Tag: zucchini

Cheesy Zucchini Steaks

Cheesy Zucchini Steaks

This is a super easy and delicious side dish that takes only minutes to prepare. I baked my zucchini, but you could grill to enhance the flavor if you wanted to. Ingredients: 2 large zucchini sliced in half lengthwise 1 tablespoon hamburger (or other seasoning) 

Roasted Veggie and Meatball Lasagna

Roasted Veggie and Meatball Lasagna

This “pasta” dish is packed with roasted broccoli and cauliflower over a layer of zucchini noodles with Italian meatballs and a ricotta cheese filling mixed throughout. If you are trying to eat more vegetables then this is the dinner for you. Ingredients: 1 head broccoli 

Zucchini and Meatball Lasagna

Zucchini and Meatball Lasagna

Every time I make this lasagna I change up the recipe a little.  I have made this with only zucchini noodles and I have made it using a layer or two of no-boil lasagna noodles to add structure. I often use fresh meatballs with Italian seasoning, but you could use frozen meatballs if you thaw them before prepping this dish.

Ingredients:

2-3 zucchini sliced into ¼ inch slices

2 tablespoons Italian seasoning blend divided

12 large meatballs or 24 smaller meatballs

1 large jar marinara sauce of your choice

1-2 cups ricotta

1 egg lightly beaten

1-2 tablespoons chopped basil

2 cups shredded mozzarella divided

1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Optional 3-6 no boil lasagna noodles

Directions:

  1. Arrange zucchini slices in an even layer and spray with olive oil spray and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.  I prefer to air fry the slices in a single layer for 8 minutes in a few batches.  You can roast these at 350 for 15 minutes to soften them as well.
  2. Sauté the meatballs over medium heat turning often until lightly browned if using uncooked meatballs.  Let meatballs cool and then slice in half.
  3. Mix ricotta, egg, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, basil, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
  4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the base of a 9×13 pan.
  5. If using no boil noodles lay 3 in the base of the pan. If not arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer. 
  6. Spread meatball halves over the zucchini slices.
  7. Place dollops of the ricotta mixture over and around the meatballs.
  8. Place another layer of zucchini slices (or no bake noodles) over the ricotta layer.
  9. Pour marinara sauce over the zucchini slices and top with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese. (I have used sliced cheese that I cut into strips to top this lasagna too).
  10. If baking immediately cover with aluminum foil (spray with olive oil to prevent the cheese from sticking) and bake at 375 for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. 
  11. If prepping in advance and refrigerating bake for 45 minutes then remove the foil and bake for 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese.
  12. Note: I often broil on high for an additional 3-5 minutes at the end to lightly brown the cheese. 
Dark Chocolate Espresso Zucchini Muffins

Dark Chocolate Espresso Zucchini Muffins

It is amazing how zucchini absolutely disappears in these muffins! If you need an energy boost first thing in the morning then these muffins are perfect for you.  I used dark chocolate cocoa powder, dark chocolate covered espresso beans, espresso chips, and a chocolate protein 

<strong>Chocolate Zucchini Poke Cake with Hot Fudge Filling and Chocolate Buttercream</strong>

Chocolate Zucchini Poke Cake with Hot Fudge Filling and Chocolate Buttercream

This cake was so moist and delicious you would never know it was made with finely shredded zucchini and applesauce. The hot fudge filling made this so decadent it was irresistible to anyone who passed by.  The aroma from the combined cake and chocolate buttercream 

<strong>Parmesan Ranch Zucchini Bake</strong>

Parmesan Ranch Zucchini Bake

This side dish is a breeze to prepare and is packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

2-3 medium zucchini sliced in ¼ inch slices

2 tablespoons Ranch seasoning

2 tablespoons whole wheat panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons shredded parmesan

Olive oil spray

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 7×7 of 8×8 baking dish with olive oil spray.
  2. Spread out zucchini in an even layer.  Sprinkle with ranch seasoning.
  3. Add a second layer of zucchini if needed and sprinkle with more seasoning.
  4. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the mixture and spray with olive oil spray.
<strong>Zucchini Caprese Sliders</strong>

Zucchini Caprese Sliders

This is my favorite Christmas appetizer/side dish.  We usually have stuffed shells and Italian sausage and this pairs wonderfully. Ingredients: 2 zucchini sliced into ¼ inch slices 12-16 cherry tomatoes halved 24 basil leaves ½ cup pesto (I make a spinach pistachio pesto I love) 

<strong>Double Chocolate Espresso Zucchini Muffins</strong>

Double Chocolate Espresso Zucchini Muffins

These are sure to wake you up and satisfy your morning chocolate cravings at the same time! Ingredients: 2 medium zucchinis grated 1 smashed avocado 1 egg at room temperature 2 tablespoons applesauce ¼ cup brown sugar ½ cup granulated sugar 1 scoop chocolate protein 

<strong>Lemon Zucchini Poke Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Lemon Filling</strong>

Lemon Zucchini Poke Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Lemon Filling

I threw this recipe together on a whim and let me tell you it was amazing.  This cake was perfect and a dessert I will be making again. The zucchini adds moisture to the cake and the lemon flavor from the cake, pudding, and frosting pop to make a delicious bite.

Ingredients:

Cake-

1 lemon cake box mix

3 large eggs

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

1 large zucchini (or 2 medium) shredded

Filling-

1 package lemon pudding mix

2 cups nonfat milk

Frosting-

1 package reduced fat cream cheese softened

8 ounces unsalted butter

1 lemon zested and juiced (2-3 tablespoons)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3-4 cups confectioners’ sugar

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray cake pan with baking spray.
  2. Add cake mix, zucchini (don’t worry about squeezing out excess liquid), applesauce, and eggs to a stand mixer.  Mix until combined.
  3. Pour mixture into a 9 x13 baking pan.  Bake according to package directions.
  4. Use a wooden spoon or icing topper to make holes in the warm cake.
  5. Mix pudding mix and milk in a medium bowl.  Allow the mixture to sit for 1 minute to thicken slightly before pouring over the cake. Spread the pudding over the cake.
  6. Refrigerate the cake to allow the pudding to set and the cake to cool completely.
  7. Add cream cheese and butter to a stand mixer and beat for 2 minutes.
  8. Gradually add lemon zest, juice, extract, and sugar until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.
  9. Spread the frosting over the cake.
  10. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  11. Enjoy!
<strong>Zucchini Carrot Oatmeal Cookies</strong>

Zucchini Carrot Oatmeal Cookies

If you are craving something sweet, tart, with a hint of spice that won’t break the scale then you should try these light cookies. These combine shredded zucchini and carrots with coconut and dried cranberries. Mixed with oats these are delicious and healthy! Ingredients: 1 cup