How to Cut Zucchini (6 Ways)
If you have your own garden or frequent the farmers market during the summer months, then you know that zucchini is a seasonal MVP. It grows in abundance once the weather warms up, and luckily for home cooks it’s incredibly versatile. You can eat it raw and ribboned in salads; slice and toss it into homey, high-summer dishes; or just simply sauté it as an easy side. You can also make zucchini bread for a snack that borders on sweet and savory. Oh, and don’t forget about all the grilling possibilities like this tofu salad with grilled zucchini!
No matter how you choose to use zucchini, you’ll need to know the best way to prep it for each dish. With a cutting board, a few simple tools, and the steps below, you’ll be able to master how to cut, chop, and slice zucchini all summer long.
How to Cut Zucchini into Rounds
Trim away the stem and root end of the zucchini. Use one hand to hold it in place and to keep it from rolling, then use a knife to slice a round from each end.
To cut into rounds: Continue to hold the zucchini in place so it doesn’t roll, then slice it crosswise into rounds.
How to Cut Zucchini on the Bias
Trim away the stem and root end of the fruit. Use one hand to hold it in place and to keep it from rolling, then use a knife to slice a round from each end. To bias cut (on the diagonal), slightly tilt your knife so your slices are diagonally shaped rather than straight-edged.
How to Cut Zucchini into Half-Moons
Trim away the stem and root end of the fruit. Use one hand to hold it in place and to keep it from rolling, then use a knife to slice a round from each end. To cut it into half-moons: Halve the zucchini lengthwise.
Lay one half, cut-side down on the cutting board and slice crosswise into half-moons. Repeat with the other half.
How to Cut Zucchini into Spears
Trim away the stem and root end of the fruit. Use one hand to hold it in place and to keep it from rolling, then use a knife to slice a round from each end. To cut it into spears: Halve the zucchini lengthwise.
Lay one half, cut-side down, on the cutting board and slice it lengthwise into spears. If the zucchini is extra large, each half can be halved lengthwise before cutting into spears. Repeat with the other half.
How to Dice Zucchini
Trim away the stem and root end of the fruit. Use one hand to hold it in place and to keep it from rolling, then use a knife to slice a round from each end.
To dice: Halve the zucchini lengthwise and cut it into spears as directed in the steps above.
Once cut, firmly hold the spears in place and slice crosswise into even pieces.
How to Cut Zucchini into Ribbons
Trim away the stem and root end of the fruit. Use one hand to hold it in place and to keep it from rolling, then use a knife to slice a round from each end. To cut into ribbons: Hold the zucchini in place so it doesn’t roll. Use a Y-shaped peeler to slice it lengthwise into thin strips.