8 Delicious Courgette Recipes for Every Occasion

Okay, maybe not 35-degree heat, but they are more than happy in typical late-20s hot weather. In fact, one grower this summer told us that they will pick courgettes from one side of the field at 6am, working their way across, and by the evening, there are already more to pick from the first side of the field. Isn’t that crazy? We haven’t seen that level of growth since that beanstalk grew in Jack’s garden. 

Courgettes are sweet, mild and seriously versatile. Raw, steamed, grated, grilled, baked, fried - they’re good any which way. This makes them a perfect blank canvas for whatever recipe takes your fancy – whatever the time of year. Because of the hot summer, we’ve got loads to rescue right now, so if you need inspiration on what to make, look no further.

Grilled Courgette, Chickpea & Feta Salad

For more summery days, try this light, flavourful salad with smoky grilled courgette, chickpeas and tangy feta. Grilling the courgettes here means they keep their crunch and get some lovely extra charred flavour.

Slow-cooked Courgette with Honey-Whipped Ricotta

When you’re after a little starter or a dip, this courgette recipe is perfect for your summer gatherings. The courgettes are cooked down with garlic and olive oil until just softened, then piled onto some whipped ricotta. So good and so simple.

Courgette Orzo Traybake

When you just need something easy, this is a perfect weeknight meal. Piles of sweet grated courgettes are added to a baking dish, along with orzo and stacks of seasonings. Bake in the oven with a snug lid and dinner is sorted!

Courgette, Sultana & Pecan Cake

If you’ve never used courgettes when baking, let this be your sign to get started. Adding in grated courgette makes the moistest, juiciest cake ever, and this one is finished with sultanas and pecans for some extra texture, too.

Courgette Carbonara

This is a go-to for you Oddboxers; it couldn’t be easier to make and it’s a great vegetarian twist on the classic carbonara. The courgettes in this recipe are cooked down until almost collapsing, which makes them super buttery and sweet. Tossed with creamy pasta – sorted.

One-Pan Braised Courgette & Butter Beans

This is an easy one-pan dish with ribbons of courgette, beans and tomatoes. It takes less than 40 minutes, and you can swap out the butter beans for any beans you like. It’s great with cannellini beans or chickpeas, too.

Moroccan-Inspired Courgette Couscous

This courgette recipe uses the North African spice Ras el Hanout, which gives the courgette couscous loads of wonderful colour and flavour. Keeping the courgette chunky means that it softens a little but keeps its crunch, giving the salad some body.

Courgette Fries

If you’ve ever tried zucchini fritti at an Italian restaurant, these are pretty much the same. Super crisp, salty, piping hot – the courgettes melt in your mouth whilst the outer coating has a real bite.

Here is a quick guide to storing, preserving, and cooking through a courgette glut:

How to store courgettes

Courgettes should be stored in the fridge, ideally in the crisper drawer (the one at the bottom).

Can I freeze courgettes?

If you want courgettes to last longer or you have loads to get through before they go bad, chop them up and blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Then cool quickly (you can do this in a bowl of ice water), then dry really well. Transfer to a reusable container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can you freeze raw courgettes?

Freezing raw courgette isn’t ideal as it can turn to mush once it’s defrosted. Plus it can discolour, which makes it way less appetising. Blanching first locks in the flavour, texture and all the nutrients, too.