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Hey folks! This gigantic list of 60+ healthy summer squash recipes is for my mom. 😛 Not once but twice she suggested that I create a zucchini recipe roundup so she could have a whole bunch of recipes at a glance to choose from to use up the zucchini that is growing prolifically in her garden. A few weeks later…here ya go, Mom! Now how about mailing me some zucchini?
I decided to expand this to include all summer squash, so you’ll find some yellow squash recipes in here as well (no winter squash like butternut or spaghetti or acorn squash, though). All of the recipes are THM friendly, and most are low carb (but not quite all). These recipes are the perfect way to use up your garden’s bounty! Or if you don’t have a garden, snag some zucchini or yellow squash at a good price at your local farmer’s market or grocery store while they’re in season.
What are YOUR favorite summer squash recipes? Comment below and tell me!
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Cookbooks Mentioned
Some of the recipes in this roundup are exclusive to the cookbooks mentioned, and I’ve included the page numbers for your convenience. This is so you have a comprehensive index of summer squash recipes from the books on your counter!
Necessary Food: my first cookbook, published in 2016
Convenient Food: my second cookbook, published in 2018 (last fall)
Trim Healthy Cookbook: THM’s first official cookbook
Trim Healthy Table: THM’s second cookbook that includes a handy quick start guide at the beginning
Main Dishes
Chicken Alfredo over Zoodles (above) | Necessary Food page 68
Stupid Simple Zucchini Alfredo | Trim Healthy Table page 309
Real Food Mediterranean Tuna Zucchini Salad | Dawn says, “This healthy salad has protein, good-for-you olive oil, fresh herbs and veggies, and no starchy carbs to spike your blood sugar. It’s a gentle, nourishing way to fuel your day.”
Slimming Secret Spaghetti | Trim Healthy Table page 102
Baked Spaghetti “Zoodle” Casserole | Darcie says, “This Baked Spaghetti Zoodle Casserole tastes just like the original without all the carbs.”
Ground Beef Stroganoff over Zoodles (above) | Convenient Food page 113 | Classic comfort food – but over veg noodles, not pasta.
Succulent Fish and Veggies | Trim Healthy Table page 316
Zucchini Quiche | Even before THM was born, my family was enjoying this Quick Cooking zucchini quiche. After THM, we just made the same recipe without the crust! Twice as easy. Just as good. (OK, almost.)
Save Your Waistline Crockpot Lasagna | Trim Healthy Table page 86
Funky Crockpot Casserole (above) | This one is seriously funky but has gotten an amazing amount of good reviews. 😛
Garlic Zucchini Turkey Burgers with Creamy Dijon Sauce | Dawn says, “Want a low fat burger but hate how dry lean meat is? Adding zucchini to lean ground meat, like ground turkey, makes for a tasty, juicy burger that’s lower in fat!”
Zucchini Lasagna | Convenient Food page 77
Stuffed Cue Ball Zucchini | Carey says, “Round zucchinis are a fun summer veggie. You can find them at your local farmer’s market in three varieties – eight ball (dark green), cue ball (pale green) and one ball (yellow). This instant pot recipe keeps your kitchen cool but you can also make them in the oven or on the grill using the indirect heat method.”
Italian Sausage in Creamy Tomato Sauce
Pizza Boats (above) | Convenient Food page 78 | They’re so pretty! And you can’t go wrong with classic pizza flavors.
Zippy Zucchini Rice Bake | Trim Healthy Table page 136
Zucchini Pizza Bites | Trim Healthy Table page 315
Potsticker Patties | Trim Healthy Cookbook page 175
Zucchini Fritter Pizzas (above) | Convenient Food page 118 | This. Personal pizzas with a zucchini crust, made in a pan on the stovetop (cuz I’m all about quick and easy). Perfect summertime lunch!
Zucchini Fritters | Dawn says, “Easy low carb zucchini fritters are a great way to use up that zucchini this summer.”
Zucchini Fritters | Trim Healthy Table page 235
Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper (Italian & Taco options)
Sesame Lo Mein | Trim Healthy Table page 71
Yellow Squash Sweet Curry (above) | Necessary Food page 67
Smoked Sausage Noodle Stir-Fry | Trim Healthy Table page 312
Troodle Casserole | Trim Healthy Cookbook page 135
Big Bowl Egg Scram | Trim Healthy Table page 331
Zucchini Power Skillet | Trim Healthy Table page 66
Side Dishes
Fried Breaded Zucchini (above) | Necessary Food page 128 | This was about the only way I liked summer squash (outside of zucchini bread with chocolate chips) when I was growing up. Thankfully I found an easy THM solution!
Roasted Zucchini | Rena says, “Garlic Roasted Zucchini is a staple around my house when we have Italian! It can be made FP or S!”
Mac and Cheese Zoodles | Stacy says, “Mac and Cheese Zoodles are a rich and creamy S side dish that goes perfectly with a steak or other grilled meat!”
Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Amazing Yellow Squash Casserole (above) | This yellow squash casserole is seriously amazing. The topping is a mixture of fried onions, cheddar cheese, and (on plan) cracker crumbs!
Garlic Butter Zoodles | Convenient Food page 183 | Your basic zoodle – taken up a notch.
Lemon & Feta Summer Zucchini Salad | Taryn says, “This easy zucchini salad comes together in minutes with the fresh flavors of lemon and feta.”
Squash Casserole | Rena says, “This squash casserole is a holiday staple in our family, but it’s great all year round! Delicious S recipe!”
Troodles | Trim Healthy Cookbook page 222 & Trim Healthy Table page 264
Zucchini Chow Chow | Glenda says, “Here is a pickled zucchini recipe we enjoy.”
Cheesy Low Carb Yellow Squash Casserole | Sarah says, “This easy Yellow Squash Casserole is filled with cheese, Italian seasonings, and topped with low carb biscuits. You can use it as a stand-alone vegetarian main dish, or as a side dish.”
Desserts
Basic Chocolate Layer Cake (above) | Necessary Food page 271
Cinnamon Zapples | Rena says, “Cinnamon Zapples are a delicious way to get veggies in for breakfast! And they’re a FP, so they go with any meal type!”
Trimtastic Chocolate Zucchini Cake | Trim Healthy Cookbook page 296
Café Mocha Healthy Stealthy Shake
Swirly Cinnamon Zucchini Bread
Mocha Cake (above) | Necessary Food page 272 | This is a THM-friendly version of a birthday cake tradition from my mom’s side of the family!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Muffins
Trimtastic Mostess Cupcakes | Trim Healthy Table page 395
Holiday Pumpkin Trimtastic Roll | Trim Healthy Table page 393
Peppermint Cream Chocolate Trimtastic Cake | Trim Healthy Table page 390
Best Low Carb Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Peanutty Chocolate Healthy Stealthy Shake
Zucchini Bars (above) | Necessary Food page 336 | These zucchini bars with their scrumptious cream cheese frosting are a THM take on a classic church cookbook fave.
Zucchini Spice Cake with Browned Butter Frosting | Necessary Food page 281
Zucchini Spice Muffins | Convenient Food page 367
Zapple Crumble | Trim Healthy Cookbook page 337
Strawberry Healthy Stealthy Shake
Low Carb Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
Yeah, you need these in your life!
Both of my cookbooks contain about 400 low-glycemic recipes each: mostly old family and church cookbook favorites made healthy, with some unique Briana thrown in. 😛 I focus on budget-friendly recipes that are quick, easy, and sustainable for a healthy lifestyle. All the recipes are sugar free and separated by carbs and fats! CLICK HERE to shop and get more details!
Wondering what this whole Trim Healthy Mama thing is all about?
CLICK HERE to check out my brief synopsis of the plan, find out what books you need to get started, take a look at all kinds of helpful resources and tips, and browse the products I use!
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Zucchini photo from Canva (free)
Cyndi Anderson says
AMAZING Thank you for the list. I love all the ideas in one place. I pinned it to my new Pintrest board titled Briana!
Have both your cookbooks and love, love , love them. Keep up the wonderful work helping my family and I healthy eaters.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
You have a Pinterest board named after me? I’m so honored! 😛
Therese Paquette says
We have an over abundance of summer squash this year. We are keeping the church supplied. there are on y 2 of us in this household and can only eat so much squash. I love your books and have all the THM books as well. So glad you made this list and included the pages for the recipes. Saves me from having to print them out or look them up. Keep producing great recipes.