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What goes well with zucchini? Learn the best ingredient pairings, meal ideas, popular flavor combinations, and other helpful tips.
Ingredient pairing is simply just matching foods together that have similar flavor profiles (or the same flavor compounds found in each ingredient).
It’s easier to start experimenting and getting more creative in the kitchen when you know what ingredients already go well together. This will help you become less reliant on recipes and be a more adaptable, resourceful, and intuitive cook.
What is Zucchini?
Zucchini (also called a courgette in other countries) is part of the gourd vegetable family (also called Cucurbits) along with pumpkin, squash (winter and summer), cucumber, watermelon, and other melons.
It resembles a cucumber in shape and size with smooth, thin skin that's either green or yellow but can also be striped or speckled. Its flesh is tender and filled with several edible seeds in its center.
Helpful Tips
How to Cut
Zucchini can be cut in a number of different ways: zoodles, julienne, coins, half moons, quarters, dice, halved, shredded, etc.
When to Buy
The peak season for zucchini is spring and summer. Peep the seasonal produce guide to see what else is in season right now.
What to Look For
Look for zucchini that is firm, heavy for its size, and has shiny and unblemished skin. Choose squash that is average size for the best flavor.
Storage
Store unwashed, in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
How to Prepare
Zucchini can be fried, grilled, pan-roasted, roasted, sautéed, steamed, or baked (in bread or cookies).
What Ingredients Go Well With Zucchini?
Vegetables
Bell peppers (green, red, yellow), chile peppers, corn, eggplant, garlic, onions (esp. yellow or white), squash (pattypan & yellow), scallions, and zucchini blossoms.
Fruit
Lemons and tomatoes.
Spices
Cinnamon, coriander, mustard seeds (esp. black), pepper (black and white), red pepper flakes, saffron, and salt (kosher & sea).
Herbs
Basil, chives, cilantro, curry leaf, dill, lemon thyme, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley (flat-leaf), rosemary, sage, tarragon, and thyme.
Nuts & Seeds
Pecans, pine nuts, sesame seeds, and walnuts.
Non-dairy/dairy
Butter, cheese (cheddar, feta, parmesan, ricotta), cashew cream, sour cream, and yogurt.
Proteins
Fish, meat, salmon, sausage, scallops, and shrimp.
Pantry Items
Bread crumbs, olive oil, olives (esp. black or Nicoise), pasta, pesto (red, arugula, cilantro, or walnut basil), rice, stock/broth, vinegar (balsamic, champagne, red wine, sherry), and dry white wine.
Popular Zucchini Pairings
For dairy-free cream use cashew, oat, or canned coconut cream.
- basil + garlic
- cream + parmesan
- eggplant + garlic + onions + tomatoes
- cheese + pecans + olive oil
What To Make With Zucchini
Zucchini is a common ingredient in French and Italian cuisine and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes alike. Try one of these recipes as a starting point:
- Lemon Zucchini Risotto with Miso Butter (dairy-free)
- Savory Zucchini Pancakes
- Greek Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Roast and add to a dragon bowl
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