At this point in your garden, you might be staring down at your 27th (or 50th) zucchini of the season. The first few were exciting… but two weeks later, you’re hiding them on your neighbors’ porches. At some point in summer, it feels like they just keep coming and you’ve run out of ways to use them.

This blog is inspired by Episode 301 of Growing Joy with Plants, where Maria Failla talks with fellow Espoma Partner, Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide about simple ways to use up that zucchini harvest. Kaleb is a home cook, gardener, and and author of the New York Times bestselling cookbook There’s Always Room at the Table. His ideas are simple, comforting, and very easy to try at home..

Top Tips for Growing Zucchini

Here’s how to manage your zucchini for the best results:

  • Plant Late: In Zone 5B, it’s best to wait until late June to plant zucchini seeds. This helps the plants avoid “vine borers,” which are common pests earlier in the season.
  • Direct Sow: Zucchini has very tender roots. Instead of starting them indoors, it is better to plant the seeds directly in the ground after your last frost date. They pop up fast and grow better this way.
  • Feed Your Soil: By late summer, your plants have used up a lot of nutrients. A boost from Espoma Organic Garden-tone can help keep your vegetable beds going strong.
  • Know When to Say Goodbye: If you have more zucchini than you can eat or give away, it is okay to stop harvesting and add the rest to your compost pile.

4 Interesting Zucchini Recipes

1. Garlicky Crispy Zucchini

A great weeknight recipe if you want something fast.

What you need: Zucchini, garlic, oil, salt

  1. Heat the oil in a skillet until it is hot
  2. Add the sliced zucchini in a single, even layer
  3. Sauté until brown (don’t stir too much)
  4. Add lots of garlic and toss
  5. Season with salt at the very end

The trick is to let the zucchini brown instead of steam. Do not salt it too early because salt pulls out moisture too fast and you end up with something soggy. That helps the zucchini stay flavorful and not turn mushy.

Kaleb’s Pro Tip: Smaller zucchini always tastes better. Check them daily and pick them young. The flavor and texture are just so much better.

2. Street Corn & Zucchini Fritters with Chipotle Mayo

What you need: Shredded zucchini (about 2 cups), sweet corn, finely chopped onions, flour and baking powder, egg, cheese (parmesan or cotija), chipotle mayo

  1. Shred the zucchini, but don’t drain/squeeze out the moisture
  2. Combine ingredients (zucchini, corn, onion, flour, baking powder, egg, and cheese) into a wet batter
  3. Fry in a pan with oil until they look like golden pancakes
  4. Serve with the chipotle mayo on top

This recipe gives zucchini more flavor and texture, which makes it more exciting to eat.

3. Roasted Zucchini & Feta Dip

What you need: Zucchini, olive oil, salt, pepper, tahini, Greek mayonnaise, feta, fresh dill, and garlic.

  1. Cut the zucchini into long strips
  2. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper
  3. Roast at high heat until they’re brown and caramelized
  4. Blend with the tahini, mayo, feta, dill, and garlic

You can eat it with crackers, vegetables, or bread. It can also work as a spread for sandwiches.

The roasting is what makes this dip special, as it brings out a caramelized flavor you wouldn’t expect from zucchini.

4.  Orange Cardamom Zucchini Loaf Cake

What you need: Zucchini (unpeeled), orange zest, cardamom, and turbinado sugar for the topping.

  1. Grate the zucchini with the skin on so you can see the color in the cake
  2. Mix in orange zest, cardamom, and the grated zucchini into your regular cake batter
  3. Put the batter in a loaf pan & sprinkle thick sugar over the top
  4. Bake until it has a sweet and crunchy crust

Yes, dessert! Zucchini adds incredible moisture to baked goods if you’re not aware.

Loving Your Harvests

Hopefully, you love these zucchini recipes! These recipes are healthy, joyful, and totally unboring. Pick one or two to try this season, and even with these great recipes, you’ll still probably have plenty to share with neighbors.

To learn more, listen to the full Growing Joy podcast episode

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