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19 Overripe Zucchini Recipes: What to Do with Overripe Zucchini

Overripe zucchini can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to desserts. The skin of the zucchini can be peeled off and then used in a variety of dishes. Overripe zucchini can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as grilling, baking, or boiling.

Overripe Zucchini Recipes

If your garden is yielding more zucchinis than you know what to do with, chances are you’ve already gone past the peak of ripeness and are looking for a new way to enjoy them.

See Also: what to do with wonton wrappers

While most of the time zucchinis are perfectly edible when they’re fresh, there’s no denying that overripe zucchini is one of life’s greatest pleasures. The soft, squishy texture of overripe zucchinis is just perfect for making delicious zucchini recipes.

What can you do with overripe zucchini? You can make a zucchini-based salsa. Just chop your zucchini into cubes and add some extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add in some fresh basil, oregano, and cilantro if you like, and you’ve got a vibrant summery salad that’s perfect for a quick, easy meal on the go.

So, wondering what to do with overripe zucchini?

Here at Happy Munchers, we’ve found 19 delicious recipes that will take you right to the peak of ripeness with these overripe zucchinis.

19 Overripe Zucchini Recipes: What to Do with Overripe Zucchini

Overripe zucchini can be used in place of regular zucchini in recipes or even as a pasta substitute. It can also be eaten raw in salads or added to other dishes for a bit of zucchini flavor.

Ranch Flavored Oven Baked Zucchini

There are plenty of recipes for baked zucchini, but nothing can quite compare to zucchini when it’s ripe and ready for the oven. The flavor of a perfectly cooked zucchini is intense, and the texture is firm but tender.

So why not make an easy side dish out of the zucchini? I love this recipe because you get a great zucchini flavor with very little effort.

In a medium bowl, toss together the zucchini, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, garlic powder, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Spoon the mixture into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish or roasting pan and bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with the bread crumbs and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Serve hot.

Easy Sautéed Zucchini Recipe

Zucchini isn’t just delicious in its roasted form. If you’re looking for a way to add some zucchini to your menu, this easy sautéed recipe is for you.

While it’s best to use fresh zucchini, frozen will work just fine too.

You can add a bit of olive oil to the skillet to keep the vegetables from sticking and to make cleanup easier. If you have the time, let the zucchini sit for 5 minutes before adding the garlic and herbs. The extra time allows the flavors to meld together.

Once everything is ready, cook the zucchini in the pan over medium-high heat until browned on both sides. Remove the zucchini from the pan and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Roasted Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Spears

There’s nothing like a simple side dish. If you’re looking for a quick recipe that’s easy enough to prepare at the last minute, try these roasted Parmesan garlic zucchini spears.

You’ll get a nice crunch from the bread crumbs while still getting a warm, savory flavor from the zucchini.

Start by slicing the zucchini lengthwise into spears and cutting a small circle out of each end. You want to leave the ends intact because they’re the best part of the zucchini.

The next step is to combine the zucchini with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the zucchini with the oil and seasonings and arrange them on a baking sheet.

Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F until golden brown and tender, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs and serve hot.

Baked Zucchini Sticks (Oven or Air Fryer)

I’m a big fan of zucchini sticks. They’re a great way to use up overripe zucchini that has been sitting on the counter for a while. They’re not really an appetizer as such, but they’re a fun snack to share with guests or eat for lunch.

You can easily make your own zucchini sticks by slicing them into long, thin strips. Or, if you have access to a kitchen air fryer, you can try your hand at some zucchini fries (also check out these zucchini air fryer recipes).

Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes Carrots and Zucchini

Preheat the oven or toaster oven to 400° F. Slice the zucchini into sticks about 1/4 inch wide and 3/4 inches long. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy.

Alternatively, you can make zucchini fries in an air fryer.

Gluten Free Low Carb Zucchini Fries Recipe

Slice the zucchini into sticks that are about 1/4 inch thick. Spray an air fryer basket with cooking spray and lay the zucchini sticks in the basket, leaving about an inch of space between them. Drizzle with olive oil. Set the air fryer to medium heat, and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. You can sprinkle with salt or seasonings such as garlic powder or onion powder.

Zucchini Tomato Casserole

One of the best ways to use overripe zucchini is to make a zucchini tomato casserole. This is not the same as a regular tomato casserole — the flavor is much more intense.

Zucchini is added to the pan, and then you can add whatever you like. The recipe I am going to share with you today uses fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, but you could add bacon, olives, or anything else you like.

It’s very easy to make this recipe. Simply sauté chopped onion, garlic, and zucchini in a skillet. Then add fresh tomatoes, and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. The tomatoes should be slightly under-ripe.

Now just pour the tomato mixture into a casserole dish and top it with shredded mozzarella cheese and baked until the cheese melts.

Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks

When my kids were younger, we had a favorite snack of zucchini breadsticks. They weren’t the healthiest thing ever, but they sure tasted great! If you’re looking for an easy and healthy alternative to pizza, here’s a recipe that will be a hit with all the kids.

First, you need to slice the zucchini. Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise, and then into 3/4-inch pieces. You want the pieces to be uniform in size so that they cook evenly.

Next, cut the zucchini into slices 1/2-inch thick.

Now it’s time to make the breadsticks. You’ll want to preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, place the zucchini in a bowl with a splash of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Toss the zucchini until they are evenly coated with the olive oil.

Spread the seasoned zucchini on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool.

The next step is to make the breadstick batter. You’ll start by combining three-quarters cup of flour with one egg, two teaspoons of baking powder, and one tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. Mix these ingredients together with a fork, and then add one teaspoon of salt.

Then, add one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the mixture, and mix well.

Finally, you’ll roll out the dough. To do this, you will need to roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Once the dough is rolled out to a thickness of about 1/2-inch, cut it into 3-inch strips.

The next step is to dip each strip into the breadstick batter. Then place them on a cookie sheet, making sure to space them apart so that they cook evenly.

Once the breadsticks are baked, you can top them with whatever your kids like. I like mine with ketchup and mustard.

BAKED PARMESAN ZUCCHINI

This is an excellent side dish or appetizer. It’s delicious with a simple salad. You can also add more Parmesan cheese and bake until the zucchini is soft.

Grilled Zucchini and Leeks with Walnuts and Herbs

If you like leek and zucchini side dishes, this recipe is for you. Leeks, often thought of as a winter vegetable, grow through the summer, making them perfect for any season. They’re so versatile that you can sauté them, roast them, grill them, stir-fry them, make soup out of them and even eat them raw.

They work perfectly with zucchini because they add a delicate, mild flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the zucchini. I use zucchini in the same way I would use other summer squashes, like pumpkin or acorn.

Sweet Corn and Zucchini Pie

This pie is a sweet, light take on the traditional corn and cheese pie. Sweet corn and zucchini pair perfectly, but any summer squash will do. Just keep in mind that the pie is best served when it’s still warm.

If you want to make it into a dessert, you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Easy Sautéed Squash and Zucchini Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick way to prepare squash, sautéing it in butter with garlic and fresh herbs is a great way to go. This recipe is a bit more involved than the one above, but you don’t need to make the dough for the breadsticks until after the squash has finished cooking.

Pizza Stuffed Zucchini Boats

You can use these little boats as a pizza crust, or you can stuff them full of pizza toppings and freeze them. You can also fill the hollowed-out boats with meatloaf, baked beans, and any other type of stuffing that strikes your fancy.

Baked Cheesy Zucchini Bites

If you have overripe zucchini on hand, don’t just throw it away. Make zucchini bites!

These are surprisingly simple to make. All you need are a few ingredients and a little time.

Start by cutting up the zucchini into bite-sized chunks. Next, heat up your oven to 375° F. Lay out the zucchini pieces in a single layer on a cookie sheet.

Add some cheese, a sprinkling of seasoning, and then bake until the zucchini is tender but still crisp, about 25 minutes.

You can serve the baked zucchini bites on their own or pair them with a salad for a delicious meal.

Baked Zucchini Chips

If you want to enjoy these zucchini chips even more, try baking them in the oven.

When they come out of the oven, they’re crispy on the outside, but tender on the inside. You can also cut them into strips and serve them as a side dish.

Chicken Zucchini Casserole

If you want to give baked zucchini chips an extra kick, make this savory casserole instead.

Cooking the zucchini first means that it will absorb the flavor of the seasonings better than if you just toss it in raw. It’s also easier to cut up and serve if it’s already cooked.

In this recipe, you’ll use half of a large zucchini to make the casserole. The other half goes into a separate dish for the topping.

The topping includes some eggs, Parmesan cheese, and some dried breadcrumbs. Once they’re mixed together, you can add some herbs, pepper, and salt for flavor.

Finally, place the cooked zucchini on top and bake until golden brown and bubbling.

Thai Peanut Zucchini Noodles

Peanut sauce is a condiment that is widely used in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. It’s made from peanuts, sugar, lime juice, salt and chili powder. In addition to being a great accompaniment to rice and noodles, peanut sauce can also be served with stir-fried vegetables.

Zucchini is a popular vegetable in Thailand. It’s often used as an ingredient in soups and stir-fries, and it is also enjoyed on its own as a side dish. Zucchini is often eaten raw but it can also be cooked. Peeled zucchini can be grated into salads or mixed with herbs and spices to make a delicious vegetable curry.

Healthy Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup

Soup is perfect for overripe zucchini, which can be used in soups, stews and sauces. This recipe is made from tomatoes, basil, oregano and a few other spices. It’s not as rich as most tomato soup recipes, but it’s the perfect use for those extra zucchini.

Low Carb Baked Zoodles and Meatballs

You don’t need to cook zoodles if you don’t want to. If you have leftover pasta dough, or some store-bought zoodles, you can use that as the base for these tasty low carb zoodles and meatballs. Make the zoodles by rolling out the dough on a flat surface, and using a sharp knife to cut long strips of zoodles. You can then form the strips into round shapes and bake them. Once the zoodles are cooked, you can serve them with pasta sauce or a marinara-style sauce.

Overripe zucchini can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to desserts. The skin of the zucchini can be peeled off and then used in a variety of dishes. Overripe zucchini can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as grilling, baking, or boiling.

If your garden is yielding more zucchinis than you know what to do with, chances are you’ve already gone past the peak of ripeness and are looking for a new way to enjoy them.

While most of the time zucchinis are perfectly edible when they’re fresh, there’s no denying that overripe zucchini is one of life’s greatest pleasures. The soft, squishy texture of overripe zucchinis is just perfect for making delicious zucchini recipes.

What can you do with overripe zucchini? You can make a zucchini-based salsa. Just chop your zucchini into cubes and add some extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add in some fresh basil, oregano, and cilantro if you like, and you’ve got a vibrant summery salad that’s perfect for a quick, easy meal on the go.

So, wondering what to do with overripe zucchini?

Here at Happy Munchers, we’ve found 19 delicious recipes that will take you right to the peak of ripeness with these overripe zucchinis.

19 Overripe Zucchini Recipes: What to Do with Overripe Zucchini

Overripe zucchini can be used in place of regular zucchini in recipes or even as a pasta substitute. It can also be eaten raw in salads or added to other dishes for a bit of zucchini flavor.

Ranch Flavored Oven Baked Zucchini

There are plenty of recipes for baked zucchini, but nothing can quite compare to zucchini when it’s ripe and ready for the oven. The flavor of a perfectly cooked zucchini is intense, and the texture is firm but tender.

So why not make an easy side dish out of the zucchini? I love this recipe because you get a great zucchini flavor with very little effort.

In a medium bowl, toss together the zucchini, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, garlic powder, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Spoon the mixture into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish or roasting pan and bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with the bread crumbs and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Serve hot.

Easy Sautéed Zucchini Recipe

Zucchini isn’t just delicious in its roasted form. If you’re looking for a way to add some zucchini to your menu, this easy sautéed recipe is for you.

While it’s best to use fresh zucchini, frozen will work just fine too.

You can add a bit of olive oil to the skillet to keep the vegetables from sticking and to make cleanup easier. If you have the time, let the zucchini sit for 5 minutes before adding the garlic and herbs. The extra time allows the flavors to meld together.

Once everything is ready, cook the zucchini in the pan over medium-high heat until browned on both sides. Remove the zucchini from the pan and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Roasted Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Spears

There’s nothing like a simple side dish. If you’re looking for a quick recipe that’s easy enough to prepare at the last minute, try these roasted Parmesan garlic zucchini spears.

You’ll get a nice crunch from the bread crumbs while still getting a warm, savory flavor from the zucchini.

Start by slicing the zucchini lengthwise into spears and cutting a small circle out of each end. You want to leave the ends intact because they’re the best part of the zucchini.

The next step is to combine the zucchini with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the zucchini with the oil and seasonings and arrange them on a baking sheet.

Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F until golden brown and tender, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs and serve hot.

Baked Zucchini Sticks (Oven or Air Fryer)

I’m a big fan of zucchini sticks. They’re a great way to use up overripe zucchini that has been sitting on the counter for a while. They’re not really an appetizer as such, but they’re a fun snack to share with guests or eat for lunch.

You can easily make your own zucchini sticks by slicing them into long, thin strips. Or, if you have access to a kitchen air fryer, you can try your hand at some zucchini fries.

Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes Carrots and Zucchini

Preheat the oven or toaster oven to 400° F. Slice the zucchini into sticks about 1/4 inch wide and 3/4 inches long. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy.

Alternatively, you can make zucchini fries in an air fryer.

Gluten Free Low Carb Zucchini Fries Recipe

Slice the zucchini into sticks that are about 1/4 inch thick. Spray an air fryer basket with cooking spray and lay the zucchini sticks in the basket, leaving about an inch of space between them. Drizzle with olive oil. Set the air fryer to medium heat, and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. You can sprinkle with salt or seasonings such as garlic powder or onion powder.

Zucchini Tomato Casserole

One of the best ways to use overripe zucchini is to make a zucchini tomato casserole. This is not the same as a regular tomato casserole — the flavor is much more intense.

Zucchini is added to the pan, and then you can add whatever you like. The recipe I am going to share with you today uses fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, but you could add bacon, olives, or anything else you like.

It’s very easy to make this recipe. Simply sauté chopped onion, garlic, and zucchini in a skillet. Then add fresh tomatoes, and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. The tomatoes should be slightly under-ripe.

Now just pour the tomato mixture into a casserole dish and top it with shredded mozzarella cheese and baked until the cheese melts.

Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks

When my kids were younger, we had a favorite snack of zucchini breadsticks. They weren’t the healthiest thing ever, but they sure tasted great! If you’re looking for an easy and healthy alternative to pizza, here’s a recipe that will be a hit with all the kids.

First, you need to slice the zucchini. Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise, and then into 3/4-inch pieces. You want the pieces to be uniform in size so that they cook evenly.

Next, cut the zucchini into slices 1/2-inch thick.

Now it’s time to make the breadsticks. You’ll want to preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, place the zucchini in a bowl with a splash of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Toss the zucchini until they are evenly coated with the olive oil.

Spread the seasoned zucchini on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool.

The next step is to make the breadstick batter. You’ll start by combining three-quarters cup of flour with one egg, two teaspoons of baking powder, and one tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. Mix these ingredients together with a fork, and then add one teaspoon of salt.

Then, add one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the mixture, and mix well.

Finally, you’ll roll out the dough. To do this, you will need to roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Once the dough is rolled out to a thickness of about 1/2-inch, cut it into 3-inch strips.

The next step is to dip each strip into the breadstick batter. Then place them on a cookie sheet, making sure to space them apart so that they cook evenly.

Once the breadsticks are baked, you can top them with whatever your kids like. I like mine with ketchup and mustard.

BAKED PARMESAN ZUCCHINI

This is an excellent side dish or appetizer. It’s delicious with a simple salad. You can also add more Parmesan cheese and bake until the zucchini is soft.

Grilled Zucchini and Leeks with Walnuts and Herbs

If you like leek and zucchini side dishes, this recipe is for you. Leeks, often thought of as a winter vegetable, grow through the summer, making them perfect for any season. They’re so versatile that you can sauté them, roast them, grill them, stir-fry them, make soup out of them and even eat them raw.

They work perfectly with zucchini because they add a delicate, mild flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the zucchini. I use zucchini in the same way I would use other summer squashes, like pumpkin or acorn.

Sweet Corn and Zucchini Pie

This pie is a sweet, light take on the traditional corn and cheese pie. Sweet corn and zucchini pair perfectly, but any summer squash will do. Just keep in mind that the pie is best served when it’s still warm.

If you want to make it into a dessert, you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Easy Sautéed Squash and Zucchini Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick way to prepare squash, sautéing it in butter with garlic and fresh herbs is a great way to go. This recipe is a bit more involved than the one above, but you don’t need to make the dough for the breadsticks until after the squash has finished cooking.

Pizza Stuffed Zucchini Boats

You can use these little boats as a pizza crust, or you can stuff them full of pizza toppings and freeze them. You can also fill the hollowed-out boats with meatloaf, baked beans, and any other type of stuffing that strikes your fancy.

Baked Cheesy Zucchini Bites

If you have overripe zucchini on hand, don’t just throw it away. Make zucchini bites!

These are surprisingly simple to make. All you need are a few ingredients and a little time.

Start by cutting up the zucchini into bite-sized chunks. Next, heat up your oven to 375° F. Lay out the zucchini pieces in a single layer on a cookie sheet.

Add some cheese, a sprinkling of seasoning, and then bake until the zucchini is tender but still crisp, about 25 minutes.

You can serve the baked zucchini bites on their own or pair them with a salad for a delicious meal.

Baked Zucchini Chips

If you want to enjoy these zucchini chips even more, try baking them in the oven.

When they come out of the oven, they’re crispy on the outside, but tender on the inside. You can also cut them into strips and serve them as a side dish.

Chicken Zucchini Casserole

If you want to give baked zucchini chips an extra kick, make this savory casserole instead.

Cooking the zucchini first means that it will absorb the flavor of the seasonings better than if you just toss it in raw. It’s also easier to cut up and serve if it’s already cooked.

In this recipe, you’ll use half of a large zucchini to make the casserole. The other half goes into a separate dish for the topping.

The topping includes some eggs, Parmesan cheese, and some dried breadcrumbs. Once they’re mixed together, you can add some herbs, pepper, and salt for flavor.

Finally, place the cooked zucchini on top and bake until golden brown and bubbling.

Thai Peanut Zucchini Noodles

Peanut sauce is a condiment that is widely used in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. It’s made from peanuts, sugar, lime juice, salt and chili powder. In addition to being a great accompaniment to rice and noodles, peanut sauce can also be served with stir-fried vegetables.

Zucchini is a popular vegetable in Thailand. It’s often used as an ingredient in soups and stir-fries, and it is also enjoyed on its own as a side dish. Zucchini is often eaten raw but it can also be cooked. Peeled zucchini can be grated into salads or mixed with herbs and spices to make a delicious vegetable curry.

Healthy Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup

Soup is perfect for overripe zucchini, which can be used in soups, stews and sauces. This recipe is made from tomatoes, basil, oregano and a few other spices. It’s not as rich as most tomato soup recipes, but it’s the perfect use for those extra zucchini.

Low Carb Baked Zoodles and Meatballs

You don’t need to cook zoodles if you don’t want to. If you have leftover pasta dough, or some store-bought zoodles, you can use that as the base for these tasty low carb zoodles and meatballs. Make the zoodles by rolling out the dough on a flat surface, and using a sharp knife to cut long strips of zoodles. You can then form the strips into round shapes and bake them. Once the zoodles are cooked, you can serve them with pasta sauce or a marinara-style sauce.

Overripe Zucchini Recipes

19 Overripe Zucchini Recipes

Overripe zucchini can be used in place of regular zucchini in recipes or even as a pasta substitute. It can also be eaten raw in salads or added to other dishes for a bit of zucchini flavor.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 285 kcal

Instructions
 

  • Pick any of these delicious recipes.
  • Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
  • Enjoy your meal in no time!
Keyword Overripe Zucchini Recipes
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.

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