Best Vegetarian Zucchini Recipes
As a vegetarian, I'm always on the lookout for delicious and healthy recipes that can be enjoyed by everyone. Zucchini is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. In this article, I've compiled some of the best vegetarian zucchini recipes that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
- Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto
- Grilled Zucchini with Lemon and Parmesan
- Zucchini Fritters with Feta and Dill
- Zucchini and Tomato Bake
- Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Recipe Category: Main Dish
- Recipe Cuisine: Italian
- Aggregate Rating: 4.5/5
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the spiralized zucchini and set aside.
- In a food processor, combine the avocado, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pulse until smooth and creamy.
- Add the avocado pesto to the bowl with the zucchini noodles and toss until the noodles are coated evenly.
- Divide the zucchini noodles into bowls and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 4g |
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of nut in the pesto?
- A: Yes, you can substitute pine nuts with walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
- Q: Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Q: Can I use a different vegetable instead of zucchini noodles?
- A: Yes, you can use spaghetti squash, sweet potato noodles, or even regular pasta.
Recipes Tips
Zucchini noodles are a great alternative to traditional pasta and are low in calories and carbs. You can use a spiralizer or a julienne peeler to make the noodles. If you don't have either, you can use a vegetable peeler to make thin strips of zucchini.
To make the avocado pesto creamier, you can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can also adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil depending on your taste preference.
If you want to make the dish more filling, you can add some protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast on top for extra flavor.
Grilled Zucchini with Lemon and Parmesan
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Recipe Category: Side Dish
- Recipe Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Aggregate Rating: 4/5
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the zucchini slices with the olive oil mixture on both sides.
- Place the zucchini slices on the grill and cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until tender and lightly charred.
- Remove the zucchini slices from the grill and sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Protein | 4g |
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
- A: Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat.
- Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
- A: Yes, you can use feta, goat cheese, or mozzarella instead of Parmesan.
- Q: Can I add other vegetables to the grill?
- A: Yes, you can grill other vegetables such as bell peppers, eggplant, and onions.
Recipes Tips
Grilling zucchini brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor. You can also roast the zucchini in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes if you don't have a grill.
You can make the dish more colorful and nutritious by adding other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also sprinkle some chopped herbs such as parsley, basil, or oregano on top for extra flavor.
If you want to make the dish vegan, you can omit the Parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast instead. You can also add some chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans for crunch.
Zucchini Fritters with Feta and Dill
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Recipe Category: Appetizer
- Recipe Cuisine: Greek
- Aggregate Rating: 4.5/5
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour