Summer is in full swing and that means zucchini season is too! But what if you run out of zucchini?
Don’t worry! We’ll list 10 substitutes for zucchini and explain the similarities and differences between them.
We’ll also give some examples of how we’ve used the substitutes.
So whether you’re looking for a replacement because you’re all zucchini-out or because zucchini isn’t in season where you live, we’ve got you covered!
Substitutes for Zucchini
- Sweet Potato
- Green Pepper
- Parsley
- Beetroot
- Celery
- Apple
- Carrot
- Eggplant
- Cucumber
- Squash
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber.
They’re also lower in calories and carbs than zucchini, making them a great option for people watching their weight.
Additionally, sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness that can help to offset the bitterness of other ingredients in a recipe.
When used as a substitute for zucchini, sweet potatoes will add both flavor and nutrition to your dish.
Because of their high water content, sweet potatoes may make your dish slightly more moist than if you had used zucchini.
However, this is generally not a problem, and the extra moisture can be beneficial in some recipes.
Green Pepper
Green pepper is a great substitute for zucchini.
Perhaps you’re trying to cut down on your carbohydrate intake, or you’re looking for a way to add more flavor to your dish.
Whatever the reason, green peppers make a great substitute for zucchini in many recipes.
One of the benefits of using green peppers is that they add a nice crunch to the dish.
They also tend to be less watery than zucchini, so they won’t make your dish as mushy.
Additionally, green peppers have a slightly sweet flavor that can enhance the flavor of your dish.
If you’re looking for a way to add more nutrition to your meal, green peppers are also a good choice.
They’re an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and potassium.
When substituting green peppers for zucchini, it’s important to keep in mind that they may change the texture of your dish.
If you’re using them in a recipe that calls for grated zucchini, they may not give you the same results.
It’s also important to note that green peppers have a stronger flavor than zucchini, so you may want to use less of them in your dish.
Parsley
Parsley is a common ingredient in many dishes, but it can also be used as a substitute for zucchini in some recipes.
While the taste and texture of these two vegetables are not identical, parsley can be used in most recipes that call for zucchini.
The main benefit of using parsley as a substitute is that it is much easier to find and less expensive than zucchini. In addition, parsley has a slightly milder flavor than zucchini, which may be preferred by some people.
When substituting parsley for zucchini, it is important to chop the parsley very finely so that it will cook evenly.
Additionally, because parsley has a higher water content than zucchini, it may cause the dish to be slightly more watery.
Beetroot
Beetroot is an excellent substitute for zucchini in several recipes.
For example, when making ratatouille, replacing the zucchini with beetroot will give the dish a richer flavor.
Additionally, beetroot can be used as a stand-in for zucchini in homemade veggie burgers.
The firm texture of the beetroot ensures that the burger will hold together well, and the subtle sweetness of the beetroot will complement the other flavors in the burger.
Finally, shredded beetroot can be used as a replacement for zucchini in a frittata.
The earthy flavor of the beetroot will add depth to the dish, and the vivid color of the beetroot will make the frittata visually appealing.
Celery
Celery makes an excellent substitute for zucchini in most recipes.
Celery has a similar texture and flavor, and it is widely available year-round.
In addition, celery is usually less expensive than zucchini. As a result, it is an ideal substitute for those on a budget.
While celery may not be a replica of zucchini, it is a suitable replacement in most recipes.
Apple
While apples are often associated with sweetness, they can also be used in savory dishes.
For example, thinly sliced apples can be used as a stand-in for zucchini in a ratatouille.
The apple slices will soften in the same way as zucchini, but they will also add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
Other recipes, such as zucchini bread or muffins, can also be adapted to use apples.
In most cases, you can swap out the zucchini for an equal amount of applesauce or finely chopped apples.
The finished product will be moist and flavorful, with a subtle hint of apple flavor.
Carrot
Carrots can be used as a replacement for zucchini in many recipes.
They are a suitable substitute because they are of similar size and shape, and they have a similar flavor profile.
Carrots are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
When substituting carrots for zucchini, it is important to note that they may need to be cooked for a longer period due to their denser texture.
Additionally, carrots will add a slightly sweeter flavor to the dish.
Eggplant
Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a fruit that can be used as a substitute for zucchini in certain recipes.
Both eggplant and zucchini are part of the nightshade family, which means they have a similar taste and texture.
When substituting eggplant for zucchini, it is important to keep in mind that eggplant is denser and will absorb more liquid than zucchini.
For this reason, it is important to add extra liquid to the recipe when using eggplant as a substitute.
Eggplant is also slightly sweeter than zucchini, so it may change the flavor of the dish slightly.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are especially good in dishes where zucchini would be used more for texture than flavors, such as in bread or cakes.
When substituting cucumbers for zucchini, it is important to use a variety that is not too watery.
English cucumbers are a good option, as they have a similar size and shape to zucchini but are less watery.
It is also important to seed the cucumbers before using them, as this will help to prevent the finished dish from being too wet.
When substituting cucumbers for zucchini, it is also important to keep an eye on the cooking time, as cucumbers will cook more quickly than zucchini.
In general, you will want to reduce the cooking time by about half when using cucumbers as a substitute for zucchini.
Squash
Zucchini and squash are both members of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers, melons, and gourds.
While they are similar in appearance and texture, there are a few key differences between these two vegetables.
First of all, zucchini has a milder flavor than squash.
This makes it more versatile as a substitute in recipes calling for other vegetables with milder flavors, such as onions or potatoes.
Additionally, squash is higher in nutrients like vitamin A and fiber than zucchini.
As a result, using squash as a substitute can provide a nutritional boost to your dish.
Finally, squash tends to hold its shape better than zucchini when cooked.
This makes it ideal for dishes where you want the vegetables to retain their shapes, such as stir-fries or ratatouille.
FAQ
What should I keep in mind when substituting zucchini for another vegetable?
When substituting zucchini for another vegetable, it is important to consider the unique characteristics of each vegetable.
Additionally, each vegetable has a unique flavor that can change the overall taste of the dish.
For this reason, it is important to experiment with different vegetables to see which one you prefer.
What are some common dishes where zucchini is used?
Zucchini is commonly used in a variety of dishes, such as bread, cakes, soups, stews, and stir-fries.
Additionally, zucchini can be used as a replacement for pasta or rice in some dishes.