17 Zucchini Recipes That Worked For The Picky Eaters Too

Even the most skeptical eaters have been known to drop their guard once these 17 zucchini recipes hit the table. They’ve managed to take a vegetable with a bad reputation and turn it into something everyone actually finishes. The real shock is that kids didn’t even notice what they were eating. Winning dinner has never been this sneaky.

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Zucchini Boats

Four zucchini boats topped with ground meat, tomato sauce, melted cheese, and chopped parsley on a white plate.
Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

You’ll notice many picky eaters picking up their forks for these. Midway through the dish, Zucchini Boats become the star because of how you can fill them in different ways. They are easy to customize for anyone who doesn’t want certain fillings. It’s a solid choice for either a side or a main.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Boats

Vegan Ratatouille

Vegan Ratatouille. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s a reason people keep coming back to the table when this is served. Vegan Ratatouille gets kids asking for seconds even though they normally skip vegetables. The mix gives everyone something familiar while adding good color. It’s simple enough for anyone to try and doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Best Zucchini Bread

Sliced zucchini bread on a white surface, showing a moist interior with visible green flecks of zucchini.
Best Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

People who don’t enjoy most bread usually give it a shot if this recipe is on the plate. For many, Best Zucchini Bread fits in with breakfast or as a snack during the day. It stays soft for a long time and brings something fresh without being complicated. Folks like slices plain or with a small spread.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread

Vegetable Fritters

Vegetable fritters in a stack.
Vegetable Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Kids and adults both find themselves grabbing seconds of these. Vegetable Fritters are easily picked up and dipped, which makes them fun at snack time. These work well for picky eaters since the veggies are mixed in and not too bold. They can be paired with different sauces for added variety.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Best Vegan Minestrone Soup Recipe

Best Vegan Minestrone Soup Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A bowl of soup is often pushed aside, but that changes with this one. With Best Vegan Minestrone Soup Recipe, even those who avoid vegetables will spoon up more than usual. It has a light flavor that blends together well, so nothing stands out too much. The leftovers work well for another meal.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Minestrone Soup Recipe

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up.
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Many people skip green dishes but give this one a try when it shows up at dinner. Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna uses layers so that every bite feels even. The texture is soft but not mushy, which helps win over those who dislike spinach. This meal often finishes with empty plates.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Homemade Ratatouille

A close up of food.
Homemade Ratatouille. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A plate filled with different colors can get more interest from those who usually avoid veggies. Homemade Ratatouille is chosen by many because it mixes ingredients in one dish, so kids forget they’re eating what they say they don’t like. It’s balanced, so nothing is too strong or too plain. People also find it goes well with simple sides.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

Thai Drunken Noodles

A colorful dish of shrimp stir-fry with noodles, vegetables, and sesame seeds, garnished with basil leaves and green onions. Chopsticks rest on the dish.
Thai Drunken Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Picky eaters tend to join in when these come out since they are fun to eat. With Thai Drunken Noodles you’ll notice the noodles grab much attention while the vegetables blend in. They work for quick lunches or busy nights when you want something filling. People like a little heat but can adjust it easily.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

Zucchini Fritters

A stack of zucchini fritters topped with sour cream, thinly sliced shallots, and a sprig of dill.
Zucchini Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you see people passing on plain vegetables, try offering these next time. Bringing together grated veggies, Zucchini Fritters don’t make the zucchini too noticeable. Many children treat them like finger food, which makes everything easier. They also taste good whether warm or cold.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters

Minestrone Soup

A bowl of hearty minestrone soup packed with green beans, pasta, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs, served with crusty bread slices.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soup usually isn’t the first choice, but it becomes popular for those who try a spoonful. With Minestrone Soup you get several flavors in one bowl that don’t stand out too much. It’s light, not too heavy, and can be served any time of day. People often add crackers or bread for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

A casserole dish with zucchini and cheese on it.
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Many who avoid green foods change their minds with this option in front of them. Cheesy Zucchini Casserole blends everything with a familiar taste on top that draws picky eaters. Each bite mixes soft and crispy textures, which makes it fun to eat. It can double as a side or main dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

A close-up of a pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, red onions, and seasonings in a white bowl.
Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Some skip salads, but they’ll pick up a plate when this is available. With Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad the mix of pasta and grilled pieces fits any eating style. It is simple and quick, which parents find handy. Someone who doesn’t like veggies may not even notice them.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Air fryer zucchini fries on a wooden board.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

People often want fries, and this recipe keeps everyone happy while adding something new. Using Air Fryer Zucchini Fries makes snack time lighter and still crunchy, which kids seem to enjoy. They are easy to dip so no one misses out. This recipe pairs nicely with sandwiches or wraps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing a bowl to a gathering usually means leftovers, unless you serve this. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies is mild and blends flavors so even picky eaters will try it. Often, it is chosen for group lunches where everyone needs something simple. It works well cold or room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Close-up of grilled veggie kabobs with zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and onions, garnished with fresh herbs.
Grilled Veggie Kabobs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Skewers are fun for kids, so they may want to try these even if they ignore regular vegetables. Stacking pieces on Grilled Veggie Kabobs helps make mealtimes more interesting. These are easy to grab and eat with hands which helps at cookouts and parties. People often add dips for variety.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Baked Zucchini

Roasted zucchini halves garnished with chopped parsley on a white plate.
Baked Zucchini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Changing how veggies are served might be the trick for picky eaters. With Baked Zucchini you get soft pieces that can be eaten alone or added to a plate. It fits many meals and doesn’t make the vegetable too strong. Kids often ask for seconds because it feels familiar.
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Groups who want something different from basic pasta will see this option as a good choice. Mixing noodles with different colors, Pasta Primavera blends everything so no one ingredient stands out much. It is flexible for lunches or dinners, and can be changed to fit most diets. The dish goes well with bread or small salads.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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