Thanksgiving Zucchini, Salmon With Zucchini, and Zucchini Side Dish Recipes Baked—yes, I’m talking about the most underrated yet insanely delicious combo: zucchini and fish!
If you’ve never paired these two together, you’re missing out on something light, fresh, and packed with flavor. Zucchini has this magical way of soaking up all the goodness from fish, making every bite juicy and satisfying. Plus, it’s an easy way to add more veggies to your meals without sacrificing taste.
So, I’m about to share 13 zucchini recipes with fish that are so good, they’ll turn even the biggest zucchini skeptics into fans.
1. Garlic Butter Salmon With Zucchini
This one is pure gold. The salmon is seared to perfection, while the zucchini soaks up all that garlicky, buttery goodness.
The key is to get a beautiful crust on the salmon before flipping it, ensuring a crispy texture while keeping the inside juicy. It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy but takes less than 20 minutes to make.
Just sear the salmon until crispy, sauté zucchini in the same pan, and boom—dinner is served. Bonus points if you add a squeeze of lemon on top for extra brightness.
2. Baked Cod With Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes
A sheet pan wonder that’s both healthy and ridiculously tasty. The cod bakes to flaky perfection while the zucchini and cherry tomatoes caramelize beautifully, creating a naturally sweet and savory balance.
Drizzle with olive oil, season with garlic, thyme, and a little paprika, and let the oven do its thing. You’ll end up with a light yet flavorful dish that tastes like a fancy restaurant meal but requires minimal effort.
Serve it with a side of quinoa or crusty bread for a complete meal.
3. Shrimp And Zucchini Stir-Fry
If you need a quick, protein-packed meal, this one’s your best friend. Shrimp and zucchini get stir-fried in a garlicky, slightly spicy sauce that makes you want to eat straight from the pan.
The zucchini retains a bit of crunch while the shrimp turns plump and juicy. Serve it over rice, noodles, or just as is—it’s that good. Plus, it takes less time than waiting for takeout and is so much healthier.
4. Tuna And Zucchini Casserole
A fun twist on the classic tuna casserole! Instead of pasta, we’re using zucchini ribbons to keep things light but still creamy and comforting.
Mix in some canned tuna, a cheesy sauce, and breadcrumbs for crunch, then bake until bubbly. It’s cozy, cheesy, and totally satisfying. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or capers to add a little zing.
5. Grilled Halibut With Zucchini Salsa
Halibut is mild and buttery, making it the perfect match for a bright zucchini salsa. Dice up zucchini, mix it with cherry tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, and a little jalapeño for a fresh topping.
Grill the halibut until flaky, then pile on the salsa for a dish that screams summer. It’s light yet filling and perfect for an outdoor dinner party.
6. Zucchini-Crusted Tilapia
Who needs breadcrumbs when you have zucchini? This genius recipe coats tilapia in shredded zucchini, Parmesan, and spices before baking it to crispy perfection.
It’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and makes you forget all about boring breaded fish. Serve it with a dollop of tartar sauce or a fresh cucumber yogurt dip for an extra layer of flavor.
7. Miso Glazed Salmon With Zucchini Noodles
Think of this as the ultimate healthy but gourmet meal. A sweet-savory miso glaze caramelizes on the salmon while zucchini noodles soak up all the extra sauce.
It’s light, packed with umami flavor, and completely guilt-free. You can even add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and depth.
8. Zucchini And Sardine Pasta
Sardines are the underrated hero of the seafood world, and they shine in this simple pasta.
Sauté zucchini with garlic, toss in some sardines, and mix it all up with spaghetti and a squeeze of lemon. It’s rich, briny, and oh-so-satisfying. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
9. Lemon Butter Flounder With Zucchini
Flounder is delicate and pairs beautifully with zucchini in a simple lemon butter sauce. J
ust sear the fish, cook the zucchini in the same pan, and finish it off with a buttery citrus drizzle. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Serve with roasted potatoes or steamed asparagus to round out the meal.
10. Crispy Fish Tacos With Zucchini Slaw
Crunchy fish tacos get an upgrade with a fresh, zesty zucchini slaw. Think shredded zucchini, lime, cilantro, and a little honey for sweetness.
Pile it onto crispy fish in warm tortillas, and you have a taco night worth repeating. Add a drizzle of spicy mayo or avocado crema for the ultimate bite.
11. Zucchini And Clam Chowder
A lighter take on creamy clam chowder! Instead of heavy potatoes, zucchini adds texture without weighing things down.
It’s creamy, briny, and packed with tender clams for a cozy meal that still feels fresh. A warm bowl of this with some crusty bread is pure comfort food heaven.
12. Baked Snapper With Zucchini And Herbs
Snapper is already delicious, but roasting it with zucchini, garlic, and fresh herbs takes it to another level. Everything bakes together in one dish, making cleanup ridiculously easy.
The juices from the fish infuse the zucchini with incredible flavor. Serve with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that tastes like a vacation by the sea.
13. Spicy Mackerel And Zucchini Rice Bowl
For those who love bold flavors, this one’s for you. Mackerel is rich and flavorful, and it pairs beautifully with sautéed zucchini over steaming hot rice.
Add a little chili oil or sriracha, and you have a spicy, satisfying meal in no time. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and scallions takes it to the next level.
Conclusion:
Zucchini Cooking Recipes like these prove that fish and zucchini are a match made in food heaven. They’re fresh, flavorful, and packed with all the good stuff your body craves.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or prepping for a healthy meal, these recipes are sure to impress.
So, the next time you’re wondering what to do with that extra zucchini in your fridge, just grab some fish and make magic happen!