Flavored with basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, this savory zucchini bread is easy to make and a refreshing change from the sweet variety.
A partly-sliced loaf of pesto zucchini bread on a slate serving board with fresh zucchini, basil, and a pepper mill in the background.

The addition of grated zucchini creates the moist, tender texture of this savory quick bread.

Flavored with basil pesto, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, scallions and tangy buttermilk, it can be served as is or lightly toasted with a little butter.

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Savory Pesto Zucchini Bread
4.50 from 2 votes

Savory Pesto-Zucchini Bread

Flavored with basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, this savory zucchini bread is easy to make and a refreshing change from the sweet variety.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 50 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 24 servings (2 loaves)

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb zucchini, coarsely grated (see notes)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons [basil pesto]
  • 2 scallions, finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 3 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
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Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously butter 2 loaf pans (9 x 5 x 3-inches).
  • Wrap the grated zucchini in a double thickness of cheesecloth and wring out the excess liquid (see notes below). Place in a small bowl and set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, olive oil and pesto together until well blended. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. Add the wet ingredients, zucchini and scallions and mix until well blended.
  • Note: The mixture will be stiff – more like a dough than a batter.
  • Divide between the prepared loaf pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes.
  • Cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then turn onto cooling racks.

Notes

About the zucchini:

A half-pound (8 ounces) of zucchini should yield about 1-1/2 cups grated. For best results, use the largest holes on a box grater. Once you squeeze out the majority of the excess liquid, you should be left with about 1 cup.

Nutrition

Calories: 105kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 17mg, Sodium: 241mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Lynne Webb and Erika Pitera, creators of MyGourmetConnection in the kitchen, working on a soup recipe for the website.

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We’re Lynne and Erika, a mother-daughter duo passionate about creating recipes that bring flavor and variety to your kitchen in a simple, approachable way.

4.50 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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1 Comment

  1. This is incredibly tasty, excellent as garnishing for grilled meat with a little yoghurt dip. I can imagine it with soups, as well. It’s indeed savory, with such well-balanced, heartwarming, yet enticing flavors. Definitely a keeper, thank you!