Let’s face it – now that summer is here, you may not be eating as healthy as you’d like and trust us when we tell you, you’re not alone. Well, if your diet melted away with the last of the snow a few months back, we’re here to help you get back on track. Zucchini’s peak season is June through late August, so it doesn’t get any fresher than this!

Here are a few not-so-typical zucchini recipes that will spice things up and keep things fresh all summer long:

Zucchini Fritters

These silver dollar pancake-sized bites are perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Simply blend or grate zucchini and then mix in a large bowl with spinach, feta cheese, herbs, eggs, scallions and garlic. Mix in a dash of flour and a dab of baking powder until it all holds together. Form into “pancakes” and fry them in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown on the flat sides.

Squash Saute

Looking for a new side dish to introduce to friends or family members? This one is quick and easy and only requires a small handful of ingredients. Cut squash or zucchini in match-sized sticks and set aside. Meanwhile, toast almonds in a dry skillet until they are slightly browned. Then mix in some olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes and mix around for two minutes. Finally, add the squash or zucchini and cook until crisp-tender. Garnish with parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

Zucchini Fries

If this isn’t the perfect accompaniment to a summer bbq, we don’t know what is! It’s a healthier alternative to traditional fries and goes great with burgers, hot dogs, chicken, steak or fish. Slice zucchini into thin sticks and then dredge in a mixture of egg whites, salt and pepper. Dip them in breadcrumbs and place them evenly spaced on cookie sheet. Bake at 400° for roughly 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and serve with marinara sauce.

Zucchini and Corn Parmesan

Two of the most prominent vegetables this time of year come together to make a wonderful treat. Dice up a few zucchini and saute in a pan with sweet corn, olive oil, garlic, dried basil, dried oregano and thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.

This is David’s Soundview Catering, a premiere catering and events company based in Stamford, CT, serving Connecticut and New York since 1988. Utilizing a palette of fresh, quality ingredients to prepare dishes that appeal to all the senses, David’s Soundview Catering’s talented team of chefs offer an extensive and delicious selection of seasonal favorites and globally inspired cuisine.