1. Keto Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a perfect low-carb substitute for pasta.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Spiralize the zucchini: Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to turn the zucchini into noodles.
- Sauté the zoodles: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if desired).
- Serve: Top with grated Parmesan cheese or serve with your favorite keto-friendly sauce.
2. Keto Zucchini Fries
These crispy zucchini fries are a great snack or side dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fries
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- Olive oil spray
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the almond flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the zucchini: Dip each zucchini fry into the beaten egg, then coat it in the almond flour mixture.
- Bake: Place the coated fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Spray lightly with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Serve with a keto dipping sauce or enjoy as is!
3. Keto Zucchini Fritters
These zucchini fritters make a perfect snack or side dish, full of flavor and low in carbs.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out the excess moisture.
- Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the grated zucchini, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form fritters: Heat a bit of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the zucchini mixture and form small patties.
- Cook the fritters: Fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve warm with sour cream or your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauce.
4. Keto Zucchini Casserole
A delicious and cheesy zucchini casserole that’s both creamy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Sauté zucchini: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the zucchini slices and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer the sautéed zucchini in the baking dish. Pour the cream mixture over the zucchini and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.
5. Keto Zucchini Boats
These stuffed zucchini boats are a great main dish option.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and hollowed out
- 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the zucchini: Hollow out the zucchini halves by scooping out the center using a spoon. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the filling: In a skillet, cook the ground meat until browned. Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stuff the zucchini: Spoon the meat mixture into the zucchini boats. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the stuffed zucchini on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Serve warm as a complete meal.
Zucchini is incredibly versatile, and these keto-friendly recipes allow you to enjoy it in many delicious ways! Whether as a noodle, fritter, casserole, or stuffed boat, it’s a great addition to your keto meal plan.