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.

Frozen zucchini rounds on a piece of parchment paper.

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!

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

Two whole zucchini on a white marble surface.

Zucchini is a veggie with a light taste, making it perfect for “hiding” nutrients in smoothies.

Recipe Steps

Process collage of slicing and blanching zucchini.

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.

Blanched zucchini rounds on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Recipe Tips & Substitutions

  • 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.
Frozen zucchini rounds in small ziploc baggies on a counter.

Recipe FAQs

Do I need to peel the zucchini first?

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.

How else can I use frozen zucchini?

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.

Frozen zucchini rounds on a parchment lined baking sheet.

More Healthy Zucchini Recipes You Might Like

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

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Frozen zucchini rounds on a piece of parchment paper.

How to Freeze Zucchini for Smoothies

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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

Scale
  • 2 medium or large zucchini
  • Water for blanching the zucchini
  • Ice bath

Instructions

  1. Wash your zucchini and pat them dry. Cut off the ends and discard.
  2. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the zucchini into ½-inch slices.
  3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the zucchini slices into the boiling water.
  4. While the zucchini is cooking, fill a large bowl with ice and water to make an ice bath.
  5. Let the zucchini cook for two minutes, then turn off the heat. Carefully pour the zucchini into a colander to drain the water.
  6. Then, transfer the blanched zucchini into the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
  7. Grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Drain the zucchini from the ice bath using the colander.
  8. Lay the zucchini slices on the parchment paper. Freeze for 6-24 hours.
  9. Then, use your hands or a spatula to transfer the frozen zucchini slices into a zip top bag.
  10. Store the frozen zucchini in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
  11. 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

  1. Some people like to peel their zucchini before blanching it. This can make the zucchini easier to digest.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • 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

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