a graphic with the words 'Foods that start with Z' and a photos of a variety of foods. - 1 a graphic with the words 'Foods that start with Z' and a photos of a variety of foods. - 2

Discover 50 zesty and mouthwatering foods that start with Z, from zucchini to zabaglione, in this tantalizing culinary journey!

a selection of foods that start with Z with a white background - 3

in this article:

  • Fruits ?
  • Vegetables ?
  • Spices and Condiments ?
  • Meats and Seafood ??
  • International Delights ?
  • Sweets and Treats ?
  • Beverages ?
  • Grains and Legumes ?
  • Snacks and Treats?
  • Dairy and Dairy Alternatives ?
  • Baked Goods ?

In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 50 delectable foods, divided into easily digestible sections for your convenience. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with an array of mouthwatering options!

Fruits ?

roasted sliced zucchini in a pan - 4

Roasted Zucchini

  • Zucchini: A versatile summer squash (considered a fruit) that can be grilled, sautéed, or used in baked goods. Looking for a recipe? Try Roasted Zucchini , Zucchini Pasta , or Zucchini Soup !
  • Zante currants: Small, sweet, seedless grapes often used in baking and desserts.
  • Zaboca: A Caribbean term for avocado, often enjoyed in guacamole or sliced on sandwiches. If you’re a fan, try our Tomato Avocado Salad , easy Guacamole , or Guacamole Toast !

Vegetables ?

two whole zebra tomatoes with one cut in half on a white table - 5

zebra tomatoes

  • Zebra tomatoes: Striped heirloom tomatoes are known for their unique appearance and robust flavor. These would be great to use for making Fresh Tomato Sauce .
  • Zisary: Also known as roselle or sorrel, these tart leaves are used to make refreshing teas and infusions.
  • Zambian greens: Similar to collard greens, leafy vegetables are commonly consumed in Zambian cuisine.
  • Zucchini blossoms: Delicate and edible flowers often stuffed or used in salads.
  • Zucchini noodles: Also known as zoodles, these spiralized zucchini strands make a healthy pasta substitute. They’d be great to use with Alfredo Sauce , with Shrimp Scampi or alongside Panko Chicken .

Spices and Condiments ?

three key lime cupcakes on a plate decorated with a slice of lime and lime zest. - 6

key lime cupcakes made with lime zest

  • Za’atar: A Middle Eastern spice blend consisting of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and other herbs.
  • Zest: The outermost layer of citrus fruit peel, often used to add vibrant flavor to dishes. Citrus zest is great in both savory and sweet dishes such as Lemon and Shrimp Risotto or Orange Cake .
  • Zhenjiang vinegar: A dark, aromatic vinegar originating from China, perfect for dipping sauces and marinades. Use it to brighten sauces such as Chinese Chicken and Broccoli or Miso Chicken .
  • Zingiber: Commonly known as ginger, a versatile spice used in sweet and savory recipes. You can use this in a variety of ways, such as Sticky Toffee Ginger Cakes or Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry .

Meats and Seafood ??

breaded fish frying in a pan - 7

Pan Fried Zander

  • Zander: A freshwater fish similar to perch, often grilled or pan-fried. Check out our pan-fried fish recipe for an easy way to prepare it!
  • Zebra meat: A rare delicacy consumed in some African countries, with a flavor reminiscent of lean beef.
  • Zampone: A traditional Italian dish made of stuffed pig’s trotter, often served with lentils.

International Delights ?

a plate of Pasta with Eggplant Sauce {Pasta Alla Norma} with a dork laying next to it - 8

Pasta Alla Norma made with ziti

  • Ziti: A type of pasta with a tubular shape, often used in baked dishes or paired with robust sauces. Ziti would be great for Pasta Alla Norma or our Amatriciana Sauce .
  • Zongzi: Sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, commonly eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival in various countries across Asia, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore. They’d be great as a starter for our Dragon Chicken and Fried Rice .
  • Zabadi: A creamy Middle Eastern yogurt, often enjoyed as a dip or in sauces. It would be perfect in our Raspberry Smoothie recipe .
  • Zopf: A Swiss braided bread made with eggs, typically served for breakfast or brunch.
  • Zurek: A traditional Polish sour rye soup made with fermented rye flour. This would be great served with our Homemade Yeast Dinner Rolls .

Sweets and Treats ?

a platter of Zeppole dusted with powdered sugar. - 9

Zeppole

  • Zeppole: Italian pastries, often deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar. These would be amazing with our Homemade Vanilla Ice cream !
  • Zimtsterne: German cinnamon stars, delicate cookies made with ground almonds and cinnamon. They’d be great on a platter with our German Cookie Recipe .
  • Zabaglione: A rich Italian custard dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, and sweet wine.

Beverages ?

Zinfandel wine being poured into a glass with a white background - 10

Zinfandel Wine

  • Zinfandel wine: A popular red wine variety known for its bold flavors and rich aromas.

  • Zabaglione cocktail: A luscious cocktail made with zabaglione custard, sparkling wine, and a touch of liqueur.

  • Zenzero: An Italian ginger-based soda, refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.

  • Zamzam water: A sacred water from the Zamzam well in Mecca, often consumed during Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

Grains and Legumes ?

Zizania wild rice in a wooden bowl - 11

Zizania Rice

  • Zenmai: A type of fern shoot commonly used in Japanese cuisine, often stir-fried or served in salads. It would be great added served with our Miso Chicken .
  • Zeera rice: Fragrant basmati rice cooked with cumin seeds, popular in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. This is perfect for serving with our Tarka Dal .
  • Zizania: Wild rice, native to North America, with a nutty flavor and chewy texture. Wild rice would go great with our Garlic Butter Shrimp or Baked Chicken Legs.

Snacks and Treats?

a pile of crispy Zwieback bread sticks - 12

Zwieback

  • Zwieback: A type of crispy, twice-baked bread or toast, perfect for dunking in tea or coffee.
  • Zeera biscuits: Indian savory biscuits flavored with cumin seeds, great for snacking or accompanying chai.
  • Zebra popcorn: Popcorn coated with alternating layers of dark and white chocolate, resembling a zebra’s stripes.
  • Zesty pretzels: Savory pretzels seasoned with a zesty blend of spices, ideal for snacking.

Dairy and Dairy Alternatives ?

a Sausage and Egg Frittata with peppers and feta cheese - 13

A Sausage and Egg Frittata that can be made using Zamaro cheese

  • Zamaro cheese: A traditional Serbian cheese made from sheep’s milk with a tangy and slightly salty taste. This cheese would be amazing in our Sausage and Egg Frittata !
  • Zabaglione gelato: A creamy Italian ice cream infused with the flavors of zabaglione.
  • Zucchini cheese: A vegan alternative made from zucchini and nutritional yeast, used as a cheese substitute.
  • Zabadi yogurt: A tangy and thick Yemeni-style yogurt, often enjoyed with honey and nuts.

Baked Goods ?

a slice of striped zebra cake on a plate - 14

Zebra Cake

  • Zebra cake: A visually striking marble cake with alternating vanilla and chocolate layers. You could easily alter our marble cake recipe to create a beautiful zebra effect.
  • Zephyr cake: A light, fluffy dessert cake made with whipped cream and fruit.
  • Zopf bread: A Swiss braided bread, traditionally eaten on Sundays or special occasions.
  • Zwiebelkuchen: A German onion pie with a savory filling and a flaky crust.
  • Za’atar bread: Middle Eastern flatbread topped with a flavorful blend of za’atar spices.
  • Zebra cake pops: Adorable bite-sized cake pops with a marbled appearance, perfect for parties.

From zucchini to zander, zabaglione to zephyr cake, the world of foods that start with the letter Z is teeming with diverse flavors and culinary wonders. Whether you’re craving something savory or have a sweet tooth, these 50 delightful options offer a variety of dishes and ingredients to explore. So, embark on this gastronomic journey, try new recipes, and embrace the zestful delights that the letter Z has to offer. Happy tasting!