Here’s how to make super simple Instant Pot Zucchini that you can use in a variety of ways. Serve the steamed zucchini as a main or side dish, or freeze it to use in smoothies.

zucchini chunks in instant pot.

Summer always brings an abundance of squash. One of my favorite ways to handle all of the zucchini is to cook it in an Instant Pot.

The steamed zucchini chunks can then be used in a variety of ways, such as served with a pat of ghee or butter, frozen into zucchini chunks for smoothies, or tossed with marinara sauce and served as a healthy side dish (see my other recipe for Instant Pot Zucchini and Tomatoes).

Let me show you how easy it is to make Instant Pot Zucchini Slices!

Recipe Steps

Step One

The first step to cooking zucchini in the Instant Pot to either use immediately or to freeze for smoothies is to peel the zucchini using a Y peeler. This is actually an optional step, but I find that peeled zucchini is easier to digest because it’s lower in lectins.

If you don’t feel bloated or icky after eating unpeeled zucchini, then you probably don’t need to worry about peeling them.

peeled zucchini on a cutting board.

Step Two

The next step is to cut the squash into 1/2-inch slices. You can make them bigger, but I prefer to cut them fairly thinly. This will help them blend easier if you plan to use them in smoothies later.

sliced zucchini on a cutting board.

Step Three

Next, place the trivet in a 3-quart or 6-quart Instant Pot, along with a cup of water. Transfer the sliced squash into the pot.

Don’t worry if some of the pieces fall through the trivet into the water. If you have a steamer basket for your Instant Pot, you can use that instead. See all of my favorite Instant Pot accessories.

Zucchini slices inside an Instant Pot.

Step Four

Lock on the lid and set the time to just one minute at high pressure. When the cooking time is complete, use the quick release so the zucchini doesn’t get overcooked.

If you want to use your steamed squash chunks for smoothies, you’ll then need to use tongs to place the chunks on a baking sheet for freezing. If you want to serve your steamed zucchini as a side dish, then just transfer it to a bowl and serve warm.

steamed zucchini slices for freezing.

Ways to Use Instant Pot Zucchini

As mentioned above, there are tons of ways to use your steamed zucchini slices. Zucchini is just so versatile as it is a fairly neutral-flavored vegetable. Some of my favorite ways to eat it include:

zucchini with tomato sauce.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use prepare yellow squash the same way?

Yes! Yellow squash can be prepared in the Instant Pot the exact same way as zucchini squash.

Can I cook a whole zucchini squash in an Instant Pot?

I would recommend cutting the zucchini into slices or large chunks as opposed to cooking it whole.

More Easy Instant Pot Vegetable 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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zucchini on a cutting board

Instant Pot Zucchini

Here’s how to make super simple Instant Pot Zucchini that you can use in a variety of ways. Serve the steamed zucchini as a main or side dish, or freeze it to use in smoothies.

  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Place the trivet inside a 3-quart or 6-quart Instant Pot. Add the water.
  2. Place the zucchini chunks on top of the trivet. It’s okay if some fall through into the water.
  3. Lock on the lid and set the time to high pressure for 1 minute. When the cooking time is up, quick-release the pressure, being careful of the steam.
  4. Remove the lid and use tongs to transfer the zucchini chunks to a parchment-lined baking sheet for freezing. Or, you can use tongs to remove the zucchini to a bowl to serve immediately.
  5. Serve warm, or place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 6 hours. Transfer the frozen zucchini chunks to a zip-top bag and place in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Notes

  1. If you want to use your steamed squash chunks for smoothies, you’ll then need to use tongs to place the chunks on a baking sheet for freezing. If you want to serve your steamed zucchini as a side dish, then just transfer it to a bowl and serve warm.
  • Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 minute
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Instant Pot pressure cooker
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: instant pot zucchini chunks, how to freeze zucchini, freezing zucchini for smoothies

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