There’s usually at least one vegetable in the spotlight. Kale was an obsession, a cauliflower craze took over for a bit, and avocados will always hold a special place in our hearts. As society has continuously fallen for one vegetable after another while making sure to broadcast it all over social media, I have found that zucchinis always went underrated. Zucchinis are delicious, low calorie, and by far one of my favorite vegetables. There are so many different, delicious ways to cook them up aside from the boring old sautéing, steaming, frying, or grilling. The possibilities are endless with the plethora of diverse zucchini recipes out there! Here are a few of my favorites.
1. Zucchini Casserole
This recipe is a spin on the average casserole you've been eating your whole life. Try it out!
(Recipe: http://www.foodfaithfitness.com/zucchini-casserole-with-red-peppers-spinach/)
2. Zucchini crust breakfast pizza
There are few better ways to start your morning than with a good, energizing breakfast that will fuel you from the start of your day. If you've been getting bored of the same old breakfasts you've been having since childhood (cereal, eggs, yogurt, etc.), this is a fun new innovation that will get your day started the right way!
(Recipe: http://www.asaucykitchen.com/zucchini-crust-breakfast-pizza/)
3. Zucchini Ramen Burger Buns
If you've always dreamt of trying the famous Ramen burger (or better yet, even if you have tried it), this is the next best thing in a healthier version. This recipe allows you to spiralize different types of vegetables, and it could definitely be fun to try them all out.
(Recipe: http://inspiralized.com/recipe-spiralized-sandwich-bun/)
4. Zucchini Noodles
There are so many different, fun, and yummy ways to eat zucchini noodles- all you need is a spiralizer. This is only one of a plethora of diverse recipes for zucchini noodles, and I definitely recommend you try them out! It tastes almost as good as real spaghetti...almost...
(Recipe: http://cookingwithawallflower.com/2015/07/22/zucchini-noodles-with-tomato-sauce/)
5. Zucchini Parmesan
It's a twist on eggplant parmesan, but just another zucchini/sauce/cheese combination that will satisfy your Italian-food cravings without sacrificing taste for health.
(Recipe: http://www.acozykitchen.com/zucchini-parmesan/)
6. Zucchini Meatballs
These are vegetarian, for starters, so if you've sworn off meat or are trying to cut down on the amount of if you consume, this is a great meal idea to get some well-needed essential nutrients that come with great taste. You can even pair them with zucchini noodles! (Too far?)
(Recipe: http://www.skinnytaste.com/zucchini-meatballs_20/)
7. Zucchini Lasagna Rolls
I'll bet you hardly notice that the lasagna noodles have been swapped for a vegetable. Yes, they're that good.
(Recipe: http://reciperunner.com/zucchini-lasagna-rolls/)
8. Zucchini Ravioli
Making homemade ravioli just got ten times easier. Instead of kneading dough, you just cut the zucchini. In case you haven't realized, zucchini is a great substitute for pasta!
(Recipe: http://kitchen-tested.com/2015/12/24/zucchinioli-zucchini-ravioli-with-spinach-ricotta-filling/)
9. Baked Zucchini Chips
Three-ingredient, low-carb, homemade chips- enough said.
(Recipe: http://www.tablefortwoblog.com/zucchini-chips/)
10. Zucchini Tater Tots
These are a healthier alternative to hash browns or traditional tater tots that can be eaten with breakfast or as a snack, using our favorite vegetable of course.
(Recipe: http://damndelicious.net/2015/08/08/zucchini-tots/)
11. Raw Zucchini Wraps
Not only is zucchini an awesome pasta substitute, but one for bread as well. You will hardly realize that your favorite fillings are wrapped in a vegetable rather than bread.
(Recipe: http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/recipe-raw-zucchini-wraps/)
12. Oven-Baked Zucchini Fries
Who needs plain old French fries when you've got oven-baked zucchini fries? These are significantly healthier, just as tasty (arguably more so), and easy to make!
(Recipe: http://gimmedelicious.com/2016/07/02/the-best-crispy-baked-zucchini-fries/)
13. Zucchini Fritters
Cheesy, crispy zucchini heaven. Everyone needs to give this one a try.
(Recipe: http://damndelicious.net/2014/04/02/zucchini-fritters/)
14. Zucchini Quinoa Burgers
You can practically make a burger out of anything these days, and zucchini is no exception. This is a great twist on the good old veggie burger.
15. Chickpea and Zucchini Falafel
This is an exotic one. It's something new to introduce to the dinner table and a great falafel substitute.
(Recipe: http://www.nudefoodhero.com/chickpea-zucchini-falafel-pumpkin-coconut-curry-sauce/)
16. Zucchini Pizza Bites
Possibly the easiest recipe on here, these pizza bites are SO cute and delicious. You may even find that you like them more than real pizza!
(Recipe: http://www.skinnytaste.com/zucchini-pizza-bites/)
Make sure to stock up on zucchini next time you go to the supermarket, and you'll never complain about an empty fridge again. All it takes is a zucchini and a few other ingredients, and you've got yourself a healthy, delectable meal. Give one (or sixteen) of these recipes a try - I guarantee you'll fall in love!