You can preserve the flavors of summer by pickling zucchini. This recipe for sweet-and-sour zucchini pickles is an almost unrecognizable substitute for traditional dill pickles. You may be skeptical, but the results will convert you into a zucchini pickle lover!
How to Make Picked Zucchini
This recipe for zucchini pickles was submitted to Taste of Home by Tina Butler of Royse City, Texas. Here’s what you’ll need to make them:
- 11 cups thinly sliced zucchini (about three pounds)
- 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup canning salt
- 4-1/2 cups white vinegar
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seed
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
Editor’s tip: For a more traditional flavor, add a few teaspoons of dill seed. You can also heat things up with crushed red pepper, black peppercorns and garlic.
Tools You’ll Need
Step 1: Soak the Vegetables
To start, place the zucchini and onion in a large stainless steel or glass bowl. Then, sprinkle vegetables with salt and toss to coat. Add water to cover and stir gently until salt is dissolved. Let stand at room temperature for two hours. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
When it comes to salt, opt for canning or pickling salt which you can find at most grocers and big box stores (just ask for it—it might not be in the salt and spice aisle). It’s one of many canning must-haves.
Editor’s tip: Be sure your bowl is nonreactive. You don’t want to use copper or aluminum, for this step, because the metal can react with acidic foods. Stick to a glass or ceramic dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Brine
In a six-quart stockpot, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, turmeric and any other spices you’d like to include. Bring to a boil, stirring gently to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat. To help flavors blend, simmer the brine for five minutes. Add your zucchini mixture to the stockpot. Return to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; then simmer, uncovered for five minutes, or until heated through.
While you’re preparing the mixture, thoroughly sterilize the jars. Wash the jars with hot, soapy water, and place them in a large pot of boiling water. Remove after about ten minutes.
Step 3: Fill Jars
Carefully ladle hot zucchinis and onions into six preheated pint jars. A canning funnel will really help here. When the jars are full, pour in the hot brine, leaving a half-inch headspace.
Here’s an important note for pros who regularly make pickles: You don’t have to pack the zucchinis as tightly as you pack cucumbers!
Remove air bubbles using a wooden spoon. If necessary, adjust the headspace by adding additional hot pickling liquid to maintain a 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe rims with a clean cloth. Center lids on jars and screw on bands until finger tight.
Editor’s tip: Have extra pickling liquid? Use it to boil potatoes, as a dressing or in tuna salad for extra flavor.
Step 4: Can
Place jars into a hot water canner filled with simmering water, make sure they’re completely covered with water. Bring to a boil and process for 10 minutes. (If you’re cooking at altitude, consult this recipe for changes to processing time.)
Carefully remove jars and let cool on the countertop. The zucchini pickles are ready to eat, but will become even more flavorful after 24 hours. Let sit a few weeks for maximum taste!
How Long Do Zucchini Pickles Last?
Zucchini pickles have a long shelf life and can last for up to a year. But we’d be surprised if they last that long! The pickles can be used as a garnish at summer barbecues, saved for a crunchy snack or given out as a Christmas gift.
How to Make Zucchini Pickles in the Refrigerator
You can make a quick and easy version of this recipe, too. Instead of adding the zucchinis to the brining mixture, begin by adding the raw zucchinis and onions to the jars. Prepare the brining solution as normal, and pour the hot brine over the vegetables. Stir and secure the jars with lids. Let the jars cool for about half an hour, and then transfer to the refrigerator. They will be ready to eat after 24 hours and can stay refrigerated for between two and three weeks.
Find More Ways to Use up Zucchini
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Zucchini Onion Pie
We get a lot of zucchini when it's in season. This is a good and different way to use the excess. —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York
Lemony Zucchini Bread
Flecks of zucchini give a third dimension to the popular lemon and poppy seed combination in this moist quick bread. My family loves this lemon zucchini bread at all times of the year.—Field Editor Carol Funk, Richard, Saskatchewan.
Zucchini Pico de Gallo Salsa
I love veggies and fresh ingredients this time of year. I make big bowls of this salsa, which we eat with pretty much everything in the summer when tomatoes are bountiful. My kids love it, though I leave out the jalapeno when making it for them. —Amy Gattuso, Madison Heights, Michigan
Recipe Contest: Garden Fresh
Are you a natural at transforming your farmers market finds into something truly special? Let us know! A spoonful of your avocado gazpacho sounds pretty good right about now. We’re fixing for your banh mi hot dogs, piled high with pickled carrots, onions and cucumber, too. And we’ll polish ’em off with your fresh strawberry shortcake kabobs, please! Dig up your best summery recipes with 12 ingredients or less, and send ’em over.
Zucchini in Dill Cream Sauce
As retired dairy farmers, we always knew fresh dairy products made a difference in my recipes. This creamy sauce combines some of our favorite foods. Josephine Vanden Heuvel, Hart, Michigan
Zucchini Lasagna
I plant zucchini every year, and we always seem to have more than we can use! This recipe is a particularly delicious way I use our abundant crop. —Charlotte McDaniel, Williamsville, Illinois
Zucchini Cobbler
This cobbler is my surprise dessert! No one ever guesses that the "secret ingredient" is zucchini. Everyone says it tastes like apples. It's great to make for a potluck supper or to serve a crowd. This zucchini bars recipe has been requested time and again in my house, and I'm always happy to make it. —Joanne Fazio, Carbondale, Pennsylvania
Lime and Dill Chimichurri Shrimp
Chimichurri is a very popular condiment in Argentina and Uruguay and is most often used as a dipping sauce or a marinade for meats. My chimichurri shrimp version incorporates dill and lime, which give it a brighter flavor, making it ideal for spring and summer entertaining. —Bonnie Landy, Castro Valley, California
Chicken Garden Medley
After my family sampled this dish at a friend's house, it quickly became a favorite—especially with our teenage daughters, who request it at least once a week! —Dohreen Winkler, Howell, Michigan
Zucchini Panzanella Salad
I learned how to make panzanella from my friend's grandmother. Once I discovered how to make the perfect vinaigrette, it became a dish I crave during the summer. It's also a great way to use day-old bread and your garden's bounty of zucchini. —Felicity Wolf, Kansas City, Missouri
Zucchini Pizza Casserole
I grow zucchini by the bushel, so this pizza casserole is one of my dinnertime go-to's. My hungry husband and kids gobble it right up. —Lynn Bernstetter, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Zucchini Cupcakes
I asked my grandmother for this recipe after trying these irresistible spice cupcakes at her home. I love their creamy caramel frosting. They're such a scrumptious dessert, you actually forget you're eating your vegetables, too! —Virginia Lapierre, Greensboro Bend, Vermont
Parmesan Zucchini Bread
This loaf has a rugged, textured look that adds to its old-fashioned appeal. The mild Parmesan flavor nicely complements the zucchini, which adds bits of green color to every tender slice. —Christine Wilson, Sellersville, Pennsylvania
Grilled Veggies with Caper Butter
We enjoy the tart, peppery taste of capers. No one likes a bland veggie, and caper butter helps peppers, squash and zucchini shine. —Danyelle Crum, Indian Trail, North Carolina
Vegetable, Steak and Eggs
Low-carb doesn't have to be skimpy with this lighter take on steak and eggs. I love cooking with squash, but feel free to toss in any vegetable combination you like. —Robert Deskin, Plantation, Florida
Zucchini Roll-Ups
We love lasagna, but these zucchini roll-ups are a little healthier and a lot quicker! Using zucchini "pasta" also makes the dish gluten- and grain-free. To make zucchini strips, use a box grater or mandoline to get even slices. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Upstate Minestrone Soup
If you love vegetables, you'll find this minestrone especially satisfying. Keep the recipe in mind when you have a bounty of fresh garden produce. —Yvonne Krantz, Mt. Upton, New York
Cranberry Zucchini Wedges
I try to slip zucchini into as many dishes as possible. These cake wedges have wonderful flavor and a tender texture. They are pretty, too, with bits of pineapple, cranberries and zucchini. And they're perfect for brunch.—Redawna Kalynchuk, Sexsmith, Alberta
Squash Ribbons
Steamed and well seasoned, these pretty vegetable ribbons will dress up your dinner plate. The strips of yellow summer squash and zucchini are easy to cut using a vegetable peeler or cheese slicer.
Sausage Ratatouille
You’ll feel like Ratatouille’s great chef Remy when you serve this veggie-packed dish party guests will rave about. Don’t let the ingredient list fool you: Pantry staples and an easy-cook method make this one a cinch. —Janine Freeman, Blaine, Washington
Veggie Fajitas
My husband prefers these to chicken or beef fajitas and I serve them for dinner often. —Sarah Mercer, Wichita, Kansas
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake
Years ago, I added some zucchini to a peanut butter bar I had created, and this time I wanted to try it with a cake. The zucchini makes it super moist but doesn’t get in the way of the chocolate and peanut butter goodness.—Marilyn Blankschien, Clintonville, Wisconsin
Sweet and Sour Zucchini Pickles
To use up all those green beauties in your garden, make these unexpected zucchini pickles. Preserve them now to share as a holiday gift from your kitchen. —Tina Butler, Royse City, Texas
Summer Breakfast Skillet
Sizzle up spicy chorizo, veggies and eggs for a breakfast that keeps you going all morning. If I want something handheld, I turn it into tacos. —Andrea Rivera, Westbury, New York
Zucchini Fritters
One day I wanted to serve zucchini as a side dish—but I didn't have the time to slice and deep-fry it. So I came up with these fritters instead! They go especially well with barbecued ribs or pork chops and corn on the cob. I'm an avid recipe clipper. I've also assisted at our church's Wednesday night suppers, cooking for as many as 125 people. —Mary Dixson, Catlin, Illinois
Eggplant Zucchini Bolognese
“I roast the veggies while the pasta cooks, making this a quick dish.” This meal-in-one blends rustic comfort with fresh flavors. Trisha Kruse - Eagle, Idaho
Thymed Zucchini Saute
Simple and flavorful, this recipe is a tasty and healthy way to use up all those zucchini that are taking over your garden. It's ready in hardly any time! —Bobby Taylor, Ulster Park, New York
Streuseled Zucchini Bundt Cake
Inspired by an abundance of zucchini, I found a new way to use it up in this spiced and lightly sweet cake. It even won a blue ribbon at our county fair! —Regina Stock, Topeka, Kansas
Zucchini Parmesan
You'll knock their socks off with this easy-to-prep side dish that's absolutely delicious. My favorite time to make it is when the zucchini is fresh out of the garden. —Sandi Guettler, Bay City, Michigan
Zucchini Nut Bread
Lighter and fluffier than most zucchini breads, this recipe is a great way to put that vegetable to good use! —Kevin Bruckerhoff, Columbia, Missouri
Cheesy Zucchini Saute
Although I no longer have a garden of my own, friends and neighbors keep me amply supplied with squash. As a thank-you, I tell them how to make this refreshing zucchini saute. It's quick, easy and oh, so tasty! —Doris Biggs, Felton, Delaware
Apple Zucchini Bread
Since apples and zucchini are so abundant in this area, it's only natural that the two be used together in one recipe. I really don't know the origin of this bread, but I do know it's been one of my favorites for many years. —Patti Dillingham, Scranton, Arkansas
Chicken Zucchini Casserole
A co-worker shared this chicken zucchini casserole recipe that was originally her grandmother's. When I make it, I use pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store and fresh zucchini my neighbor gives me from his garden. —Bev Dutro, Dayton, Ohio
Pina Colada Zucchini Bread
At my husband's urging, I entered this recipe at the Pennsylvania Farm Show and won first place! I think you'll love the cakelike texture and tropical flavors. —Sharon Rydbom, Tipton, Pennsylvania
Summer Squash Mushroom Casserole
This rich, creamy squash and zucchini casserole, with its crunchy topping would make a wonderful dish to take to summer potlucks and picnics, or to pair up with a wide variety of entrees. You'll love the buttery flavor of these "comfort veggies!" —Jennifer Wallace, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Zucchini Brownies
A fast-to-fix peanut butter and chocolate frosting tops these moist brownies that are a sweet way to use up your green garden squash. We really like the cakelike texture of the zucchini brownies. —Allyson Wilkins, Amherst, New Hampshire
Zucchini-Chocolate Chip Muffins
Whenever I make these muffins, I freeze several. As I'm leaving for work in the morning, I pull one out and enjoy it at the office with a cup of coffee. —Janet Pierce DeCori, Rockton, Illinois
Zucchini Dessert Squares
We planted one too many zucchini plants a few summers ago and harvested a lot of zucchini that year. I was looking for ways to use them, and this delicious dessert is the result. —Nancy Morelli, Livonia, Michigan
Cheesy Zucchini Quiche
A few years ago, I found this zucchini brunch recipe that's quick to prepare and freezes well, too. Just put it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight and pop it into the oven when you wake up! —Karen Howard, Lakeville, Massachusetts
Zucchini Boats
After working hard all our lives and raising a family, we're now enjoying a simpler life. Getting back to the basics means enjoying old-fashioned comfort foods like these stuffed zucchini boats. —Mrs. C. Thon, Atlin, British Columbia
Jiffy Ground Pork Skillet
Some people call it dinner hour, but many of us call it rush hour. Slow down the pace with this so-simple mouthwatering meal. The only thing you'll have left over is time to share with your family at the table. —Brigitte Schaller, Flemington, Missouri
Zucchini Crust Pizza
My mother-in-law shared the recipe for this unique pizza with me. It's just right for brunch, lunch or a light supper. Loosen the nutritious zucchini crust from the pan with a metal spatula. —Ruth Denomme, Englehart, Ontario
Vegetarian Linguine
Looking for a tasty alternative to the usual meat-and-potatoes meals? Try this colorful pasta dish. My oldest son came up with the scrumptious supper that takes advantage of fresh mushrooms, zucchini and other vegetables as well as basil and provolone. —Jane Bone, Cape Coral, Florida
Teriyaki Shish Kabobs
When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida
Walnut Zucchini Muffins
Shredded zucchini adds makes these walnutty muffins extra tender. If you have lots of zucchini in summer as many of us do, this is a good way to use some of it. —Harriet Stichter, Milford, Indiana
Favorite Skillet Lasagna
Whole wheat noodles and zucchini pump up nutrition in this delicious, family-friendly dinner. Topped with dollops of ricotta cheese, it has an extra touch of decadence. No one will believe this one’s lighter. —Lorie Miner, Kamas, Utah
Cheddar-Veggie Appetizer Torte
A line forms quickly behind this quiche-like torte at family gatherings. The wedges are easy to eat as finger food, plus it's delicious hot or cold. — Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Sweet & Sour Squash Salad
This salad goes over really well with all ages, and it's a good way to get kids to eat summer squash. —Opal Shipman Levelland, Texas
Blueberry Zucchini Squares
I saw a bar recipe on a box of muffin mix using apple and lemon zest. I tried it from scratch with shredded zucchini and fresh blueberries instead. It’s a tasty combo. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Zucchini Mushroom Bake
Just a 10-minute prep dresses up my garden-fresh zucchini, adding mushrooms, onion, cheddar and a sprinkle of basil. —Jacquelyn Smith, Carmel, Maine
Stovetop Tarragon Chicken
My oldest daughter can't get enough of the tarragon sauce. She uses biscuits to soak up every scrumptious drop. My husband and I like it over mashed potatoes. —Tina Westover, La Mesa, California
Sausage Potato Supper
One Saturday night a few years ago, I came up with this dish on the spur of the moment. It was dinnertime, and I had to use what I had on hand. It's been a hit with my family ever since. —Nancy Russell, Englewood, Colorado
Soft Zucchini Spice Cookies
These cookies are fantastic. They don't last very long at my house. Why don't you see how long they will last at yours? —Mili Seemar, Chatham, New Jersey
Cheesy Vegetable Egg Dish
I'm a cook at a Bible camp, and this is one of my most popular recipes. Everyone who tries it raves about it. The one that touched me the most was when a 10-year-old boy asked me for the recipe so he could have his mom make it at home. —Elsie Campbell, Dulzura, California
Zucchini & Sausage Stovetop Casserole
Gather zucchini from your garden or farm stand and start cooking. My family goes wild for this wholesome casserole. We like our zucchini grated, not sliced. —LeAnn Gray, Taylorsville, Utah
Dilly Zucchini Casserole
Whenever I take this timesaving side-dish casserole to a potluck, I seldom bring any home, and folks often ask for the recipe. If I have fresh dill, I'll substitute a couple tablespoons for the dill weed. —Esther Kilborn, Bridgton, Maine
Italian Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini
I've always had to be creative when getting my family to eat vegetables, so I decided to make stuffed zucchini using the pizza flavors that everyone loves. It worked! We like to include sausage for a main dish but it could be a meatless side dish, too. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Zucchini Pancakes
Made with zucchini, these are a tasty change of pace from ordinary potato pancakes. Add a little shredded onion to give them a savory kick. —Charlotte Goldberg, Honey Grove, Pennsylvania
Hearty Minestrone Soup
This fresh-tasting minestrone soup gets its zesty flavor from Italian sausage. When you want to use up your garden bounty of zucchini, try this recipe. If your family likes food extra spicy, use hot bulk Italian sausage instead. —Donna Smith, Fairport, New York
Garden Chickpea Salad
Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Italian Garden Frittata
I like to serve this pretty frittata with melon wedges for a delicious breakfast or brunch. —Sally Maloney, Dallas, Georgia
Heirloom Tomato & Zucchini Salad
Tomato wedges give this salad a juicy bite. It's a great use of fresh herbs and veggies from your own garden or the farmers market. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Zucchini Tomato Casserole
Even people who don’t like zucchini can’t seem to get enough of this full-flavored side dish. I always bring it to our family gatherings and potlucks because it goes well with any entree. —Cathy Johnston, Ranchester, Wyoming
Southwestern Spaghetti
Chili powder and cumin give a mild Mexican flavor to this colorful one-skillet supper. With chunks of fresh zucchini, it's a nice change of pace from typical spaghetti dishes. —Beth Coffee, Hartford City, Indiana
Chicken Verde Quesadillas
I used the corn, peppers and zucchini in my fridge to create these quick and easy quesadillas. Dollop with sour cream and you're good to go. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Lemon Zucchini Drops
When we lived on the East Coast, a nearby fruit and vegetable stand had a bakery featuring these soft, cakelike cookies. We missed every bite when we moved away, so I developed this recipe. —Barbara Franklin, Tucson, Arizona
Zucchini and Cheese Casserole
My daughter and I love zucchini, and this casserole uses plenty for a hearty fall side dish. For extra color, I add fresh diced tomatoes. —Rachelle Stratton, Rock Springs, Wyoming
Parmesan Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken
On lazy summer weekends, we like chicken and yellow squash tossed with bow tie pasta. Add extra fresh grated Parmesan for a Sunday touch. —Sarah Smiley, Bangor, Maine
Zucchini Salsa
I received this recipe through a friend at a weight loss group. I make at least eight batches of the salsa every year. It's truly a hit with family and friends! —Cheryl Jacobsen, Warburg, Alberta
Skewerless Stovetop Kabobs
My family loves this quick and easy recipe so much, we never have any leftovers. It's also great on the grill. —Jennifer Mitchell, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Gnocchi with Pesto Sauce
Perk up gnocchi and vegetables with a flavorful pesto sauce. If you don't have pine nuts for the topping, skip or substitute any nut you like. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Zucchini & Cheese Drop Biscuits
These colorful little drop biscuits are very easy to put together and yet are packed full of flavor. I serve them warm out of the oven. —Keith Mesch, Mt. Healthy, Ohio
Veggie-Packed Strata
This is a wonderful, colorful casserole that everyone enjoys. I'm sure you'll be hooked on it after one bite, too. —Jennifer Unsell, Vance, Alabama
Zucchini Rice Pilaf
I created this colorful rice and veggie side dish one night by combining a few ingredients I had on hand. My husband, Robert, loved it and I have been making it ever since.—Lori Blevins, Douglasville, Georgia
Tortellini Bake
One year I had so much summer squash, I was desperate for different ways to prepare it. That's when I came up with this recipe. Serve it as a side dish or on its own as a light meal. —Donald Roberts, Amherst, New Hampshire
Roasted Vegetable Strata
With the abundance of zucchini my family has in the fall, this is the perfect dish to use some of what we have. Cheesy and rich, the warm, classic breakfast dish is sure to please! —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Vegetable Frittata
When you're looking for something healthy in a hurry, you can't beat this veggie-filled frittata cooked in a cast-iron skillet. —Janet Eckhoff, Woodland, California
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Grilled Sausages with Summer Vegetables
After 30 years of camping, we've come up with an arsenal of surefire recipes. Our grilled sausage with veggies would be a superstar at a potluck. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
Fiesta Chopped Salad
"We serve this colorful garden feast when we find vegetables that are bursting with flavor," writes Merwyn Garbini from her home in Tuscon, Arizona. The dressing makes the fresh salad a welcome companion for most any entree.
Vegetable Strata
We always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This strata can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington
Grilled Vegetable Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
My Italian-style grilled veggies have a wonderful sweet and sour dressing. Best of all, I pick the fresh veggies and herbs from my garden. —Laura Mast, Defiance, Ohio
Thai Scallop Saute
Just open a bottle of Thai peanut sauce to give this seafood stir-fry some serious authenticity. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Beef & Bulgur-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
My mom frequently cooked the giant zucchini that she grew in her garden. I adapted this recipe from one of her favorite weeknight meals. Though I love the taste of fresh-picked zucchini, the ones I've bought from the grocery store work great, too.—Susan Peterson, Blaine, Minnesota.
Arugula Pesto Chicken
We had an abundance of arugula in our garden, so I turned it into pesto. The bold green color reminds my son of something the Incredible Hulk would eat. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Balsamic Zucchini Saute
This super fast vegetarian dish is flavorful and uses only a few ingredients, so it’s easy to whip up while your entree is cooking. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Skillet Zucchini and Sausage
I lived on the Oregon coast for 20 years and had plenty of guests dropping by. I often turned to this quick and easy dish, serving it up with skillet cornbread or garlic bread. Judging by the requests for the recipe, everyone loved it! —LaBelle Doster, Vancouver, Washington
Grilled Garden Veggie Pizza
Pile on the veggies—this crisp, grilled crust can take it! This colorful, healthy pizza looks as fresh as it tastes. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Chorizo & Grits Breakfast Bowls
Growing up, I bonded with my dad over chorizo and eggs. My fresh approach combines them with grits and black beans. Add a spoonful of pico de gallo for extra pop. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Turkey Sausage Zucchini Boats
When I worked in the school library, my co-workers were my taste testers. They approved this healthy and happy spin on stuffed zucchini. —Stephanie Cotterman, West Alexandria, Ohio
Garlic-Grilled Chicken with Pesto Zucchini Ribbons
The first time I substituted zucchini noodles for regular pasta, it was because I was trying to reduce carbohydrates and calories. Now I make them because we love the flavor and texture they bring to dishes. This dish is just as delicious if you substitute shrimp for the chicken. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Farmers Market Orzo Salad
Orzo is a tiny pasta shaped like rice. We use it as a base for veggies, lemony vinaigrette and cheeses such as mozzarella, feta or smoked Gouda. —Heather Dezzutto, Raleigh, North Carolina
Mediterranean Turkey Skillet
I've always heard that it’s important to eat a rainbow of colors to get all of the nutrients we need. Thanks to my garden-grown veggies, this dish certainly fits the bill. —Nicole Ehlert, Burlington, Wisconsin
Sauteed Squash with Tomatoes & Onions
My favorite meals show a love of family and food. This zucchini dish with tomatoes is like a scaled-down ratatouille. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ribbon Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Zucchini, cucumbers and carrots are peeled into “ribbons” for this citrusy salad. We like to serve it for parties and special occasions. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Veggie Omelet with Goat Cheese
My family eats a lot of vegetables so I'll set some aside at dinner to use in an omelet the next day. This cuts prep time in half! I like the versatility of this recipe because it can be made with whatever veggies and cheeses you have. —Lynne Keast, Monte Sereno, California
Zucchini & Cheese Roulades
My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Dark Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
A colleague brought this in one day for someone’s birthday. I grow zucchini in my garden so I had a lot of opportunities to experiment with the recipe. My mother-in-law loves it, and not just because it's pretty good for you! —Sally Newton, Smethport, Pennsylvania
Whole Wheat Veggie Pizza
A wonderful crust layered with herbed tomato sauce and toppings encourages my family of six to dig right in to this low-fat main course. —Denise Warner, Red Lodge, Montana
Full Garden Frittata
I was cooking for a health-conscious friend and wanted to serve a frittata. To brighten it up, I added leftover bruschetta topping and fresh mozzarella. Now that's breakfast. It's become a favorite among my friends and family, and a staple in my recipe book. —Melissa Rosenthal, Vista, California
Power Lasagna
When my husband and I wanted to live healthier, our first step was to eat more power foods, such as whole grains, fresh veggies and protein. Combined with our love for Italian food, this tasty lasagna is one of the nutritious results.—Jennifer Yaden, Richmond, KentuckyThe post How to Make Pickled Zucchini appeared first on Taste of Home.
Kim Bussing