summer recipes Archives – Sam Does Her Best

3-Ingredient Piña Coladas (NO added sugar!)

This easy piña colada recipe is made with just 3 ingredients – frozen pineapple, coconut milk, and light rum – blended into the most refreshing, tropical frozen cocktail with NO added sugar! It comes together in just 5 minutes, makes a whole pitcher, and tastes exactly like the piña colada you'd order on a beach vacation. If you're looking for an easy, healthier piña colada recipe that's perfect for summer parties, this is the one to make this weekend!

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3-Ingredient Mango Margaritas

These mango margaritas are made with just 3 ingredients – frozen mango, tequila, and fresh lime juice – blended into the most refreshing, naturally sweet frozen cocktail you'll crave all summer! No added sugar, no triple sec, no complicated steps – just two minutes, three ingredients, and you've got a whole pitcher ready to go. If you're looking for an easy mango margarita recipe that's as easy as it is delicious, this is the one to make this weekend!

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two frozen watermelon margaritas with limes on the side.

3-Ingredient Frozen Watermelon Margaritas

These watermelon margaritas will be your new favorite summertime cocktail! With just three ingredients and a blender, you'll have the most delicious and refreshing frozen drink. Frozen watermelon, lime juice, and a splash (or two) of good quality tequila come together to make this best-ever, easy summer cocktail!

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frozen daiquiri with fresh limes on the side.

Mom’s BEST Frozen Daiquiri

Cool and refreshing frozen daiquiris, with a secret ingredient! My Mom's famous recipe for this best EVER frozen cocktail. Just four ingredients, perfectly sweet, and totally delicious.

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Sunset Spritz Mocktail

Light and refreshing sunset spritz mocktail! Fresh blueberries and pineapples, with a hint of lime, and plenty of bubbles. This sunset spritz mocktail is so tasty, you won't even miss the alcohol!

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Mom’s Watermelon Paloma

This easy watermelon paloma recipe was developed by none other than my Mom! Consider her our resident bartender, and the only person I trust to make a really REALLY good drink. With fresh watermelon juice, a splash of lime, and a fizzy finish, this watermelon paloma will become your go-to summer cocktail!

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Skinny Strawberry Margarita

A lighter, but just as delicious skinny strawberry margarita! Shake up one of these ice cold cocktails at your next Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, or summer party. Made with fresh-squeezed juice, good quality tequila, and fresh strawberries for an incredibly light and refreshing cocktail!

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Pineapple margarita in a glass with a pineapple slice on the side.

4-Ingredient Pineapple Margarita

There are few things as good as an ice cold pineapple margarita! Shake up one of these fruity, but not-too-sweet drinks with just 4 ingredients. Best enjoyed on a hot summer day or at your next party!

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The Perfect Aperol Spritz

The BEST summertime (or anytime!) cocktail – cool and refreshing Aperol spritz! Bubbly, citrusy, and never too sweet. Just three ingredients, and a white wine glass is all you'll need to make this delicious drink.

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spicy margarita mocktail in a glass with a spicy tajin rim and a lime slice on top.

Spicy Margarita Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)

This Spicy Margarita Mocktail is a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink made with fresh jalapeño, lime juice, and a splash of orange. It’s light, zesty, and perfect for hot summer days or your next mocktail happy hour. Made with just 5 simple ingredients and no alcohol, it's an easy, flavorful twist on the classic margarita!

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Every summer my dad grows the most incredible garden, and every summer he has a massive amount of zucchini! So while I love using his homegrown blueberries in my blueberry muddy buddies (don’t knock it ’til ya try it!) and strawberries in my gluten-free strawberry shortcake, I needed to figure out a way to use up the giant zucchinis he sends me home with every time I visit. A few summers ago I started making gluten-free zucchini bread, which is totally delicious, but this year I was craving BROWNIES!

My criteria for these healthy zucchini brownies was they had to be rich, fudgy, and just as delicious as any other brownie despite the hidden veggies. They also needed to be easy to make – one bowl, just a few ingredients, and simple steps. After a few tests this spring, I finally nailed the PERFECT healthy zucchini brownies recipe that’s totally gluten-free, dairy-free, and even refined sugar-free! So if you’re drowning in zucchini like I am, or just looking for a healthier dessert recipe this summer, you gotta give these brownies a try. Trust me, everyone (even my toddler!) loves ’em!

one healthy zucchini brownie stacked on top of another.

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Zucchini Brownies

Secretly mighty: Shredded zucchini brings irresistible moisture and a veggie boost – no one will guess!
One-bowl wonder: Mix, bake, and enjoy with minimal cleanup and zero fuss.
Healthier indulgence: Naturally sweetened, gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with wholesome fat and fiber!

What Makes This Recipe Healthy

Hidden nutrition: Loads of zucchini add moisture, plus essential vitamins and nutrients.
Smarter sweeteners: Maple syrup replaces refined sugars, offering a lower glycemic profile!
Gluten-free: Use oat flour or a high-quality gluten-free blend for a naturally inclusive dessert.

3 healthy gluten-free zucchini brownies staked on top of each other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use almond flour instead of oat flour?
Yes! Almond flour works beautifully, though the texture may change slightly.
How do I store these brownies?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days, or refrigerate for up to one week.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the egg with a flax egg (1 Tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 Tbsp water) and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

Dry it right: Wrap shredded zucchini in a towel to remove excess moisture – this keeps the brownies from turning out mushy.
Oven finesse: The brownies are best pulled when the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
Flavor fun: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top or stir in chopped walnuts for a textured twist.

5 from 1 vote

Healthy Gluten-Free Zucchini Brownies

These healthy gluten-free zucchini brownies are rich, fudgy, and secretly packed with shredded zucchini for a boost of hidden veggies! Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and made in just one bowl, they’re a deliciously easy dessert that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.

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Prep Time: 10

Servings: servings

Equipment

1 large bowl
1 9×9-inch baking pan

Ingredients

2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup olive oil or any vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup oat flour or all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line an 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Wrap the zucchini in a dish cloth and squeeze to release as much excess moisture from the zucchini as possible, then transfer the shredded zucchini to a large bowl.
Add in the maple syrup, olive oil, large egg, and vanilla extract, then mix until everything is fully combined.
Next, add in the oat flour or all purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and baking soda. Mix again until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the brownie batter.
Fold the chocolate chips into the batter, then transfer the batter to your prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the brownies are just set in the middle them remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing into squares.

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Nutrition

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