Canned Zucchini

Prep: 240 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

A tangy, savory canned zucchini relish with onions and bell peppers, perfect for adding zest to sandwiches, salads, or as a side dish for gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 10 c. ground, peeled zucchini
  • 5 onions, ground
  • 4 Tbsp. canning salt (not iodized)
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 1/2 c. plain red vinegar (apple cider vinegar)
  • 5 c. sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard
  • 1 Tbsp. turmeric
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 2 tsp. celery seed

Instructions

  1. Grind zucchini and onions in a food processor and mix with canning salt.
  2. Let stand overnight.
  3. Next day, drain and squeeze dry.
  4. Mix all ingredients with drained zucchini.
  5. Cook for 15 minutes.
  6. Pack into jars.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use fresh, firm zucchini to ensure a good texture. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of onions or add a bit of grated carrot for sweetness. You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar if needed, but the flavor will differ slightly. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can also give it a nice kick.

Serving Suggestions

This canned zucchini is delicious as a side dish or as a topping for grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Best Ever Banana Split Cake for dessert. Serve it alongside crusty bread or over rice for a light meal. It also makes a great addition to salads or as a sandwich filling.

Storage & Reheating

Store the canned zucchini in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Canned Zucchini contains roughly 1925 calories, with 24g protein, 364g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (211% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value), and iron (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1279mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).

1925 kcal 96% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 24.3g 49% DV
Total Fat 44.8g 57% DV
Carbs 363.6g 100% DV
Fiber 32.5g 100% DV
Sugar 16.2g 32% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1278.6mg 56% DV
Potassium 1884.8mg 40% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 21mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 189.6mg 100% DV
Calcium 265.5mg 20% DV
Iron 10.7mg 60% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

While fresh zucchini is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen zucchini if thawed and well-drained. However, the final product may have a softer texture than when using fresh zucchini.

How long can I keep the canned zucchini?

If properly canned and stored in a cool, dark place, the canned zucchini can last for up to a year. However, for the best flavor and quality, it's best to consume it within six months.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the canned zucchini?

Yes, you can modify the sugar amount based on your taste preference. If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the sugar to your liking. Alternatively, using a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup can also be an option.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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