Zucchini is an incredibly versatile vegetable, especially when you’re following a keto and vegan lifestyle. It’s low in carbs, packed with nutrients, and lends itself beautifully to a variety of dishes.
Whether you spiralize it into noodles, bake it into crispy bites, or blend it into creamy soups, zucchini adds a refreshing texture and mild flavor that complements many keto vegan recipes. Today, I’m excited to share with you some of the best zucchini keto vegan recipes that are not only delicious but also simple to prepare.
These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy healthy, flavorful meals without compromising on their dietary goals.
From zucchini noodles tossed in a savory sauce to baked zucchini fritters that crunch with every bite, these dishes will quickly become staples in your kitchen. Plus, all recipes are entirely plant-based and keto-friendly, making them ideal for those who want to stay on track without sacrificing taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These zucchini keto vegan recipes are designed to be both nourishing and satisfying. Zucchini’s low-carb content fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet, while its fibrous nature keeps you feeling full longer.
What’s more, these recipes are completely vegan, meaning no animal products are involved, making them ethical and environmentally friendly choices.
Each recipe is crafted to maximize flavor through the use of fresh herbs, spices, and healthy fats like olive oil and avocado. You’ll discover how zucchini can be transformed from a simple vegetable into a gourmet delight that satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional needs.
Whether you’re new to keto vegan cooking or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, these recipes offer something for everyone. Plus, they are easy to customize based on your preferences!
Ingredients
- Zucchini – fresh, medium-sized (3-4 per recipe)
- Olive oil – extra virgin, for cooking and drizzling
- Almond flour – for binding fritters and coating
- Ground flaxseeds – mixed with water to create a vegan egg substitute
- Garlic – minced, for flavor
- Fresh basil – chopped
- Nutritional yeast – for a cheesy, umami flavor
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Lemon juice – fresh-squeezed, for brightness
- Chopped walnuts – optional, for texture
- Unsweetened coconut cream – for creamy sauces
- Tomato paste – for rich, savory sauces
- Spices: smoked paprika, cumin, chili flakes, oregano
Equipment
- Spiralizer or vegetable peeler
- Mixing bowls
- Non-stick skillet or cast iron pan
- Baking sheet
- Food processor or blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (optional for zest or garlic)
- Whisk
- Wire rack (for cooling fritters)
Instructions
Recipe 1: Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Basil Pesto
- Prepare zucchini noodles: Using a spiralizer, create noodles from 3 medium zucchinis. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess moisture.
- Make the basil pesto: In a food processor, combine 1 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Heat skillet: Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Cook zucchini noodles: Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss gently for 2-3 minutes, just until slightly tender (avoid overcooking to keep noodles firm).
- Combine and serve: Remove from heat, stir in the basil pesto, and garnish with chopped walnuts for crunch. Serve immediately.
Recipe 2: Crispy Zucchini Fritters
- Grate zucchini: Grate 4 medium zucchinis and place in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Prepare flax egg: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds with 6 tablespoons water. Let sit for 5 minutes until gelled.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine grated zucchini, flax egg, 1 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 2 minced garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Mix well.
- Form fritters: Scoop mixture and form into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Cook fritters: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook fritters in batches for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden and crispy.
- Drain and serve: Place cooked fritters on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon.
Recipe 3: Creamy Zucchini Tomato Soup
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking until soft.
- Add zucchini and tomato paste: Stir in 3 chopped zucchinis and 3 tablespoons tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add liquid and spices: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, add 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until zucchini is tender.
- Blend soup: Using an immersion blender or transferring to a blender, puree soup until smooth.
- Stir in coconut cream: Return soup to pot (if needed) and stir in 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut cream. Heat gently before serving.
Tips & Variations
“Always squeeze out excess moisture from zucchini before cooking to prevent watery dishes.”
For the fritters, feel free to add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor. You can also swap almond flour for coconut flour, but you may need to adjust quantities as coconut flour absorbs more moisture.
If you want a spicier twist, add chili flakes or fresh diced jalapeños to the zucchini noodles or fritter mixture. For the soup, try adding fresh basil or thyme before blending for a herby note.
To keep your zucchini noodles firmer, toss them with a little salt and let them sit for 10 minutes before cooking to draw out moisture.
Nutrition Facts
| Recipe | Calories | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Fiber (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Basil Pesto | 220 | 8 | 18 | 3 | 3 |
| Crispy Zucchini Fritters | 180 | 7 | 14 | 4 | 2.5 |
| Creamy Zucchini Tomato Soup | 150 | 10 | 10 | 2 | 3 |
Serving Suggestions
Pair the zucchini noodle stir-fry with a side of roasted cherry tomatoes or steamed asparagus for a complete meal. The crispy zucchini fritters go wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a tangy avocado-lime dip.
The creamy zucchini tomato soup is delicious served with a slice of keto-friendly almond flour bread or alongside a simple mixed greens salad. Also, consider enjoying these dishes with a glass of infused water or a light herbal tea to keep things refreshing.
For more recipe inspiration, check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe, which pairs beautifully with zucchini noodles, or indulge your sweet tooth later with the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.
If you love savory snacks, don’t miss the Cheese Penny Recipe for a delightful keto vegan treat.
Conclusion
Embracing a keto vegan lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice delicious meals. Zucchini is a superstar ingredient that helps you create satisfying dishes that are low in carbs, nutrient-dense, and bursting with flavor.
From spiralized noodles with fresh basil pesto to crispy fritters and creamy soups, these recipes showcase zucchini’s versatility and health benefits.
Not only are these dishes simple to prepare, but they also offer plenty of room for customization. Whether you add your favorite spices, swap ingredients, or pair them with other keto-friendly sides, you’ll find these zucchini recipes a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire.
Give them a try and enjoy the fresh, vibrant taste of zucchini in your keto vegan meals!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Zucchini Keto Vegan Recipes
Description: A flavorful and easy-to-make keto vegan zucchini dish perfect for low-carb diets. Packed with fresh herbs and healthy fats, it’s a delicious way to enjoy vegetables.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add spiralized zucchini and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Stir in pine nuts, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and mix in nutritional yeast and fresh basil.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 8 g
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