Zucchini Bread

I can't believe that I got all the way to August before I made Zucchini Bread.  This is a good version of the recipe because it uses olive oil, and less of it than some recipes.  I use the Mediterranean Blend from Costco, which has a milder flavor than olive oil, and it is also a bit less expensive.


1 ½-2 cups grated zucchini

⅔ cup brown sugar

⅓ cup olive oil              

⅓ cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt 

1 teaspoon baking powder              

1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)              

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8-inch loaf pan.

1. In a large bowl, use a rubber spatula to mix together the grated zucchini, sugar, olive oil, yogurt, eggs and vanilla extract.
2. Whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, lemon zest and spices in a separate bowl. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Fold in the walnuts if using.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 40 to 55 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking. The bread will be done when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
4. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove the bread from the pan and cool on a rack completely before cutting and serving.