Zucchini With Pine Nuts in 20 Minutes
Nutty, charred, and zesty Zucchini With Pine Nuts make a fresh side. Check the quick recipe specs and start cooking this Mediterranean dish today.
Emily Nguyen
169+ recipes by Emily Nguyen – Reimagining classic recipes for modern kitchens & first-time cooks. Making cooking approachable and fun for everyone!
About Me:
Meet Emily Nguyen
I'm going to be honest with you: two years ago, I survived on instant ramen, frozen pizza, and whatever my roommate was willing to share. I graduated from UCLA with a communications degree and zero kitchen skills. My Vietnamese grandmother, Bà Ngoại, was horrified. "How will you take care of yourself?" she asked every time we video-called.
So I made her a promise: I would learn to cook. Really cook—not just microwave things. I started with her recipes, then branched into American classics that reminded me of potlucks and holidays at friends' houses. Every mistake became a lesson, every success a tiny victory. Now I'm the person my friends call when they need cooking advice, which still feels surreal.
My Cooking Philosophy
- Beginner-Friendly Always: I remember what it's like to not know anything. I explain every term, every technique, and every potential mistake because I've probably made it myself.
- Modern Shortcuts Welcome: Bà Ngoại might not approve, but I'll tell you when a store-bought ingredient works just fine. We're all busy.
- Small Kitchen Solutions: I cook in a tiny apartment kitchen with minimal equipment. If I can do it, you definitely can.
Background & Experience
I'm the youngest member of the My Grandma Recipes team, and I bring a different perspective—I'm learning alongside many of our readers. I document my cooking journey on our social media channels, including the fails (there are many) and the wins (getting more frequent!). I also manage our Pinterest and help make our content accessible to younger audiences.
When I'm not in the kitchen, I'm video-chatting with Bà Ngoại (who critiques my technique lovingly), thrifting for vintage kitchen gadgets I don't need, or convincing my cat Mr. Whiskers that he doesn't actually like human food.
Connect with Emily:
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My Latest recipes:
Zucchini Goat Cheese Casserole for 4
Want a Zucchini Goat Cheese Casserole that isn't soggy? We use high heat and layering to fix this, plus we explain why most recipes get this wrong.
Roasted Zucchini Goat Cheese (30 Min)
Apply high heat to caramelize the edges of this Roasted Zucchini Goat Cheese. It includes quick cooking details and takes 30 minutes total to prepare.
Zucchini Goat Cheese Rolls in 25 Minutes
Learn a salt soak tip in the section Getting the Texture Right. Zucchini Goat Cheese Rolls are a fresh, simple appetizer for first-time home cooks.
Grilled Zucchini Goat Cheese for 4
Zucchini, goat cheese, and olive oil make this Grilled Zucchini Goat Cheese. See the Recipe Specs for details on this 25 min Mediterranean side.
Veggie Lasagna Boats with Ricotta
Veggie Lasagna Boats offer a light twist on a classic. See the section How This Actually Works for the anti-soggy trick. Ready in 55 minutes.
Mediterranean Zucchini Noodles in 25 Min
Salty feta and zesty lemon make these Mediterranean Zucchini Noodles a fresh treat. Check out the quick recipe specs to get started on your dinner.
Zucchini Slice with Bacon
This guide includes an ingredient deep dive to ensure the best results. This Zucchini Slice is a protein-heavy meal for busy families and healthy eaters.
Crispy Baked Zucchini Fritters in 30 Min
Golden-brown bites with a toasted crust: Crispy Baked Zucchini Fritters. This guide includes a quick method comparison to ensure a dry batter. Try it today.
Grilled Zucchini With Herbs: 4 Servings
Smoky and charred Grilled Zucchini With Herbs. This guide explains why the texture stays crisp using a quick salt brine. A fresh summer side dish.
Zucchini Chickpea Burgers in 30 Minutes
Learn how to avoid crumbling with the fixing patty problems guide. These Zucchini Chickpea Burgers are ideal for first-time plant-based cooks.
Crispy Zucchini Casserole in 50 Min
Looking for a tasty Zucchini Casserole? This version uses a Panko topping for a golden crust and includes a step-by-step cooking guide for beginners.
Zucchini Noodle Primavera in 25 Minutes
A bright, lemon-garlic meal is the result of this Zucchini Noodle Primavera. Check the quick recipe specs for a healthy Pasta Primavera alternative.
Zucchini Tomato Basil for 4 Servings
Cherry tomatoes and garlic highlight this Zucchini Tomato Basil. Learn why the method works for healthy zucchini side dishes in 30 minutes.
Quick Baked Zucchini in 22 Minutes
Ready in 22 minutes, this Quick Baked Zucchini is a fast side. The section Why This Method Works explains how to get crisp edges without the mush.
Lemon Garlic Zucchini in 15 Minutes
Learn the high-heat sear in our why this method works section. This Lemon Garlic Zucchini is ideal for anyone seeking healthy zucchini side dishes.
Mediterranean Zucchini Casserole for 6
Briny and golden Mediterranean Zucchini Casserole. Includes a What Makes This Work section to prevent wateriness. Ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Turkey Stuffed Zucchini in 30 Minutes
Fry the zucchini insides first to ensure this Turkey Stuffed Zucchini stays firm. Our guide includes a simple walkthrough on how to make it in 30 minutes.
Baked Zucchini Noodles with Parmesan
Baked Zucchini Noodles with a salty Parmesan crust that won't get watery on your pan. Includes a guide on what each ingredient does. Ready in 42 minutes.
Parmesan Zucchini Bites in 17 Minutes
Zucchini often turns into a mushy mess. These Parmesan Zucchini Bites stay crisp with high heat, and this guide includes quick recipe specs for success.
Zucchini Chocolate Chip Bread: Tender
Bake Healthy Zucchini Chocolate Chip Bread in 65 minutes. Enjoy this wholesome recipe and use the ingredient purpose table to customize your loaf.
Zucchini Noodles Pesto in 15 Minutes
Ready in 15 minutes, Zucchini Noodles Pesto. This zucchini pasta recipe includes a guide for fixing common zoodle issues to prevent a watery meal.
Healthy Zucchini Cake with Applesauce
Healthy Zucchini Cake for a moist, refined sugar-free treat. It includes a substitute table to help you customize. Ready in just 50 minutes.
Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef
Ground beef, garlic, and onion create this savory Zucchini Casserole. Learn why this version works to prevent a soggy bottom in 45 minutes.
Zucchini Noodles Chicken in 25 Minutes
Bright and zesty Zucchini Noodles Chicken with lemon butter. This recipe includes a guide on ingredient roles. A fresh choice for weeknight dinner.
Zucchini Fritters with Almond Flour
Zucchini Fritters that stay crisp and golden. See our guide on what goes into the bowl to avoid soggy vegetable cakes. Ready in just 25 minutes.
Zucchini Fritters in 30 Minutes
Grated zucchini, Parmesan, and egg make these Zucchini Fritters. This guide includes a Making the Fritters section and takes 30 minutes in total.
Stuffed Zucchini with Quinoa and Feta
Ready in 50 minutes, these Stuffed Zucchini are a hit. Learn why these boats stay firm for a crisp texture in our Zucchini Boats Vegetarian guide.
Sheet Pan Zucchini with Squash
Sheet Pan Zucchini made with high heat to ensure a crispy finish. Learn why this method actually works to prevent mushy vegetables. Ready in 25 minutes.
Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan for 4
Want a light side? How do you make Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan? Get a salty golden crust using our guide and a handy ingredient substitution table.