Balanced Recipes Featuring Summer Produce
Zucchini
Abundant throughout the summer, zucchini is one of the easiest ways to add more vegetables to your plate. Its mild flavor readily takes on the ingredients around it, pairing well with everything from fresh herbs and bright citrus to hearty beans, whole grains, and even chocolate in baked treats. Whether you're firing up the grill, tossing together a skillet meal, or baking a loaf of zucchini bread, this summer staple makes it easy to enjoy more produce all season long.
Recipe of the Moment
Zucchini & White Bean Skillet
A satisfying one-pan meal full of protein & fiber
Zucchini takes center stage in this cozy yet bright one-pan skillet, making it the perfect late-summer meal. White beans and bone broth create a velvety dish without heavy cream, while tangy goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and fresh thyme add richness, texture, and layers of savory flavor.
Why Zucchini Deserves a Spot on Your Plate
Beyond its mild flavor and culinary versatility, zucchini is also a nutrient-rich addition to your plate.
Zucchini may help support healthy vision. Zucchini contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that accumulate in the retina and help protect the eyes from oxidative stress caused by everyday exposure to light. While zucchini is not the only source of these important nutrients, including a variety of colorful vegetables as part of a balanced diet can help provide the nutrients needed to support healthy vision throughout life.
Zucchini is satisfying. With only about 20 calories per cup, approximately 95% water, and a source of fiber, zucchini adds volume and texture to meals while supporting balanced eating patterns and healthy weight management.
Keep the skin on for more nutrition and flavor. Zucchini’s green skin is where many of its nutrients are concentrated. Choose zucchini that feels firm with smooth, glossy skin. Smaller to medium zucchini are often more tender and have fewer seeds.
Fun Facts About Zucchini
- It's technically a fruit. Botanically, zucchini develops from the flower of the plant and contains seeds.
- Those scratches are normal. Zucchini has delicate, thin skin that can easily become scuffed during harvesting and transport. Minor scratches and dents are cosmetic and don't affect flavor or quality. Simply trim away any damaged spots if needed.
- The flowers are edible. Zucchini blossoms are a seasonal delicacy that are delicious stuffed, sautéed, or lightly fried.
- It grows fast! During peak season, zucchini can grow several inches in a day, which is why farmers often harvest it daily to encourage continued production.
The Balanced Basket
is a dietitian-led program designed to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable & easy. One balanced basket at a time. Look for callouts throughout our stores that highlight expertly curated products each month. Visit this page for delicious recipes each month, as we empower every gustomer to build feel-good nutrition habits.
