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What goes well with zucchini? Learn the best ingredient pairings, meal ideas, popular flavor combinations, and other helpful tips.
First things first though.
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, watermelons, and other melons.
It resembles a cucumber in shape and size with smooth, thin skin that is either green or yellow but can also be striped or speckled. Its flesh is tender and filled with several edible seeds in its center.
How to Cut & Cook Zucchini
How to cut
Zucchini can be cut in a number of different ways: zoodles, julienne, coins, half moons, quarters, dice, halved, shredded, etc.
How to cook
Zucchini can be fried, grilled, pan-roasted, roasted, sautéed, steamed, or baked (in bread or cookies).
Helpful Tips
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.
What Ingredients Go Well With Zucchini?
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.
Vegetables
- bell peppers (green, red, yellow)
- chile peppers, corn
- eggplant
- garlic
- onions (esp. yellow or white)
- squash (pattypan & yellow), scallions, zucchini blossoms
Fruit
- lemons
- tomatoes
Spices
- cinnamon, coriander
- mustard seeds (esp. black)
- pepper (black and white)
- red pepper flakes
- saffron, salt (kosher & sea)
HERBS
- basil
- chives, cilantro, curry leaf
- dill
- lemon thyme
- marjoram, mint
- oregano
- parsley (flat-leaf)
- rosemary
- sage
- tarragon, thyme
NUTS & SEEDS
- pecans, pine nuts
- sesame seeds
- walnuts
NON-DAIRY/DAIRY
- butter
- cheese (cheddar, feta, parmesan, ricotta), cashew cream
- sour cream
- yogurt
PROTEINS
- fish
- meat
- salmon, sausage, scallops, 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)
- dry white wine
Popular Zucchini Ingredient Pairings
For dairy-free cream use cashew, oat, or canned coconut cream.
- basil + garlic
- cream + parmesan
- eggplant + garlic + onions + tomatoes
- cheese + pecans + olive oil
Recipe Ideas
Zucchini is a common ingredient in French and Italian cuisine and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes alike.
What To Make With Zucchini
- 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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