Here’s how to make super simple Instant Pot Zucchini Slices 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. Steaming fresh zucchini in the pressure cooker is great way to prepare this summer squash.

zucchini slices in instant pot.

The summer months always bring an abundance of squash. One of my favorite ways to handle all of the zucchini is to cook it in an Instant Pot. It’s such an easy way to cook this vegetable during this time of year.

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! It’s a great low carb vegetable that can be served with simple seasonings.

Key Ingredients

sliced zucchini on cutting board.
  • You will, of course, need zucchini to make this pressure cooker zucchini recipe.
  • You can steam up to several zucchini at a time, although you will need to slice them before cooking them. I recommend cutting thick slices, about 1/2-inch each.
  • You’ll also need water to add to the pot to bring it up to pressure.

See the full recipe card below for the exact measurements and full list of ingredients.

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.

But, again, you don’t have to peel the zucchini unless you want to. I prefer it peeled.

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.

Zucchini slices inside an Instant Pot.

Step Three

Next, place the trivet inside a 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 meal prep accessories.

Step Four

Lock on the lid and set the cook 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. Don’t use the natural release as the zucchini will 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.

See below for more ideas on how to serve this Instant Pot Zucchini recipe!

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:

  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs and Spices: You can sprinkle some fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or dill on top. A sprinkle of coarse sea salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes can also add some flavor.
  • Cheese Topping: Grate some Parmesan cheese, cheddar, or mozzarella on top of the steamed zucchini while it’s still hot so the cheese will melt and create a delicious, savory topping. Use a vegan cheese for dairy-free diets.
  • Sautéed Garlic and Onions: Sauté garlic and onions in a little bit of olive oil until they’re translucent and fragrant, then pour over the zucchini slices.
  • Lemon Zest and Juice: For a more refreshing and tangy flavor, drizzle a little bit of fresh lemon juice over the steamed zucchini and grate some lemon zest on top.
  • Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the zucchini for a sweet and sour flavor.
  • Serve with Dip: You can also serve your steamed zucchini with a side of dip, such as hummus, tzatziki, or a yogurt-based dip.
  • With Other Veggies: Combine steamed zucchini with other steamed vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to make a colorful and healthy vegetable medley. add vegetable stock, vegetable broth, or chicken broth to make a vegetable zucchini stew.
  • Side Dish: Steamed zucchini is a great side dish to a main course like grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
  • tossed with marinara sauce and enjoyed as a side dish.
  • Tossed with Cooked Pasta: Cook your favorite pasta and toss the steamed zucchini slices with it (see the best gluten-free pasta brands) and your choice of cooked protein as a main dish.
  • Frozen and Blended into Smoothies: Believe it or not, but frozen steamed zucchini is virtually tasteless when blended into a fruit smoothie. It helps add thickness and nutrition to your blended drink (see my Yellow Squash Smoothie recipe). It’s also a great way to preserve your zucchini beyond the peak summer months.
steamed instant pot zucchini with garlic.

Recipe Tips

  • 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.
  • You can easily double or even triple this recipe, but remember to never fill your Instant Pot over the max line. The amount of water and the number of minutes at high pressure stays the same.
  • Remember to not overcook your zucchini as it can become mushy. If you don’t plan to serve it right away, you may wish to put it in an ice bath after steaming to stop the cooking process.
  • Feel free to add seasonings when serving steamed zucchini including olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, fresh chopped herbs, or red pepper flakes.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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 large slices or large chunks as opposed to cooking it whole.

Can I cook shredded zucchini or zucchini noodles in the Instant Pot pressure cooker?

Yes, but set the cook time to 0 minutes and use the quick release to prevent overcooking.

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instant pot steamed zucchini slices.

Instant Pot Zucchini Slices

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5 from 2 reviews

Print Recipe

Here’s how to make super simple Instant Pot Zucchini Slices 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. Steaming zucchini in the pressure cooker is an easy way to prepare this summer squash.

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

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Place the trivet or steamer basket inside a 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.

  2. You can easily double or even triple this recipe, but remember to never fill your Instant Pot over the max line. The amount of water and the number of minutes at high pressure stays the same.

  3. Remember to not overcook your zucchini as it can become mushy. If you don’t plan to serve it right away, you may wish to put it in an ice bath after steaming to stop the cooking process.

  4. Feel free to add seasonings when serving steamed zucchini including olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, fresh chopped herbs, or red pepper flakes.

  5. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 minute
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Instant Pot pressure cooker
  • Cuisine: Healthy
  • Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 17
  • Sugar: 2.5 g
  • Sodium: 10.2 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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About the Author: Carrie Forrest is the author of the best-selling Instant Pot-authorized cookbook, The Healthy Meal Prep Instant Pot Cookbook. She has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and receives over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.