Zucchini and summer squash star in these substantial side-dish recipes both as a team and on their own.

For a fast, flavorful side, try this saute of summer staples and store-bought curry. Along with adding flavor, a healthy dose of olive oil helps the body better absorb nutrients from these veggies.

Cut carbs and leave the table feeling a little lighter by replacing spaghetti noodles with thinly sliced zucchini strips.

Vegetables with a high water content like zucchini and summer squash cook beautifully on the grill; the dry heat evaporates the water and allows them to brown easily.

One of nature's most nutritious foods, quinoa is loaded with carbohydrates, fiber, and protein, and it has a wonderful nutty flavor.

This is based on traditional panzanella -- an Italian bread salad -- but features grilled vegetables with more intense flavor. Soak wooden skewers 15 minutes in water before threading them.

Marjoram, with its hint of balsam, complements mild yellow and green summer squash in this simple crustless zucchini pie. It is topped by tomato slices and low-fat feta cheese, a lean choice. If yellow zucchini are unavailable, use all green zucchini.

Ensconced in each of these savory cornmeal tartlets is a bounty of vegetables, including zucchini.