The Unexpected Fruit Pairing For Zucchini

Though zucchini and strawberry may not be an immediate ingredient association for many home bakers and chefs, the food pairing is well worth a try in your kitchen. Whether sweetening traditional zucchini bread recipes with the summer fruit or preparing refreshing salads with the combined ingredients, the softness of strawberries matched with the bite of grilled zucchini may become a regular addition to your meals. 

When cut into thin strips, the tangy freshness of zucchini noodles is elevated with delicate strawberry dressing, and jam made with the two ingredients can add a pleasant addition to breakfast and afternoon snack spreads. For sweeter treats, muffins made with zucchini, strawberry, and chocolate can brighten dreary afternoons, or when mixed with lemon and chia seeds, light breakfast bars with zucchini and strawberries can keep you fueled on busy mornings. After experimenting with the unique combination, you may never look at these two ingredients the same again.

When setting out to marry zucchinis and strawberries in your own recipes, reach for fresh and ripe products — unless a recipe calls for otherwise. For instance, dried strawberries can be folded into batter meant for baking zucchini-based muffins, pancakes, and cakes so that summer flavors can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Firm, juicy strawberries can hold their own against zucchini's natural texture, and grilled strawberries and zucchini can make a fresh side dish that can easily complement heartier mains like salmon and steak. Alternatively, zucchinis can be hollowed out into boats and filled with strawberries, feta cheese, and pieces of walnuts for a colorful companion to other dinner plates. To finish meals, top chocolate zucchini cake and zucchini brownies with sliced strawberries to add a pop of color to dessert, and consider drizzling a sweet balsamic on top of the ingredients to amplify the natural earthy, crisp flavors of this surprising duo.