How to Freeze Zucchini for Smoothies
Zucchini is a great vegetable to freeze for smoothies because it is low in calories and high in nutrients. And, believe it or not, but frozen zucchini adds creaminess and thickness to smoothies. In this post, I will show you how to freeze zucchini for smoothies.
Summer is the time for zucchini in all its glory. The green squash is plentiful and cheap this time of year, making it a perfect addition to your smoothies.
But what do you do with all that zucchini when it starts to overflow from your garden or CSA box? You freeze it, of course!
I like to do this and then add the frozen zucchini slices to a smoothie where it’s perfectly hidden. It adds nutrition and fiber as well as thickness to any type of smoothie.
Why You Need This Recipe
- Zucchini is filled with water and nutrients, making it perfect for smoothies. It helps add thickness to smoothies, almost in the same way as ice does. See my full article on the health benefits of green smoothies.
- It seems that everyone has an abundance of zucchini in the summertime. Whether you grow it yourself or has a neighbor who does, it always seems that extra summer squash are always available.
- It takes under 30 minutes to easily preserve this veggie. Frozen zucchini can keep in the freezer for up to several months.
Key Ingredients
Zucchini is a veggie with a light taste, making it perfect for “hiding” nutrients in smoothies.
I also recommend having a vegetable steamer to make it easy to steam the zucchini before freezing.
Please see the full recipe card at the end of this post for the exact measurements.
Recipe Steps
Step One
Wash and dry the zucchini.
Peel if desired before slicing into rounds. Discard the ends.
Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.
Step Two
Add sliced zucchini to boiling water to blanch it. It will retain its bright green color.
Step Three
Shock the zucchini in ice water and then drain and dry.
Step Four
Freeze in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Once frozen solid, store in zipper top bags.
Recipe Tips
- Some people like to peel their zucchini before blanching it. This can make the zucchini easier to digest.
- You don’t have to blanch the zucchini before freezing it, but this step helps prevent foodborne illness and can help make zucchini easier to digest.
- You can also use frozen zucchini slices in other recipes such as soups and stews. You don’t have to defrost the frozen zucchini first. Just put the frozen slices into the soup or stew as it is cooking.
- Frozen zucchini can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Recipe FAQs
Peeling is up to you. The skin is thin so it is easy to consume, but some people find it hard to digest. You can go either way.
Frozen zucchini is perfect for soups and stews. You can add it to your pot frozen and it’ll thaw and heat perfectly. I just don’t recommend eating it in things like stir fry as it does lose its crunch as it thaws.
More Healthy Zucchini Recipes You Might Like
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips with Parmesan
- Vegan Zucchini Brownies
- Baked Zucchini Potato Fritters
- Zucchini Strawberry Smoothie
- Instant Pot Zucchini Slices
Don’t Miss These Freezer Guides
I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.
And, consider following me on social media so we can stay connected. I’m on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!
How to Freeze Zucchini for Smoothies
Zucchini is a great vegetable to freeze for smoothies because it is low in calories and high in nutrients. And, believe it or not, but frozen zucchini adds creaminess and thickness to smoothies. In this post, I will show you how to freeze zucchini for smoothies.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 medium or large zucchini
- Water for blanching the zucchini
- Ice bath
Instructions
- Wash your zucchini and pat them dry. Cut off the ends and discard.
- Then, use a sharp knife to cut the zucchini into ½-inch slices.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the zucchini slices into the boiling water.
- While the zucchini is cooking, fill a large bowl with ice and water to make an ice bath.
- Let the zucchini cook for two minutes, then turn off the heat. Carefully pour the zucchini into a colander to drain the water.
- Then, transfer the blanched zucchini into the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Drain the zucchini from the ice bath using the colander.
- Lay the zucchini slices on the parchment paper. Freeze for 6-24 hours.
- Then, use your hands or a spatula to transfer the frozen zucchini slices into a zip top bag.
- Store the frozen zucchini in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
- To use frozen zucchini in a smoothie, simple remove as many frozen zucchini slices as you want for each smoothie (usually between ¼ to ½ cup of frozen zucchini slices per smoothie).
Notes
- Some people like to peel their zucchini before blanching it. This can make the zucchini easier to digest.
- You don’t have to blanch the zucchini before freezing it, but this step helps prevent foodborne illness and can help make zucchini easier to digest.
- You can also use frozen zucchini slices in other recipes such as soups and stews. You don’t have to defrost the frozen zucchini first. Just put the frozen slices into the soup or stew as it is cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Smoothies
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 17
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 7.8 mg
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Don’t forget to join my newsletter list to get exclusive clean eating recipes and tips. The newsletter is 100% free with no spam; unsubscribe anytime.
About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and is studying to be a holistic nutritionist. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send her a message through her contact form.
May I ask how one would get a food born illness if you don’t cook the zucchini prior to freezing? I asked because I recently froze some zucchini without cooking it. I washed it, cut it and put in the freezer. Doesn’t freezing things kill all the germs? Should I not use it now? Should I throw it away?
Freezing doesn’t necessarily kill any bacteria, it just halt them until defrosted. Here is some more info: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/freezing-and-food-safety
I LOVE adding frozen zucchini to smoothies! You can’t even taste it.