6 Easy Ways to Slice Your Zucchini Like a Pro

Zucchini is a versatile summer squash that works in countless dishes and cuisines. There are several ways to cut it, and once you learn a few simple techniques, it's easy to get the perfect shape for your recipe.

Here are the most popular cuts. For most of them, you'll just need a cutting board and a sharp knife. For others, a mandolin slicer or Y-peeler will make your job easier. Once you have your tools, grab your zucchini and start cutting!

How to Choose the Best Zucchini

Whenever possible, purchase zucchini from your local farmers market. If you're lucky enough to grow your own, that's even better. Freshly harvested zucchini has better flavor and lasts longer than store-bought options. If you can't get it locally, buy zucchini when it's in season or ask the produce manager when the next delivery arrives to ensure freshness.

When selecting zucchini, opt for smaller ones around six to eight inches long. These tend to be younger, with thinner skin, a more tender texture, less moisture, and fewer seeds compared to larger, fully matured zucchinis. Look for squash that is vibrant green, firm, and free of blemishes or soft spots.

How to Slice Zucchini

Always give your zucchini a good wash under cool running water before cutting. To create a stable cutting area, place your cutting board on a damp paper towel to prevent it from slipping. Use a sharp chef’s knife for most of the work and a paring knife for more detailed cuts. A dull knife is dangerous and inefficient.

Slicing into Rounds

Step 1: Start by trimming off the ends of the zucchini. Discard or compost the ends.

Step 2: Option 1 - Place the zucchini lengthwise on the cutting board. Hold it steady with one hand and use the other hand to slice crosswise into your desired thickness.

Crescent Shaped Slices

Step 1: Cut off both ends of the zucchini. Discard or compost them.

Step 2: Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise.

Step 3: Place the zucchini halves flat-side down on the cutting board. Slice crosswise into your preferred half-moon shapes.

Slices into Planks

Step 1: Cut off both ends of the zucchini. Discard or compost the ends.

Step 2 (option 1): Slice the zucchini in half horizontally.

Step 2 (option 2): Use a mandolin slicer to cut the zucchini into planks of your preferred thickness.

Step 3: Place the zucchini halves flat-side down on the cutting board and slice them lengthwise into planks.

Zucchini Spears

Step 1: Cut off both ends of the zucchini. Discard or compost the trimmings.

Step 2: Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise.

Step 3: Place the zucchini halves flat-side down on the cutting board and slice them lengthwise into three (or four if the zucchini is large) spears.

Cubed

Step 1: Cut off the ends of the zucchini. Discard or compost them.

Step 2: Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise.

Step 3: Place the zucchini halves flat-side down on the cutting board and slice lengthwise into three or four spears.

Step 4: Gather the zucchini spears and cut them crosswise into cubes or bite-sized pieces.

Zucchini Ribbons

Step 1: Cut off both ends of the zucchini. Discard or compost the ends.

Step 2: Use a mandolin slicer or vegetable peeler to create long, thin strips of zucchini.

How to Store Zucchini

Keep whole zucchinis in an unsealed plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge, and use them within three to five days. Once cut, store zucchini in an airtight container in the crisper drawer and use within one to two days. For long-term storage, frozen zucchini will last up to 3 months in the freezer.