18 Healthy Zucchini Recipes That Are Easy, Low-Carb, and Full of Flavor

Zucchini is a versatile summer vegetable that's perfect for gluten-free cooking. Low in carbs, high in nutrients, and naturally gluten-free, it can be transformed into everything from crispy snacks to hearty mains and sweet treats. Here are 18 savory and sweet gluten-free zucchini meals to inspire your kitchen adventures.

1. Crispy Gluten-Free Zucchini Fritters

These golden, crunchy fritters are a perfect appetizer or side dish. Made with grated zucchini, gluten-free flour, and herbs.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium zucchinis, grated
• 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel.
2. Mix zucchini with flour, eggs, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Scoop spoonfuls of mixture and flatten into patties.
5. Fry 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with yogurt dip.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

2. Moist Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread

A classic quick bread that's incredibly moist thanks to the zucchini. Perfect for breakfast or snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup oil
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. Squeeze excess water from grated zucchini.
3. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another.
4. Combine and fold in zucchini.
5. Pour into pan and bake 50-60 minutes until toothpick comes clean.
6. Cool before slicing.

3. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Light, fresh zoodles tossed in homemade or store-bought pesto for a quick gluten-free pasta alternative.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup fresh basil pesto (gluten-free)
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Spiralize zucchinis into noodles.
2. Sauté zoodles in olive oil for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
3. Toss with pesto and tomatoes.
4. Top with cheese and serve warm or cold.

4. Gluten-Free Zucchini Lasagna

Layers of zucchini slices replace pasta in this hearty, low-carb lasagna.

Ingredients:

• 4 large zucchinis, sliced lengthwise
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Grill or bake zucchini slices to remove moisture.
3. Brown meat, add sauce.
4. Layer zucchini, meat sauce, cheeses in a baking dish.
5. Bake 40-45 minutes until bubbly.

5. Chocolate Gluten-Free Zucchini Muffins

Rich, chocolatey muffins with hidden veggies – kids love them!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup oil
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin.
2. Mix wet and dry ingredients separately.
3. Combine, fold in zucchini and chips.
4. Bake 20-25 minutes.

6. Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Hollowed zucchini filled with a savory meat or veggie mixture and baked.

Ingredients:

• 4 zucchinis, halved and scooped
• 1 lb ground meat
• 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
• Tomato sauce
• Cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Scoop out zucchini centers.
3. Brown meat, mix with filling ingredients.
4. Stuff boats, top with sauce and cheese.
5. Bake 25-30 minutes.

7. Gluten-Free Zucchini Casserole

A comforting baked dish with layers of zucchini, cheese, and seasonings.

Ingredients:

• 4 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups cheese
• Gluten-free breadcrumbs
• Eggs and milk for binding

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sauté onions and zucchini.
3. Mix with cheese and binder.
4. Top with breadcrumbs and bake 30-40 minutes.

8. Baked Zucchini Chips

Crispy, healthy snack chips baked to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, thinly sliced
• Olive oil
• Salt, pepper, seasonings
• Parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 225°F.
2. Slice zucchini thinly with mandoline.
3. Toss with oil and seasonings.
4. Bake on parchment 2-3 hours, flipping halfway.

9. Gluten-Free Zucchini Pizza Crust

A low-carb pizza base made from zucchini – crispy and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups grated zucchini
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup gluten-free flour
• Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Squeeze moisture from zucchini.
3. Mix with eggs, cheese, flour, and seasoning.
4. Spread on parchment-lined pan.
5. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden.
6. Add toppings and bake further.

10. Creamy Gluten-Free Zucchini Soup

A light, velvety soup perfect for any season.

Ingredients:

• 6 zucchinis, chopped
• 1 onion
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Garlic, herbs
• Coconut milk for creaminess

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic.
2. Add zucchini and broth; simmer until tender.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Stir in coconut milk and season.

11. Gluten-Free Zucchini Cake

Moist, spiced cake with cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
• Eggs, oil, sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix wet and dry ingredients.
3. Fold in zucchini.
4. Bake in cake pans 30-35 minutes.
5. Frost when cool.

12. Zucchini Stir-Fry

Quick veggie stir-fry with Asian flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 zucchinis, sliced
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Garlic, ginger
• Other veggies (carrots, peppers)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in wok.
2. Stir-fry garlic and ginger.
3. Add veggies and sauce.
4. Cook until tender-crisp.

13. Fudgy Gluten-Free Zucchini Brownies

Rich, chocolate brownies with hidden zucchini.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated zucchini
• Cocoa powder
• Gluten-free flour
• Eggs, oil, sugar
• Chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix ingredients.
3. Bake 25-30 minutes.

14. Fresh Zucchini Salad

Raw zucchini ribbons in a light dressing.

Ingredients:

• Zucchinis, ribboned
• Lemon vinaigrette
• Feta, nuts

Instructions:

1. Ribbon zucchini.
2. Toss with dressing and toppings.

15. Gluten-Free Zucchini Pancakes

Savory pancakes with herbs and cheese.

Ingredients:

• Grated zucchini
• Gluten-free flour
• Eggs, parmesan

Instructions:

1. Mix batter.
2. Fry until golden.

16. Zucchini Quinoa Salad

Protein-packed salad with fresh veggies.

Ingredients:

• Cooked quinoa
• Zucchini, chickpeas
• Lemon dressing

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa.
2. Mix with chopped veggies and dressing.

17. Gluten-Free Zucchini Cookies

Soft cookies with oats and chocolate chips.

Ingredients:

• Grated zucchini
• Gluten-free oats, flour
• Chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Mix dough.
2. Bake 10-12 minutes.

18. Simple Grilled Zucchini

Quick grilled slices with herbs.

Ingredients:

• Zucchinis, sliced
• Olive oil
• Salt, pepper, herbs

Instructions:

1. Toss slices in oil and seasoning.
2. Grill 3-4 minutes per side.

These 18 gluten-free zucchini recipes showcase the vegetable's versatility. Enjoy experimenting with these healthy, delicious ideas!