Wondering what to do with courgettes? Try these easy recipe ideas, from pasta and fritters to salads and bakes.
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a pile of courgettes and wondering what on earth to do with them, you’re in good company. Every summer I seem to end up with more courgettes than I planned – a few from the garden, a few from the market – and before I know it, they’re multiplying in the fridge.
The good news? Courgettes are one of the most adaptable vegetables you can cook with. They can be roasted, fried, grated, grilled or even baked into something sweet! Mild in flavour, they soak up seasoning and pair beautifully with everything from pasta and cheese to lemon and spice.
Whether you call them courgettes or zucchini, here’s a full guide to what to cook with courgettes and a few tried-and-tested ideas to get you started.
Why Courgettes Are Worth Celebrating
Courgettes don’t always get the praise they deserve. They’re inexpensive and available for most of the year, yet they can taste incredibly elegant when treated well.
A few reasons I love cooking with them:
They’re quick. Courgettes cook in minutes, ideal for weeknights.
They’re healthy and light, adding colour and texture without heaviness.
They’re versatile. Slice, spiralise, grate or roast – they adapt to any cuisine.
They rescue leftovers. Courgettes slot easily into pasta sauces, curries or frittatas.
If you’ve ever had a soggy courgette, don’t give up! A few small tricks (we’ll get to those) transform them from watery to wonderful.
How to Cook Courgettes Perfectly
Courgettes are about 95% water, which means technique matters. Here’s how to get that lovely caramelised texture instead of a mushy one:
Dry them well. After slicing, pat them with kitchen paper to remove moisture.
Cook hot and fast. A hot pan or oven gives golden edges before they release water.
Don’t overcrowd. If you’re roasting, give them space on the tray.
Season after cooking. Salt draws out water – wait until the end for best texture.
Those four tips alone will improve every courgette dish you make.
Flavour Pairings That Always Work
Because courgettes have a gentle flavour, they love bold company. Try combining them with:
Nuts & seeds: pine nuts, pistachios, almonds, sesame
Other veg: tomatoes, peppers, aubergine, spinach
Courgettes are like the friendly neighbour of the vegetable world, they get along with everyone!
Seasonal Notes: When Courgettes Are at Their Best
Courgettes peak from June to September in the UK, when they’re sweetest and most tender. Smaller courgettes tend to be more flavourful and less watery, so if you can, choose the little ones.
During summer, they’re lovely simply grilled and finished with olive oil and herbs. In colder months, roast or bake them for something comforting.
Delicious Ways to Cook with Courgettes
Below are some easy ideas to use courgettes all year round – from quick dinners to lighter sides and even baking.
1
Salt and Pepper Courgettes / Zucchini
Courgettes are cooked with traditional salt and pepper flavours – peppers, onion, garlic, chilli, five spice (plus salt and pepper!) – to make this incredible side dish that will go with anything!
