Discover the Easiest Way to Freeze Zucchini and Never Look Back

I often end up loading up my grocery cart with more than I planned, especially when a favorite item like zucchini is on sale. No matter how hard I try to use it all, there’s always some leftover. That’s when I remember my freezer is a perfect solution for long-term storage.

Did you know you can freeze your surplus zucchini? It's true, and freezing it allows you to enjoy it whenever you like. Follow the steps below to guide you through the process.

Can You Freeze Fresh Zucchini Without Cooking It?

You might think you can simply chop your raw zucchini, toss it in a freezer bag, and be done with it. But trust me, 'future you' won’t thank you when you pull that bag from the freezer. To preserve its texture and vibrant color, it's worth taking the extra time to blanch and shock your zucchini first, says Christy Wilson, RDN. This also helps reduce cooking time when you're ready to use it in your next recipe.

How to Freeze Fresh Zucchini for Long-Term Storage

Before freezing your zucchini, consider how you'll use it later. Do you love making stir-fries or sautéed vegetables? Then chop or dice it. If zucchini noodles are your thing, use a spiralizer to create noodles. For quick additions to muffins, pancakes, smoothies, or fritters, grab your grater and shred it.

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add about 2 tablespoons of salt for every quart of water. The National Center for Home Food Preservation suggests using one gallon of water per pound of vegetables when blanching.

Step 2: Prepare a bowl of ice water next to your stove. Keep a slotted spoon or tongs nearby and a towel-lined baking sheet ready for the next step.

Step 3: Add your chopped zucchini (working in batches if necessary) to the boiling water. Allow it to return to a boil, then cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the zucchini is crisp-tender.

Step 4: Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the zucchini and transfer it into the ice water bowl. Make sure the zucchini is fully submerged by pressing it down. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes until completely chilled, then use the slotted spoon to transfer it to the towel-lined baking sheet and pat dry.

Step 5: Once your zucchini is fully dry, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the zucchini evenly across it. Freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing any excess air before sealing. Don’t forget to label and date your container.

How Long Will Frozen Zucchini Stay Fresh?

If you follow the steps above, your frozen zucchini should stay good for up to three months. Chef Jessica Swift Harrell, RDN, LD, IFNCP, recommends thoroughly patting the zucchini dry before freezing to prevent ice crystals and freezer burn. She also suggests using a large sheet pan for the initial freeze to ensure your zucchini pieces don’t stick together into a solid clump.

Should You Thaw Frozen Zucchini Before Cooking?

According to Swift, there's no need to thaw frozen zucchini before cooking. Thawing could actually affect the texture negatively. To avoid mushy zucchini, cook it straight from frozen. Just be mindful that it will likely cook faster since it's already partially cooked from blanching.

How to Use Frozen Zucchini in Recipes

Whether or not you blanch and shock your zucchini, keep in mind that frozen zucchini will have a different texture than fresh. Therefore, it’s best to use it in recipes where texture isn’t as critical. Chef Swift suggests soups, stews, curries, or stir-fries, while Wilson recommends frittatas and calabacitas. You can also get creative with other options. Grating zucchini or turning it into noodles before freezing makes it perfect for fritters, quick breads, muffins, or cakes.