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Frozen zucchini is incredibly versatile and nutritious! This green vegetable flourishes during the summer months, and can be enjoyed countless ways. The next time you’re looking for a way to use up any leftover zucchini, quickly and easily freeze it using one of these methods!
What Makes This Method So Good
- You’ll start by blanching the sliced and spiralized zucchini by giving it a quick dunk in boiling water then immediately transferring it to an ice bath. Blanching zucchini will help to preserve its flavor, color, and texture once frozen. This super simple step makes a huge difference in the overall taste of the zucchini once defrosted!
- We offer not one, not two, but THREE ways to freeze zucchini! Feel free to pick and choose whichever method you prefer based on how you most often enjoy this delicious veggie. Maybe you love turning it into a low-carb pasta dish. In which case, frozen zucchini noodles are the method for you. Or perhaps you crave zucchini bread all year round, then I highly recommend this frozen shredded zucchini!
- If you grow your own zucchini, you know just how prolific this green vegetable is! Therefore, the next time you find yourself with one too many zucchini and not enough options to do with them, simply reference one of these methods to freeze it! It will stay good in your freezer for up to 3-4 months. Now you can enjoy this veggie’s versatility long after summer!
How To Prep Zucchini For Freezing
Zucchini Noodles: Slice off one end of the zucchini and spiralize it using your favorite vegetable spiralizer. I have owned and used a number of spiralizers over the years and found the hand held spiralizers to be the easiest and most efficient.
Sliced Zucchini: Remove both ends from the zucchini then slice into 1/4-inch rounds. If you’d like smaller zucchini slices, then feel free to slice the rounds into halves or even quarters.
Shredded Zucchini: Slice off the end of the zucchini then run the sliced end along a medium grater. Transfer the shreds to a towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
How To Blanch Zucchini
- Bring a large pot of unsalted water to a rapid boil.
- Add the sliced or spiralized zucchini to the boiling water, leave the pot uncovered and cook for just one minute.
- Remove the zucchini from the boiling water and immediately transfer to a bowl full of ice water to stop the cooking.
How To Store Frozen Zucchini
Resealable Freezer Bags – Easy to find and easy to store resealable freezer bags are hands-down my favorite method for any frozen vegetable. Simply add the frozen zucchini to the bag, seal it, then toss in the freezer until ready to use!
Glass Food Storage Container – Do not skip the first freezing step if you choose to store your frozen zucchini in glass containers. Transferring freshly blanched zucchini into a glass container then into the freezer will create a sudden change in temperature, causing it to shatter.
Plastic Food Storage Container – This is another super easy storage method, with nothing to be concerned about when storing your frozen zucchini!
Chef’s Tips
- Do not skip freezing the zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet before storing it! If you go straight into adding the zucchini to a storage container, you will return to a solid and frozen block of zucchini. Freezing on the baking sheet ensures that large pieces won’t get stuck together. This very important step will also make it easier to defrost and use when ready!
- When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen zucchini, simply remove it from the freezer and add it straight to your dish! I love adding the sliced zucchini to stir fries and the zucchini noodles to pasta sauces. And I almost always have the shredded zucchini on-hand for zucchini bread and/or muffins – YUM! There’s usually no need to defrost it before using, as it will get cooked along with any other ingredients.
- Add this frozen zucchini to smoothies for a nutritional boost! Thanks to its mild flavor, it is virtually flavorless when blended with a variety of frozen fruits. Throwing in a handful of frozen zucchini to smoothies or pureed dishes is also a super easy way to sneak extra veggies into anyone (especially your kid’s) diet!
Zucchini Recipes You’ll Love
- Keto Zucchini Bread
- Sautéed Zucchini
- Air Fried Zucchini
- Whole30 Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
How to Freeze Zucchini
Equipment
- Large pot
- Ice bath
- baking sheet
- Resealable plastic bag or food storage container
Ingredients
- 2 zucchini
Instructions
For Zucchini Noodles
- Cut off one end of zucchini and spiralize.
- Place zucchini noodles into rapidly boiling water for 1 minute, then remove and transfer to an ice bath.
- Spread zucchini noodles into a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours or until completely solid.
- Transfer zucchini noodles to a sealed bag or airtight container and freeze until ready to use.
For Sliced Zucchini
- Slice zucchini into even ¼-inch rounds.
- Place sliced zucchini into rapidly boiling water for 1 minute, then remove and transfer to an ice bath.
- Spread sliced zucchini into a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours or until completely solid.
- Transfer sliced zucchini to a sealed bag or airtight container and freeze until ready to use.
For Shredded Zucchini
- Shred zucchini along a medium grater.
- Place shredded zucchini into the center of a dish towel, wrap, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Spread shredded zucchini into a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours or until completely solid.
- Transfer shredded zucchini to a sealed bag or airtight container and freeze until ready to use.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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