3 Easy and Budget-Friendly Zucchini Recipes

Hi friend!

If you’re looking for simple, affordable, and delicious ways to use up fresh zucchini, you’re in the right place. In this post, I’m sharing three zucchini recipes that are perfect for anyone cooking on a budget. These recipes are not only easy to make, but they also include a variety of options—something savory, something sweet, and something gluten-free.

Zucchini is a very versatile vegetable that can be used in everything from muffins to main courses. It’s packed with nutrients, low in calories, and affordable—especially when it’s in season. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just want a few new ideas to add to your weekly meal plan, these recipes are quick, healthy, and satisfying.

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Acacia Wood Prep Bowls https://amzn.to/3IQ9uNz

Garlic Press https://amzn.to/3J9fGQB

Meat Chopper https://amzn.to/3IQFJfw

Quarter Sheet Pan https://amzn.to/458TXjg

3 Tablespoon Scoop (a set of three) https://amzn.to/4fiqPuD

Pyrex Glass Bowl Set https://amzn.to/4lShOL8

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You can find my Tzatziki recipe here: https://staceyssimplemeals.com/4-surprising-burger-toppings-that-take-flavor-to-the-next-level/

Gluten-Free Zucchini Fritters

Created by Stacey
This light and healthy recipe is perfect for anyone looking to cut out gluten without sacrificing flavor. It's packed with fresh vegetables and comes together quickly. Serve it on its own or top with my Tzatziki Sauce. Great for lunch or a quick weeknight dinner side.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Large Zucchini Grated
  • 1 T Diced Onion
  • 1 T Diced Red Pepper
  • 1/3 c Almond Flour
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 t Parsley
  • 1 t Greek Seasoning
  • 1/8 t Salt
  • Oil for frying fritters

Instructions
 

  • Warm oil in sauté pan
  • Combine all ingredients and shape into patties.
  • Break off a piece of fritter and check to see if the oil is at the correct temperature. You can tell because the sample will turn brown and crispy.
  • Fry fritters flipping the fritter when the edges are light brown.
  • Drain on a paper towel.
  • Serve with Tzatziki Sauce, Marinara Sauce or just a squeeze of lemon.
  • Enjoy!

Greek Seasoning Blend

Created by Stacey
This Greek seasoning blend is great as a salad dressing seasoning, a vegtable seasoning or on chicken.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 T Oregano
  • 2 T Basil
  • 1 T Garlic Powder
  • 1 T Onion Powder
  • 1 t Salt
  • 1 t Pepper

Instructions
 

  • Combine all spices and store in an airtight container.

Zucchini Boats for Two

Created by Stacey
Zucchini boats are a fun and filling way to turn zucchini into a full meal. Just hollow them out, stuff them with a flavorful mixture of protein, veggies, and cheese, and bake. This recipe is super customizable based on what you have on hand, and it's a great option for family dinners.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Large Zucchini
  • 1 Egg
  • ¼ c Breadcrumbs You can use crushed pork rinds instead to keep this keto friendly
  • ¼ c Shredded Asiago Cheese You can also use Parmesan or Romano
  • 1 Clove of Garlic minced
  • 2 t Diced Red Pepper
  • 2 T Diced Onions
  • 2 T Cherry Tomatoes
  • 1 t Basil
  • 1/8 t salt
  • 1/8 t Pepper
  • ½ lb Browned Mild Italian Sausage You can use ground chicken, ground turkey or diced mushrooms

Instructions
 

  • Slice Zucchini length wise and hollow out zucchini.
  • If you would like to incorporate the zucchini that you removed, simply dice it finely and add it to zucchini boat mixture.
  • Combine all ingredients and place in the hollowed-out zucchini
  • Place on a parchment lined sheet pan.
  • Bake at 400 for 30-35 minutes
  • Once you remove it from the oven you can top with grated parmesan cheese
  • Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins

Created by Stacey
These soft, moist muffins are a great way to sneak veggies into a sweet treat. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert. Best of all, they use simple pantry staples and come together quickly, so they’re ideal for beginner bakers. You can also freeze them for later.

Ingredients
  

  • Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins
  • 1 c Grated Zucchini
  • 1.5 c Self Rising Flour If you are using All Purpose Flour you will need to add ½ t Baking Soda and a ½ t Baking Powder to the recipe
  • Pinch of Salt
  • 1 t Vanilla
  • ½ c Chocolate Chip
  • ¼ c Oil
  • 2 T Milk
  • ¾ c Sugar
  • 1 Egg

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients and drop by spoonful into an oiled muffin pan.
  • Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes In recipe testing in my oven, these cooked in 22 minutes
  • Enjoy!

These three recipes prove that eating well doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. If you’re just starting out in the kitchen or trying to stick to a grocery budget, zucchini is a fantastic ingredient to work with. From savory to sweet, gluten-free to comfort food, there’s something here for everyone.

I hope you try these recipes, I think you’ll love them!

Have a fabulous day!

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