Have you ever wondered how to cut zucchini?

Cutting zucchini might seem straightforward to most, but there are actually several ways to do it, each suited for different culinary applications. This guide will walk you through the most common and effective methods for prepping this versatile summer squash.

Before You Cut: The Basics

No matter how you plan to cut your zucchini, a few initial steps are always the same:

1. Wash It: Give your zucchini a good rinse under cool water to remove any dirt.
2. Trim the Ends: Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice off both the stem and blossom ends. These parts are tough and not pleasant to eat.

Related: How to Properly Wash Fruits and Vegetables

Common Zucchini Cuts and Their Uses

Here are the most popular ways to cut zucchini, along with ideas for how to use them:

How to Cut Zucchini: Rounds or Disks

This is perhaps the simplest and most common cut.

How to do it: Lay the zucchini flat on your cutting board. Slice crosswise into rounds of your desired thickness. For sautéing or grilling, aim for about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Thinner rounds cook faster, while thicker ones retain more texture.

Zucchini rounds are best for: sautéing, grilling, roasting, adding to stir-fries, casseroles, or frittatas.

How to Cut Zucchini: Half-Moons or Crescent Shapes

A variation of the round, these offer a slightly different aesthetic and can be good for dishes where you want slightly smaller pieces.

How to do it: First, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise. Lay the cut side down on the board. Then, slice crosswise into half-moon shapes.

Zucchini half-moons have similar uses as rounds, but can be more appealing in some dishes due to their smaller size, such as pasta dishes or vegetable medleys.

How to Cut Zucchini: Bias Cuts

To cut zucchini on a bias, you’ll want to slice it at an angle rather than straight across. This technique yields longer, oval-shaped pieces, which can be visually appealing and cook more evenly due to the increased surface area.

How to do it: First, place the zucchini horizontally on your cutting board. Position your knife at an angle, typically around 45 degrees, to the zucchini. The exact angle can vary depending on your preference and the desired length of the slices. A steeper angle will result in longer, more elongated slices. Make your first cut at this angle. After the first cut, slightly shift the zucchini so that the next cut you make is parallel to the first one. Maintain the same angle with your knife. Keep slicing at the same angle and with consistent thickness until you reach the end of the zucchini.

Bias-cut zucchini is great for sautéing, stir-frying, grilling, or even adding to salads for a more elegant look.

How to Cut Zucchini: Diced or Cubes

Dicing is ideal when you want small, uniform pieces that will meld into a dish.

How to do it: First, cut the zucchini into planks. Then, cut the zucchini lengthwise into 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick planks (depending on the size of your desired dice). Next, cut into sticks by stacking a few planks on top of each other and slicing lengthwise. Finally, gather the sticks and slice crosswise into cubes of your desired size (1/2-inch to 1-inch dice are common).

Diced zucchini is best for soups, stews, sautés with other diced vegetables, frittatas, omelets, baked dishes, or adding to rice or grain bowls.

How to Cut Zucchini: Spears

How to Cut Zucchini: Ribbons or Shaved

Elegant and quick-cooking, ribbons are a fantastic way to cut zucchini.

How to do it: Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline. Start at one end of the zucchini and run the peeler down the length of the zucchini, creating thin, wide ribbons. Rotate the zucchini as you go to get as many ribbons as possible.

Zucchini ribbons are best for raw salads, light pasta dishes (especially with a pesto or vinaigrette), or quickly sautéed as a delicate side.

Tips for Safe and Efficient Cutting

• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for safety and efficiency. A dull knife is more likely to slip.
• Stable Cutting Board: Use a cutting board that doesn’t slip. You can place a damp paper towel or non-slip mat underneath it.
• Flat Surface: Always try to create a flat surface on your zucchini before making multiple cuts. This will prevent the zucchini from rolling and make your cuts more stable.
• Hold Securely: Keep your fingers tucked in when holding the zucchini, using your knuckles as a guide for the knife.

By mastering these different cuts, you’ll be able to prepare zucchini in a variety of ways, making it a delicious and versatile addition to your meals all season long.

Favorite Zucchini Recipes

• Grilled Zucchini Caprese
• Cheesy Zucchini Pizza Bites
• Zucchini Egg Nests
• Creamy Zucchini Soup
• Zucchini Chocolate Bread

To find more great zucchini recipes, visit our Pinterest page.