What To Serve With Zucchini? 15 BEST Side Dishes

Squash is one of the most versatile vegetables, and zucchini is no exception. Be it grilled, roasted, or sautéed, it's a delightful ingredient that brings a certain freshness to any meal.

Serving the right sides with zucchini can elevate the experience, turning a simple veggie into a star dish.

Here are 15 amazing side dishes that pair wonderfully with zucchini, each enhancing its mild flavor while adding a touch of culinary sophistication.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with zucchini are tzatziki sauce, eggplant parmesan, sea bass, Greek yogurt, shrimp skewers, baba ganoush, pan fried trout, grilled asparagus, stuffed bell peppers, baked sweet potatoes, tabbouleh salad, tomato bruschetta, spinach and feta stuffed chicken, garlic butter scallops, and cauliflower rice.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Tzatziki Sauce

This refreshing Greek sauce, made with creamy yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, pairs splendidly with zucchini. Its cool and tangy flavor offsets the zucchini's mild taste, creating a balanced and satisfying side. Whether you're serving grilled or roasted zucchini, tzatziki sauce is an easy and delicious complement.

2. Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant parmesan is a robust side dish that pairs well with zucchini's light flavor. The savory blend of tomato sauce, melted cheese, and baked eggplant offers a wonderful contrast to the delicate zucchini. Plus, both are quintessential summer veggies, making this a perfect pairing for a seasonal feast.

3. Sea Bass

Light, flaky sea bass complements zucchini perfectly. Its delicate flavor and texture won't overpower the zucchini, allowing it to shine. Whether it's grilled, baked, or pan-seared, sea bass is a high-protein side dish that makes a meal with zucchini more substantial.

4. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt, with its creamy texture and tangy flavor, is another great accompaniment to zucchini. You can add spices, herbs, or a touch of lemon juice to the yogurt to enhance its flavor. This pairing works well especially if the zucchini is grilled or roasted.

5. Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers provide a burst of protein and a smoky, savory flavor that enhances the taste of zucchini. The charred, juicy shrimp contrast well with the softer, milder zucchini, making for a balanced meal. It's a simple yet impressive side dish that's perfect for a barbecue or dinner party.

6. Baba Ganoush

Baba Ganoush, a creamy, smoky eggplant dip, is an excellent choice to serve with zucchini. It's packed with flavor from tahini, garlic, and lemon, which complement the zucchini's mild flavor. Serve it with sliced, raw zucchini for a healthy and delicious appetizer or side dish.

7. Pan Fried Trout

Pan-fried trout's flaky texture and mild flavor pair beautifully with zucchini. The crispy skin of the trout adds a nice crunch and contrast to the tender zucchini. Additionally, the high protein content of trout makes this combination a balanced and satisfying meal.

8. Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus is a fantastic side dish that complements the lightness of zucchini. Its earthy, slightly bitter flavor profile contrasts beautifully with the sweet notes of zucchini. Plus, both veggies grill up perfectly, making them a go-to pair for barbecues or easy weeknight dinners.

9. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers bring a heartiness to the table that rounds out a meal with zucchini. You can stuff them with a variety of ingredients such as rice, meat, or other veggies. The sweet and smoky flavors of the baked peppers provide a delightful contrast to zucchini's mild taste.

10. Baked Sweet Potatoes

With their naturally sweet flavor, baked sweet potatoes make a tasty and nutritious companion to zucchini. The starchy texture of the potato is a great contrast to the crisp zucchini, providing a balanced plate. Plus, their vibrant orange color makes any dish visually appealing.

11. Tabbouleh Salad

This vibrant, fresh salad made from finely chopped parsley, mint, bulgur, and tomatoes with a lemony dressing pairs wonderfully with zucchini. Tabbouleh brings a refreshing contrast and a punch of flavor that makes zucchini's subtle sweetness stand out even more.

12. Tomato Bruschetta

Tomato bruschetta, with its garlicky toasted bread and fresh tomato topping, is a crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs well with zucchini. The crunchy bruschetta complements the softer zucchini, while the fresh tomato topping mirrors the veggie's natural freshness.

13. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken

Adding a protein-rich side like spinach and feta stuffed chicken makes a meal with zucchini more satisfying. The rich flavors of the cheese and spinach stuffed inside the juicy chicken provide a lovely contrast to the light zucchini.

14. Cauliflower Rice

For a low-carb meal, cauliflower rice is a fantastic side for zucchini. It's light, fluffy, and absorbs flavors well. This makes it a great base for any sauces or seasonings you might want to pair with zucchini.

15. Garlic Butter Scallops

Garlic butter scallops are a luxurious side that enhances zucchini. The scallops have a sweet, delicate flavor that pairs well with zucchini, and the garlicky butter adds a richness that makes the dish feel decadent.

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