Photo credit: Rachael Ray Show
by Lisa Lozano
Happy National Zucchini Day! It’s the height of summer, and what could better complement warm summer breezes and lush foliage than the light, slightly sweet taste of zucchini with its vibrant green color? We’re sharing eight dishes that put this squash center stage.
No. 1: Zucchini, Tomato, Potato Pie
Rachael Ray Show
This summery veggie entrée is composed of layered tomatoes, zucchini and potatoes with herbs and olive oil, topped with a cheese-y breadcrumb crust. Our stomachs are rumbling just thinking about it!
No. 2: Marc Murphy's Zucchini, Pecorino, and Mint Salad
Rachael Ray Show
This creative salad uses zucchini cut into spaghetti-like strands. A dressing of olive oil, lemon and mint and shaved pecorino finishes this extremely simple and fresh meal.
No. 3: Orecchiette with Zucchini and Mint-Almond Pesto
Rachael Ray Show
This vibrant green pasta dish is as delicious as it is beautiful. The summer meal is simple to prepare but features a sophisticated palate with thin-sliced zucchini, mint and almonds.
No. 4: Curtis Stone’s Potato and Zucchini Enchiladas with Habanero Salsa
Rachael Ray Show
Curtis’ budget-friendly veggie enchiladas transform basic everyday ingredients like vegetables and tortillas into a dish that is bursting with flavor. From a richly layered salsa, to a veggie hash-esque filling, to a topping of Cotija cheese and sour cream, this meal does not make you feel like you’re skimping on anything.
No. 5: Emeril Lagasse's Garden Vegetable Salad
Rachael Ray Show
This simple summery salad is the perfect solution when you need a last-minute side. Crisp, fresh vegetables are tossed with a quick homemade dressing and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
No. 6: Sunny Anderson's 2-Ingredient Zucchini
Rachael Ray Show
Sunny’s 2-ingredient zucchini really highlights the fresh squash flavor. She simply sautees sliced zucchini in olive oil and then tosses with basil pesto. Crisp and delicious!
No. 7: Chorizo-Zucchini Posole with Chipotle
Rachael Ray Show
Rachael calls her take on the traditional Mexican stew posole, like a healthy version of nachos, because she plates up homemade tortilla strips, shredded cheese, radishes, avocado, and pours a rich, spicy chicken and zucchini soup over it.
No. 8: Cookie Monster’s Sausage and Zucchini Strata
Rachael Ray Show
This delicious casserole features layers of bread, zucchini, sausage and cheese. Even better – tell your kids that Cookie Monster invented it and they’ll be glad to eat it, and might even want to help make it!
What’s your favorite way to prepare zucchini? Tell us in the comments.