25 Best Zucchini Side Dishes for Summer

Say bye-bye to boring veggies and hello to these irresistible and simple zucchini side dishes.

Serve them with chicken, fish, steak, and more. You really can’t go wrong.

Zucchini is a versatile, hearty, and tasty summer squash that can be diced, sliced, spiralized, and grated for all kinds of recipes. 

It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin b6, which is excellent for blood sugar regulation. 

From zoodles to casseroles, you’ll love these zucchini side dishes.

25 Easy Zucchini Side Dish Recipes We Can’t Get Enough Of

1. Easy Pan-Roasted Zucchini

Easy pan-roasted zucchini is a simple and tasty side dish everybody will love. 

Calling for just five ingredients and 15 minutes, the simple herbs and spices bring out the natural flavor of the squash. 

Serve it with whatever protein you like. But I think it’s best with juicy burgers and grilled fish. 

2. Zucchini and Potato Casserole

Even if you don’t love zucchini, I think you’ll find this dish quite delicious. 

Since this is a mix of zucchini and potatoes, it’s an outstanding balance of flavors and textures.

The breadcrumbs keep the zucchini from becoming soggy. Meanwhile, the spices and seasonings add incredible flavor.

It’s super hearty and tasty enough to be served on its own.

3. Easy Sautéed Zucchini with Parmesan

We all know there’s one surefire way to make anything taste better, right? Add cheese.

This sautéed zucchini with Parmesan side dish is wonderfully crisp, cheesy, and salty. The zucchini is perfectly cooked and has a nice bite. 

You’ll need just four ingredients: butter, zucchini, onion, and Parmesan cheese. When combined, you’ll have one fantastic dish.

4. Garlic Butter Sautéed Zucchini

Garlic butter with zucchini is just as good as it sounds. 

It’s also a super quick, easy-peasy, and healthy side dish that works well with pretty much anything.

Garlic and butter add tons of flavor with hardly any effort. And this is ready to go in just five minutes.

5. Easy Baked Zucchini

Baked zucchini is the ideal side dish for any meal, any time of day. 

You’ll toss bright green squash with lots of olive oil and flavorful herbs. Then top it with Parmesan cheese before you throw it in the oven.

The zucchini rounds end up perfectly crispy with the toasty Parmesan cheese on top.

6. Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Casserole

If you want something even heartier, try this garlic and Parmesan zucchini casserole.

It’s super quick and will easily add flavor and flair to any family meal. 

Calling for fresh zucchini, garlic, and onion, plus three types of cheese, it’s gooey, melty, and loaded with savory goodness.

Finally, the buttery Parmesan breadcrumb topping is perfectly crisp and such a nice textural contrast to the tender veg.

7. Italian Zucchini Bake

Loaded with hearty zucchini, Pecorino Romano, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is ideal for your next brunch.

All you need to do is mix sliced squash with a handful of herbs and spices, then dump it into a baking dish with beaten eggs.

After a spin in the oven, it’s like a veggie-packed quiche. Delish!

8. Sautéed Corn, Zucchini, and Blistered Tomatoes

This is one of my personal favorites. 

Sautéed sweet corn and tender zucchini combined with blistered juicy tomatoes, lime juice, garlic, and flavorful herbs. Need I say more?

It’s a perfect summer side dish for any occasion. Make it once, and you’ll be hooked.

9. Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Stuffed zucchini boats are simple, fresh, and super yummy. Serve them as a light lunch, starter, or tasty side dish.

You’ll fill zucchini halves with a bright, lemony filling mixed with zucchini, tomatoes, and cheese. 

Top tip: use medium to large zucchini because they’re easier to stuff!

10. Zucchini Fries

The next time you get a craving for salty, crunchy french fries, try this recipe instead.

They may not be the real deal, but I promise they won’t disappoint.

The crispy, Parmesan, and panko crust is perfection. And it gives way to the most tender insides.

If you’ve got picky eaters who don’t like greens, this is the recipe to convert them!

11. Zucchini Fritters

I’m a huge fan of zucchini fritters because they’re quick, filling, and have the yummiest crispy edges.

They’re also kid-friendly and perfect for pretty much any meal of the day.

Serve them with runny fried eggs for breakfast, with leftover chicken for lunch, or with juicy pork chops and a side salad for dinner.

12. Perfect Grilled Zucchini

During the summer, when the grill is always on, this recipe is easy, healthy, and tasty. 

Sliced zucchini strips taste amazing with a bit of char. And all it takes to give them a boost is red wine vinegar, parsley, basil, and garlic powder.

After a few minutes on either side, it’s ready to serve with your burgers and BBQ chicken.

13. Cream of Zucchini Soup

Cream of zucchini soup is the ideal dish to keep you warm during colder months. 

You only need five ingredients, so it’s simple, quick, easy, and delicious.

Serve it with grilled cheese or on the side of your favorite pasta dish. One bowl is only 60 calories, so go ahead and have another. 

14. Sautéed Zucchini and Tomatoes

Fresh, colorful, and flavorful, this side dish features tender zucchini with juicy tomatoes.

You’ll season the veggies with garlic, zucchini, parsley, and basil, plus salt and pepper (of course).

Top it all off with ooey-gooey cheese, and you’re in for a tasty meal. 

15. Zucchini Salad

This gorgeous side dish is an impressive addition to any spread. It’s a summery delight that’s full of flavor and effortless to make.

Paper-thin zucchini ribbons paired with crunchy pine nuts and fresh herbs are a sight for your eyes and a treat for your tastebuds. 

Parmesan cheese and a tangy vinaigrette give it the perfect finishing touch. 

16. Sesame Ginger Zucchini

Is there anything better than nutty sesame with warm, spiced ginger?

This lightning-fast, four-ingredient dish is jam-packed with flavor, and it makes a terrific low-carb side to your next at-home takeout dinner.

It’s crunchy, tender, bright, and fresh. Just what you need with crispy beef or sweet and sour chicken.

17. Zucchini Tots

No matter how old I get, I’ll always say yes to tater tots! But when I want something a little lighter, I make these yummy zucchini tots. 

These are a fantastic snack or appetizer. Plus, they’re ideal for sneaking more greens into your diet.

Oh, and since they’re baked, they’re even healthier!

18. Crispy Fried Zucchini

Like the zucchini fries we talked about above, these bad boys are crunchy, salty, and deliciously tender.

But this recipe is even easier to make since all you do is slice the squash into rounds.

Cover them in Parmesan cheese and breadcrumb, then fry until they’re golden brown! 

You can even make these in the Air Fryer!

19. Easy Zucchini Au Gratin

Could zucchini possibly replace potatoes? Okay, maybe not.

But this zucchini au gratin is a healthy alternative to a dish you know and love.

Let’s start with the important stuff: this casserole is fully loaded with cheese! I’m talking cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Dare I say it? This recipe gives the usual carb-filled dish a run for its money.

20. Zucchini Garlic Bites

How mouthwateringly delish do these zucchini and garlic bites look?

You’ll combine shredded zucchini with garlic, salty Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Then bake until golden and scrummy. 

Served with marinara sauce, they’re a terrific alternative to garlic bread.

21. Chicken Zucchini Poppers

Even if you’re not head-over-heels for zucchini, you need to try these protein-packed poppers! 

Full disclosure: I was a little disappointed when I didn’t see jalapeños on the ingredient list. I mean, they’re poppers, right?

So, I diced a couple and added them to the mix of ground chicken, zucchini, green onion, cilantro, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin.

Honestly, I think they made these extra special. But I’m sure they’re just as tasty without!

22. Keto Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites

Keto stuffed zucchini bites are quick and easy to make, and they taste fantastic.

Scoop out the insides of a zucchini, then add tomatoes, spices, onions, and cheese for the ultimate appetizer or snack. 

These babies are a healthy snack or side you’ll crave again and again.

23. 5-Ingredient Spinach Parmesan Zucchini Noodles

Forget that carb-heavy pasta and make these spinach and Parmesan zucchini noodles for your next family dinner.

They’re bursting with flavor and deliciously healthy. And they’re the ideal swap for pasta and spaghetti.

If you have kids (or adults) who don’t like veggies, serve this dish. You may be surprised by how much they eat. 

24. Cheesy Zucchini Rice

Cheesy zucchini rice is a spectacular and comforting side dish that’ll instantly elevate any meal. 

With tons of cheese and plenty of buttery, creamy flavor, there’s no way you won’t become obsessed.

The whole family will ask for this dish over and over again. And luckily, it pairs well with everything from salmon to steak.

25. Zucchini with Sun Dried Tomatoes, Bacon, and Crispy Onions

From the length of the title, you’d think this was a whole meal. And in truth, it totally could be.

From the tender veggies and chewy tomatoes to the salty bacon and crispy onions, this dish is a dream of tastes and textures.

Serve it with roasted chicken or grilled, juicy pork chops. Delish!