Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for zucchini
Best swap for zucchini: Yellow squash, 1:1; nearly identical.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Zucchini?
The best swap for Zucchini is Yellow Squash, 1:1; nearly identical. Another option is Eggplant, 1:1; denser, salt and press first to draw moisture. A third option is Pattypan Squash, 1:1 by weight; the same summer squash in a different shape, so it cooks the same way. The table below also lists Chayote and Cucumber, 5 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Yellow squash | 1:1; nearly identical |
| Eggplant | 1:1; denser, salt and press first to draw moisture |
| Pattypan squash | 1:1 by weight; the same summer squash in a different shape, so it cooks the same way |
| Chayote | peeled, 1:1 by weight; firmer and very mild, and it holds its shape better in a long cook |
| Cucumber | 1:1 raw only, in salads and ribbon noodles; it collapses if cooked |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.
Buying more? Storage times for zucchini