ComScore

9 Delicious Ways to Replace Carbs with Zucchini

Zoodles are only the beginning

When you’re cutting back on bread, starch and carbs, you have two options: You could eat everything wrapped in a wilted leaf of lettuce (ugh) or you could find creative ways to swap zucchini for carbs in your favorite comfort-food recipes. Is it Pizza Friday yet?

15 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Make with a Spiralizer


zucchini1
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Zucchini Pasta

Already tried the oh-so-life-changing zoodles? Why not use zucchini in place of other pastas, too? We recommend zucchini lasagna (cut zucchini into thin sheets and stack it with sauce and cheese) and baked stuffed zucchini shells (hollow out zucchini halves and fill them with ricotta).

 


zucchini2
Perry's Plate

Zucchini "bread"

There’s nothing better than biting into a hearty sandwich—and if the bread is replaced with zucchini, you’ll get the world’s most satisfying crunch. 

Get the recipe

zucchini3
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Zucchini Rice

Looking for a hearty, filling side dish that goes great with chicken or fish? Give the cauliflower rice a break and try this gorgeous green masterpiece.

zucchini4
Wholesome Yum

Zucchini Fries

OK, these guys are coated with Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs, so they’re still a splurge. But with only three grams of net carbs per serving, they’re an excellent swap for those fried taters you were craving from the drive-through.

zucchini5
Mostly Homemade Mom

Zucchini Skins

This game-day treat is just as tasty as its close cousin, the potato skin, but you won’t feel guilty about eating a dozen in one sitting.

zucchini6
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Zucchini Chips

Guys. These are infinitely healthier than potato chips (they’re baked instead of fried, for starters) and they have only two ingredients. Best swap ever.

muffins
Smile Sandwich

Zucchini Muffins

Shh, these double-chocolate muffins have shredded zucchini and bananas instead of flour and butter. We dare your guests to guess the secret ingredients. 

zucchini8
Sweet as Honey

Zucchini Taco Shells

Hey, you with the kale fajitas: Taco Tuesday can still be decadent, even if you’re eating low-carb. Try these easy homemade tortillas made with zucchini, arrowroot flour and coconut flour. 

zucchini9
Cooking Classy

Zucchini Pizza

Is there anything zucchini can’t do? The answer is no. These pizza boats are indulgent, ooey, gooey and healthy. Our prayers have been answered.

 



stief author

Wellness Director

  • Oversees wellness content
  • PureWow's resident book reviewer
  • Has worked in lifestyle media for 11 years

food
/ Taryn Pire
25 Radish Recipes to Make While They’re in Season
food
/ Taryn Pire
36 BBQ Menu Ideas: Recipes That Will Transform Your Backyard Party
food
/ Candace Davison
Starbucks Has a 'Not-So-Secret' Menu & I Can't Stop Ordering Its Latest Creation
food
/ Taryn Pire
6 New Red Robin Menu Items, Ranked, Reviewed and Photographed by a Food Editor
food
/ Taryn Pire
Ina Garten Sells Cake on Goldbelly—but Is It Worth the Hamptons Price Tag? I Tasted It to Find Out
food
/ Katherine Gillen
The 70 Best Grilling Recipes to Cook and Eat All Summer
food
/ Taryn Pire
I Tried Panda Express’s New Spicy Twist on Surf and Turf—Is It Better Than the Orange Chicken?
food
/ Taryn Pire
Here’s What to Cook Every Night This Week (April 14 – 20)
food
/ Candace Davison
I Was Over the Swicy Food Trend...Until I Tried Edible's Tajín-Dusted Fruit Bouquet
food
These Creators Called It: Modelo Spiked Aguas Frescas Are *the* Drink of the Year
food
/ Candace Davison
I Tested the Internet’s Top KitchenAid Hacks, & These Are the 7 Everyone Should Know
food
/ Taryn Pire
Shake Shack Has a New Milkshake Inspired by the Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar—Here’s How It Tastes
food
/ Taryn Pire
What’s New at Trader Joe’s in April? Spanish-Inspired Charcutería, Lemon Poppy Seed Buns and More
food
/ Taryn Pire
Cracker Barrel Has a New Spring Menu—Here’s a Food Editor’s Ranking (and Photos) of 8 Items
food
/ Taryn Pire
66 Cookout Side Dishes to Serve at Every Alfresco Gathering
food
/ Taryn Pire
31 Asparagus Recipe Ideas to Try This Spring While It’s in Season
See More