini Basil Chicken burger is refreshing, and you cannot even tell what is in it. Here comes #10 with these tasteful veggies inside a burger.



As a perfect summertime dish, you will soon find that they taste so great and will wonder

what to do in the wintertime. Using freshly picked zucchini will give you the best taste and ensure that the moisture holds the patty together. You can use any poultry or beef of choice in substitution, overall, they are simple to put together. As a veggie lover I cannot get enough of this vegetable, but also remember that you can make this same recipe with any other vegetable of choice. Carrots are a perfect sub-in if you are looking for that extra sweetness.



Oh my gosh I absolutely love spicy foods and was wondering how I can spice up my life – then I found a great way to incorporate tots back without using ketchup. Trying to sneak vegetables into my day can be time consuming, but these Zucchini tots with a spicy siracha sauce will do the job perfectly sitting at #11.



If your family is a fan of the tator tot, but you are looking for a healthier alternative then this

is the best option for you. Do not wonder how you can load the tots into your family’s life, just do it. What they do not know will not kill them (but not eating their veggies will!) In under an hour you will have a delicious snack for the entire family. I like to pop these in my mouth as I am cleaning up the kitchen. You can spice these up any way you can think of, they are gluten, and nut-free which makes them a keto and paleo fix for the day. Check them out and watch your body thank you.



I bet you thought I forgot about one of the best ways to eat your meal in one hand – no way. Eating better starts with new recipes and even discipline, but this healthy eating choice is one of my favorites. They are low in calories, carbs, and high in protein. Welcome to the table the delicious nutrient-rich Zucchini Turkey Taco Boats at #12.



I must say that eating this dish is one of the most fun because I do not have to use any silver

wear at all! The clean up is almost non-existent for the family and works perfect for eating outside with the kids. You can heat them up through out the week and share with your co-workers. Save these for a night that you have company and want to surprise the group with a creative low-calorie dish. The filling is a good source or water and fiber making it easily digestible. You can bake the boats up with any topping, marinara sauce, tomato sauce, or even your favorite brand of hot sauce. Then add on some cheesy goodness (you can use a vegan option of choice) and serve!



I like my zucchini in all ways whether it is served raw, baked, cooked, if it is still crunchy. As you can see from my post, there are a ton of different ways for you to incorporate that hydrating garden vegetable into your diet. Use earths nutrient-packed foods as your own medicine to feel good, look good, and eat good. The inspiration for these dishes come from my love for farm fresh vegetables and not letting them go to waste so try these recipes out and engage in summer dishes. Take a seat outside with the family, enjoy your morning coffee with a tasty Zucchini & sweet potato bar, or heat up a crunchy fritter to eat with your zoodles and garden pasta salad.


Eat, repeat, and eat again!



If you enjoyed this post and have some recipes of your own I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment with additions and your thoughts! Do not forget to like, share, and subscribe to my newsletter and never miss out on any new materials. Spread the word with your friends, family, and co-workers and I look forward to seeing your beautiful self in my next post!

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