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Tender boiled zucchini being sliced with a fork and knife after a 12-minute boil

Whole Boiled Zucchini

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A viral whole-zucchini side dish boiled until tender, then dressed with olive oil, red wine vinegar, flaky salt, pepper, herbs, and optional chile.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchini, about 6 to 7 inches long
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt, for the boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon flaky salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

  1. Fill a wide pot with enough water to cover the zucchini by at least 1 inch. Add the kosher salt and bring to a rolling boil.
  2. Rinse the zucchini and leave them whole. Lower them carefully into the boiling water with tongs.
  3. Once the water returns to a steady boil, cook for about 12 minutes. Start checking at 10 minutes if you prefer a firmer center. The zucchini should yield gently under tongs without collapsing.
  4. Lift the zucchini out carefully and place one on each plate.
  5. Drizzle each with 1 tablespoon olive oil and half the red wine vinegar. Finish with flaky salt, black pepper, optional parsley, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Medium zucchini around 6 to 7 inches are the easiest size for the 12-minute timing.
  • For firmer zucchini, check at 10 minutes; for a very soft texture, extend toward 15 minutes.
  • Nutrition is estimated per zucchini with 1 tablespoon olive oil and half the vinegar and finishing salt.
  • Tahini, cheese, or other dressing variations change the nutrition values.
  • Author: Adam Moretti
  • Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Boil
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegan