Zucchini season peaks in the summer, and the time is ripe to enjoy this vibrant squash. A half-cup of cooked, sliced zucchini has about 15 calories, only 1.5 grams of net carbs and is perfect for any Phase of Atkins. It is packed with nutrients, including beta-carotene, B vitamins, folic acid, vitamin C and calcium, plus potassium.
What to look for:
Choose zucchini that is firm and has bright green skin. It should be less than 8 inches long; larger zucchini tend to be bitterer, watery and thicker-skinned.
Storage and prep tips:
You can store fresh produce like zucchini in a plastic bag in the vegetable crisper in the refrigerator for up to five days. Do not wash until ready to use.
Cooking tips:
Your options are endless! Zucchini tastes fabulous on the grill or roasted, steamed, stuffed, baked, pan-fried or raw.
You can have a simple side dish in minutes: Slice zucchini lengthwise in thin strips, drizzle each strip with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Throw it on the grill for a couple minutes until there are grill marks on each side.
You can also cut uncooked zucchini into strips, and it will add a delightful crunch to any vegetable platter appetizer. Or dice or grate it and add it to salads.
Grated zucchini brings a delicious low-carb (and nutrient-packed) taste to breads and muffins. You can also turn grated zucchini into Atkins-friendly low-carb “pasta.”
Check out our Recipes section for even more zucchini recipes.
