How to Freeze Zucchini (7 Easy Steps)

In this guide, we're going to cover all the steps involved in freezing zucchini. You're going to learn everything you need to know about how to freeze zucchini for the best flavor and texture, plus bonus tips for easy prep.

Let's get started...

Can You Freeze Zucchini?

Quick Answer: If you have a lot of zucchini, you can definitely freeze it to enjoy later on. It may be tempting to just chop it up and throw it in the freezer, but if you follow the steps listed below, you'll have tastier, non-mushy results.

Love zucchini? Check out cooking recommendations, serving tips and recipes here: What Do Zucchini Noodles Taste Like?

Directions for Freezing Zucchini

Step 1 - Slice the Zucchini

First things first: Prepare your zucchini by cutting it up. You can slice it into rounds or chop it into small pieces.

You don't want to cut the pieces too small or too large. Whatever size pieces you'd make for a typical recipe, that's the size you want for prepping it for the freezer.

Step 2 - Get Your Blanching and Ice Bath Stations Ready

The next step is to get everything ready for blanching and then icing the zucchini. Blanching is an important step in the process as it will ensure that the zucchini retains its crispness and full flavor.

Fill a pot with water and set it on the stove, then turn up the heat to bring it to a boil. Meanwhile, grab a large bowl and fill it with cold water and a generous amount of ice.

Step 3 - Blanch the Zucchini

Now it's time to blanch. When the hot water on the stove is boiling, carefully lower the zucchini pieces into the water with the the appropriate utensil (a slotted spoon or whatever you use for pasta would work).

You only need to leave the zucchini in the water for a minute or two, just long enough to see it turn a brighter green color.

Read Next: Best Veggie Noodle Maker

Step 4 - Put the Blanched Zucchini in the Ice Bath

Next, it's time for the ice bath. Drain the zucchini in a colander in the sink and then transfer it to the bowl with ice and water. If the ice is melting rapidly, add a little more to cool everything down faster.

It should only take a few minutes for the zucchini to cool. This is an important step—the quicker you get the zucchini into the ice bath, the better the texture will be.

Step 5 - Dry the Zucchini

Using the same colander you drained the zucchini in after blanching, strain the cooled zucchini pieces in the sink.

The easiest way to dry them is to spread them out on a paper towel and place another paper towel on top, gently drying without squishing. 

You don't have to get them totally dry, but you do want to make sure that there's not a lot of excess dampness before you freeze.

Step 6 - Freeze the Zucchini on a Tray

Before the final step of freezing the zucchini, there's a pre-freezing step that will save you a lot of time and energy when you're thawing for the next meal.

Spread the zucchini pieces out on a nonstick tray (or a tray lined with parchment paper) so that they're not touching. Place the tray in the freezer and wait a couple of hours for the zucchini to be frozen all the way through.

Why is this important? If you throw the zucchini straight from the drying stage into a freezer container, you'll end up with one big lump. This step saves you from having to break out the hammer and chisel when you want to cook the frozen zucchini.

Step 7 - Move the Zucchini to Freezer Safe Containers

Now you can freeze the zucchini in the freezer-safe container that you prefer. If you're using a Ziploc bag, try to get as much air out of it as you can before sealing.

If you're using freezer storage containers, fill them up all the way to the top with the zucchini, leaving no room for air pockets. If you don't have enough zucchini for this, stick with the freezer bags.

Got a grocery shopping trip coming up? For easy shopping and food prep tips, check out our Vegan Grocery List for Beginners.

Bonus Tips

If you find yourself spending a lot of time slicing and chopping zucchini, there are some tricks to simplifying the process and making it go a lot faster, as you'll see in the video below.

For those who prefer making zoodles (a.k.a zucchini noodles), we've got tips on freezing, cooking and the best spiralizers here: 10 Best Veggie Noodle Maker Options That Will Change the Way You Eat.