Since I was little, I have always loved zucchini. I may not have been eating it in healthy ways, i.e. fried or combined with preservative-loaded spaghetti sauce, but my affection towards this vegetable fruit has only grown over time.

While in Germany, I had a friend in our town that grew her own zucchini and this is where my affection really blossomed. During this time, I also had a steady supply of fresh zucchini, sometimes so much that I didn’t know what to do with it, so I started branching out and developing different ways to eat this wonderful fruit. The recipes below are some of my tried and true ways that I use zucchini.

Grilled Zucchini

InDependent Original

• 1-2 medium zucchini

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• salt and pepper

• cayenne (optional)

After cutting off the top and tail, stand the zucchini on one end. Then slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch slices, usually getting about four or five slices from one zucchini. Pour the olive oil onto a small plate or pan and coat each slice. Place the olive oil covered zucchini on a larger plate. Once all the slices have been covered in olive oil, season with salt and pepper. For a spicy alternative, sprinkle a little bit of cayenne on them as well. Grill the slices of zucchini over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until tender. Eat alone or add to a sandwich.

Zucchini Crusted Pizza

via My Humble Kitchen

I tried other zucchini crust pizza recipes, but this is one of my favorites. I usually substitute Parmesan cheese for the cheddar in the crust ingredients. I think it gives it a better flavor. I like buying blocks of Parmesan and shredding it in my food processor. I usually have a bunch left over for other recipes like the baked zucchini sticks recipe that follows. I usually don’t allow enough time to make the sauce, so I buy organic pizza sauce from my grocery store. If you are like me and buy your sauce, make sure it doesn’t contain preservatives and isn’t overly processed.

Baked Zucchini Sticks

via Damn Delicious

There are several recipes out there like this one, so if there is another way you know of that you like baking your zucchini then let me know in the comments below. This was one recipe that I found and like mainly due to the simple directions and ingredients. I like changing up the different seasonings to give the zucchini different flavors depending on what I am in the mood for.

What are some of your favorite healthy zucchini recipes? I am always game for new recipes so share your recipes in the comments below!