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Healthier snacks result in a healthier and thinner body. We can reduce or even eliminate potato chips and the like from our diet by making better choices. Most homemade chips end up being much less expensive and add vitamins and nutrients that commercial snacks do not offer.

A current rage is kale chips. I have tried them, and tried them, and tried them. I just cannot like them, no matter how they are seasoned. One website even had a recipe for massaged kale chips. Excuse me? If I cannot get a massage, a vegetable is certainly not getting one from me!

But I have found that other vegetables make delicious chips and take only minutes to prepare. One is zucchini. Summer squash can be used in the same manner. I added one to the dehydrator as an example. So move over, kale! Zucchini is the new chip king.

Cook Time

Ingredients

• 4–6 Zucchini, the larger, the better
• 1 Tbl Olive Oil
• 1 Tsp Vinegar, Cider or Balsamic
• Salt, to taste

1. Wash zucchini and slice about 1/4 inch thick. A mandolin works great to maintain uniform thickness. (Bigger ones work better because they shrink so much.) Place in large bowl.
2. Pour in olive oil, mix with hands to coat every slice of zucchini. Using a bag to shake it does not work as well.
3. Pour in vinegar and mix in well using hands.
4. Place zucchini slices on dehydrator try, just barely touching. Sprinkle with salt.
5. Dehydrate until firm and crisp. Timing will vary with each batch due to moisture in the air and the individual dehydrator used. I usually leave mine overnight and they are done in the morning.

Options

Sprinkle chips with:

• Cooking spray instead of oil
• Onion or garlic powder
• Red Pepper
• Ranch Dressing (out of the package that makes dip)
• Celery salt
• Your favorite seasoning

I used balsamic vinegar this time. It makes the chips darker but gives a richer and sweeter flavor to the chips. Also, I usually use cooking spray to add a touch of oil which reduces calories. Sometimes we need to splurge though, and the spoonful of oil was good for the entire batch.

Questions & Answers

Question: Could one blend cashew, jalapeno, and olive oil or a flavorful dressing and then coat kale chips with this mixture before dehydrating?

Answer: Yes, that is a great idea. That makes me think about ranch dressing, onion and garlic powder, and many more seasonings. Thanks for the suggestions.

© 2012 Brenda Barnes

Comments

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on May 12, 2017:

Thank you Lena. We still love, love these as a snack or even a meal. Your zucchini and you will be very happy. Thanks for stopping by.

Lena Durante from San Francisco Bay Area on May 02, 2017:

Your photos are completely mouthwatering. I will be trying this as soon as my zucchini is ready to be harvested!

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 24, 2014:

Hello idamarie. They sure are delicious. God created food for us to be tasty and nutritious.

idamarie on July 22, 2014:

I used the zucchini that had grown to large to have much flavor. So I sliced them as thin as possible with my large knife. Then added seasonings such as salt and garlic powder...even chili seasoning. They were delicious.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on May 20, 2014:

You are welcome. This is one of my family's favorite treats.

Susie Lehto from Minnesota on May 19, 2014:

Thank you for sharing this healthy zucchini chips recipe.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on August 22, 2013:

Hi Moon Daisy. I actually wrote a modern day fairy tale about that. It is called How Princess Hyphenbird Got Her Name. I will see if it is still published here on HubPages. How did the chips turn out?

Moon Daisy from London on August 19, 2013:

Thank you. :) Your name is lovely too. I'd love to know the origin of Hyphenbird.

And thanks for the advice. They are in the oven now!

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on August 16, 2013:

Hello Moon Daisy. I love your name. In an over that is 250 F, it should take about an hour. Check every 15 minutes. For the first 15, minutes leave the door cracked so steam and moisture can escape. These are SO good. You will be hooked. We are! Thanks for stopping to comment.

Moon Daisy from London on August 14, 2013:

Hi Hyphenbird, I've just revisited this page after a long time, so apologies that I didn't see your reply before.

I have some zucchinis in my fridge, (we call them courgettes), so I'm going to try it out! You say that you can also make them in a low-temperature oven. Could you please give me an idea of how long they might take to cook like this?

Thanks. :)

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on August 14, 2013:

Hi Peggy. Get another dehydrator. We make green bean crisps and all sorts of snacks. These zucchini are always a favorite. Thank you for pinning this. I appreciate that very much.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on August 12, 2013:

I had a dehydrator many years ago that I purchased in a garage sale and rarely used it so got rid of it. Now I wish I had it back! May have to look around and see if I cannot get one as you suggested in a thrift shop or may check Amazon for their pricing. This looks like such a great idea! Going to pin this to my Vegetables and veggie dishes board so that it is bookmarked. Thanks!

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 16, 2013:

I don't think there is a print button Pearlann. Do a copy and paste then remove the images might be the only way. Thanks for stopping my.

Pearlann on July 16, 2013:

Hello:

how do I print the recipes?

FullOfLoveSites from United States on May 20, 2013:

The chips in the picture look so divinely crispy and tasty. Might attempt to try your recipe. I'm also tiring of the fries, which are unhealthy anyway. Thanks for posting! Up and useful. :)

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on May 14, 2013:

Hi Rose. These are O good. Every time I come here to answer a comment, I get the craving all over again, I am so pleased you stopped by to share such wonderful memories with us.

rose-the planner from Toronto, Ontario-Canada on May 03, 2013:

When I was a kid my parents had a rather large vegetable garden in the backyard. Besides other veggies, they grew quite a bit of zucchini. I remember my mom would cut them into very thin slices them very and let them dry. She would use them in salads or stir fried with olive oil and garlic. They were sooooo delicious! Thanks for sharing.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on March 17, 2013:

I add onion or garlic powder, sometimes both. They are good sprinkled with any dried herbs. I have never purchased pre-made ones. I know they would be good but are too expensive for me. I can make them at home for a fraction of the cost. Experiment until you find that perfect flavor you love.

Debbie on March 17, 2013:

Did you add any seasoning when you dehydrated the vegetables? I want my green beans to taste like the ones they sell at "The Fresh Market". I plan to blanch them, and spray olive oil on them and then Tony's seasoning? Any thoughts or other suggestions?

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on February 12, 2013:

Yes you can rumanasiyed. Your husband might like these. They really are great and the texture pleases many people. It is worth a try. Thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate the visit and great comments.

Rumana from Sharjah, UAE on February 05, 2013:

I like zucchini but because my husband don't like it, I don't make any dish with it. But I can surely have chips :)

Voted up useful!!!

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on October 30, 2012:

Hi sgbrown. These are my very favorite snack food. It is easy to make and so delicious. I may have to make some this winter with store bought squash but it won't be the same as bringing in a big armful of garden squash will it? Thanks for pinning the recipe.

Sheila Brown from Southern Oklahoma on October 28, 2012:

This looks like a great snack, healthy and delicious! I wish I had found this when we still had squash in the garden. I am pinning this and will definitely give this a try next summer! Voting up and useful! :)

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on August 30, 2012:

theclevercat (I love that name), these are fabulous and addicting. I love them. Thanks for checking out the Hub. I will come by and look at your profile. Thank you very much.

Rachel Vega from Massachusetts on August 30, 2012:

Mmmm, these look great! Terrific and quick recipe, one I never would have thought of. Voted up and useful. Thanks!

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on August 30, 2012:

Sunnie Day, these have become my favorite snack. I don't know what I will do this winter. I eat them as fast as I make them. sigh

Thanks for dropping by. I hope you try these healthy snacks.

Sunnie Day on August 30, 2012:

Yummy Yummy Yummy..Thank you Hyph..looks so good..

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on August 16, 2012:

Belenda, I actually am experimenting right now to make green bean crisps. I made a batch and it didn't work so I am going to blanch them and see what happen. Keep checking back. As soon as I have success, I will publish the Hub. Thanks for the input.

Belenda on August 14, 2012:

I'm trying to find a recipe to dehydrate vericot vert green beans as a snack. I've bought them at Trader Joe's, but, know there has to be a way to make my own. Any thoughts?

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on August 07, 2012:

PegCole17, you must get that dehydrator. I actually invented this salt and vinegar recipe although zucchini chips are probably all over the web. However you make them just be sure to sprinkle on a bit of salt otherwise they are too bland for some people. I love them any way at all. We also are eating more healthy foods and taking care of our bodies better. After eating dehydrated veggies as a snack I do not care for commercial chips or snacks at all. Thanks for the visit.

Peg Cole from Northeast of Dallas, Texas on August 06, 2012:

This is an omen for sure because I just saw an ad for a food dehydrator at my favorite new food market. What great timing. Our minds must be on the same channel, Ms. Hypenbird. Thank you for the wonderful and delicious sounding recipe for these dehydrated zucchini chips! We are trying to eat better snacks these days. Peg

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on August 06, 2012:

Hi Turtlewoman. The salt and balsamic vinegar zucchini chips are now one of my all time favorite foods. I crave them. I know you will too. Perhaps I should make salt and vinegar kale chips and see if I like them then. I will do that and get back to you soon. Thanks so much for your fun visit.

Kim Lam from California on August 06, 2012:

Just when I thought I was getting bored of eating raw zucchinis, now I have a new way to eat it. Thanks for the great idea. I love my dehydrator and I have so many zucchinis from the garden. :)

PS, I can't believe you don't like kale chips (hehe) but that's ok, you're still awesome! Love your writing style!

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on August 03, 2012:

Thank you Rosemay50. I am determined to be healthy while eating delicious food. These zucchini chips remain my favorite snack. Thanks for coming by.

Rosemary Sadler from Hawkes Bay - NewZealand on August 02, 2012:

5 stars Hyphen, you come up with the most incredible healthy recipes.

How long would these keep for.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on August 02, 2012:

teaches, out of everything I have tried these main my favorite. I am going to make a bunch and put them in those sealed bags. Then we can enjoy the great taste of summer when winter is upon us. Thanks for always checking out my Hubs.

Dianna Mendez on August 01, 2012:

Voted up for the originality and unique recipe idea. Wow! I love zucchini and squash and this is a good way to enjoy them even longer.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on August 01, 2012:

mckbirdbks, when the neighbors pretend not to be home squash is in season. The only way to mess these up is to take them out before the moisture is gone. Other than that, enjoy!

mckbirdbks from Emerald Wells, Just off the crossroads,Texas on August 01, 2012:

This looks like something worth trying. There is always more squash than we can eat, and even the neighbors are turning them away. So, this is something that I can try (and not mess up). Check list. Squash- yes, dehydrator, yes- we are good to go. Thanks.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on August 01, 2012:

olbizz, indeed you can. Every child who has tried these loved them. Thanks for coming by.

dmsintexas, I have made banana chips and have a Hub on the subject. I have decided to use fruitfresh on them next time though. Maybe you didn't leave them long enough. Patience is hard to come by when the house smells like bananas. lol

dmsintexas on August 01, 2012:

I like the Hub! Ever tried dehydrating bananas? If so I would love to see a Hub on the topic. My attempt was a total failure :)

olbizz from Philippines on August 01, 2012:

Great idea.. This can be a way to trick my nieces...

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on August 01, 2012:

tirelesstraveler, thank you for letting me know you made these. They really are addictive. It is hard for me not to grab some as they dry also. We have eaten what I made the other day so I put more on last night. At least they are low calorie and healthful, not like regular snacks. We can eat all we want! Thanks again. You made my day.

Alastar, try them and I promise you will also be addicted to these great chips. The olive oil adds health benefits too. You are right about time. Dehydrating takes a very longtime. It is not for the person without patience. But I am training my followers and myself to wait like a monk! Thanks for coming by.

Alastar Packer from North Carolina on August 01, 2012:

Love the zucchini chips idea Hyph- healthy olive in the mix too. That sure seems a long cook time lol. Up n useful for sure!

Judy Specht from California on July 31, 2012:

They were delicious. I kept sampling while they were dehydrating; it's amazing any made it to the end of the drying, they were so good.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 31, 2012:

I knew not to trust that fat little white fellow! Grrrr

These are very good and I hope you do make them. Thanks, Hyph.

Maria Jordan from Jeffersonville PA on July 31, 2012:

Oh my gosh, I just caught Monsieur Doughboy giving a massage to a bunch of kale chips... Just sayin!

The zucchini chips look really appealing, Hyph! Will have to give them a try. Fabulous work... Voted UP and across the board. Hugs, Maria

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 31, 2012:

Mz Quene Bee, your name is so adorable and uniquely spelled. I laughed at your comment. I am the same way about my little boy. We can hope they get used to the taste of healthful food and learn to dislike the junk foods. Thanks for the visit and comments.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 31, 2012:

Lucky Cats how lovely to see you today. I know about those zucchini and squash plants. They produce amazing offspring. I have continued to experiment with flavors and intend to try a dill pickle flavor. That should be good. But wait until you see my next creation. I am SO excited about it and it may just be better than these. Thanks for coming by.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 31, 2012:

Frank you were just a little impatient at first. I was too. Thanks for the update and the laugh.

Aquene from Charlotte, North Carolina on July 31, 2012:

These sound soooo yummy!! Thanks for sharing the recipe!! I will definitely be trying these soon as I'm always looking for ways to feed my family healthy foods no matter how hard they protest :)

Kathy from The beautiful Napa Valley, California on July 31, 2012:

Hyphenbird, this looks absolutely scrumptuous! And, just in time!! My three (oh, please tell me...WHY did I plant THREE!!??) zucchini plants are starting to produce and, well; we all know how this goes. These are fantastic. I LOVE fried zucchini..dipped in any number of yummy sauces or just w/salt & pepper. And CHIPS! I've never done it this way...can't wait to try. Oh, I think I'll run out and pick one RIGHT NOW! UP Useful Interesting Awesome and DECLICIOUS!

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on July 31, 2012:

LOL never mind Master.. my sister tried this and they came out perfect she followed your hub to the letter and she calls me a basketcase..

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 31, 2012:

Thanks always exploring. These would be great crumpled on top of a salad. yum.

Mhatter99, it is my pleasure to help people get healthier while loving delicious food.

Hi Movie Master. They are addictive, I know that!

Frank, you just didn't leave them long enough. Dehydrating food is a lesson in patience for me. Leave them a couple more hours and they will crisp up. We like them crispy. Chewy doesn't satisfy me when I want a chip. Patience young Jedi.....

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on July 31, 2012:

H.. I tried it last night but something went wrong.. they weren't crispy.. kind of soft.. but still tasted good and I didn't go 12 hours.. just went in fact I went a whole lot less.. error?

Movie Master from United Kingdom on July 31, 2012:

I bet these are delicious, I love the idea of the zucchini chip - thank you!

Martin Kloess from San Francisco on July 30, 2012:

Thank you for sharing this delicious and healthy recipe

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on July 30, 2012:

Well aren't you the smart one..I've never done this. I bake zucchini cakes and use them in my salads. I will try making them in the low temp. oven. Thank you. You have great recipes..

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

Moon Daisy, what a lovely name you have. A dehydrator has trays with many vents. It operates at a very low heat and removes moisture from foods. Then they can be stored for years when properly packaged. Certain ones can be eaten dry like these chips or re-hydrated with water. A person can make these in a regular oven at a low temp of about 150 degrees (F). I hope you try these. they are fantastic. Thanks for dropping by.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

kashmir56, thank you kindly my friend. We have just fallen in love with these chips. The variety of seasonings is limitless. Thanks for checking out the recipe.

Moon Daisy from London on July 30, 2012:

Thanks for this recipe, they look lovely. But what is a dehydrator? And can you make them any other way, if you don't have one??

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

tirelesstraveler, I hope you me back to let us know how much you love them. Monsieur and I are happy to provide inspiration.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

Hello techygran. Thank you. I do believe you are indeed meant to have these. You will love them. We are addicted. I think we can pin Hubs. I know we are encouraged to use Pinterest so it should be fine. I appreciate that. Dried peaches sound god too. They are so sweet and good this tear. Thanks for the visit.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

aviannovice, I will as soon as I get one. I have some yummy ideas in min Thanks so much. Hyph

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

Hi Frank Atanacio. Thanks for the stars. I am going to be so healthy I will be a little old lady writer at age 105. laugh

Thomas Silvia from Massachusetts on July 30, 2012:

Hi my friend this is such a great recipe and a very healthy snack has well, well done !

Vote up and more !!!

Jason Menayan from San Francisco on July 30, 2012:

OK, I look forward to trying this out! I like the seasoning suggestions you've provided, and I think I'll let them sit out to dry more so they get crispy, too.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

suzettenaples, it is an undervalued way of preparing food. These zucchini chips are one of my favorites. Try them please and the kale which is very healthful. Most people love them also. Monsieur really creates recipes so he can fill his little white fat tummy but since we all benefit, I allow him free rein.

Judy Specht from California on July 30, 2012:

When I read" Zucchini chips" I thought ewe. Well there is a mega zucchini sitting on the counter that will be in the dehydrator in about 30 minutes. Nice.

Cynthia Zirkwitz from Vancouver Island, Canada on July 30, 2012:

Hyphenbird, I just came on to HB and there was your amazing hub about zucchini chips! I'm meant to make these! I have zucchini in my garden, a sharp knife, all the other makings (including the yummy sauce I use for my kale chips) and the dehydrator is all fired up drying up another batch of peaches today-- so, thank you!! Voted up and awesome and pinned at /healthiacynthia! (oops-- no pinning allowed???)

Deb Hirt from Stillwater, OK on July 30, 2012:

I love yellow squash and zucchini, pretty much a vegetarian. See what you can come up with eggplant.

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on July 30, 2012:

HYphen had to give you a five star this is another one I have to do bless you :)

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

healthylife2, I have read ecstatic reviews about kale chips but they just are not for me. The zucchini and squash chips have a natural sweetness that is brought out during the drying process.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

mismazda, I hope you do try these. They are addictive but healthy. Thanks for coming by.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

Surf Wise, thank you kindly.

Suzette Walker from Taos, NM on July 30, 2012:

I don't have a hydrator, but a friend of mine does and veggies done in them are delicious. I've never had kale; I'm going to have to try some someday. Your recipe sounds delicious and I think these hydrators are great for making treats such as these chips. Another great food idea from Monsieur and your kitchen. Thanks, Hyphen

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

VirginiaLynne, this is the perfect time while zucchini and squash are running all over the garden. Making your own is SO inexpensive so you ca neat more!

healthylife2 on July 30, 2012:

I keep looking at the kale chips but can't convince myself to try them.Great hub...these seem like a much better alternative.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

livelonger, they are chewy if you take them out as soon as they are dehydrated. Allow them to stay a few extra hours for crunch. We love crunch and allow them to crisp up. Yum. Thanks so much. HB

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

Brainy Bunny, you are smart so I know you will make the right decision. Ts for hopping by this recipe hub.

mismazda from a southern georgia peach on July 30, 2012:

Great hub, I need to eat more healthy foods as well as my entire family..this is a great health snack that I am considering trying....

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

RTalloni, any time is a good time. laugh Remember though, these take about 12 hours to dry so the dedicated snacker must plan ahead. Thanks so much. It is nice to see you.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

Lynn S. Murphy, you are right. Store bought dried foods are expensive and often has chemical preservatives. These are natural and very inexpensive. I hope you try them. They are so easy to make. Thanks for stopping by.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

Just Ask Susan, yes you need one. Check out the local thrift stores for a good price on one. I am busy dehydrating all kinds of food and storing it properly. If the power is out, we can just add water and eat like kings. That is what we feel like when we eat these zucchini chips. They really are delicious.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

whalefeather2, they are wonderful. One can eat as much one desires because they have so few calories. The flavor options are truly endless. Thanks for stopping by. It is great to meet you.

Brenda Barnes (author) from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 30, 2012:

ThisisShe (love the name), I really have tried to eat kale chips. So has my little boy but we just cannot like them. But these zucchini chips are amazing. Look around thrift stores for a dehydrator. I found mine for only one dollar at a resale store that was going out of business. I see them at thrift stores for less than $10 often. It is so nice to meet you. I will go over and check out your profile.

Surf Wise from Carolina Beach, North Carolina on July 30, 2012:

Very nice.

Virginia Kearney from United States on July 30, 2012:

Thanks for this great idea. I'm addicted to the dried veggetables at my local market. I don't know why I never thought of making my own. I already have a dehydrator. I will try some today!

Jason Menayan from San Francisco on July 30, 2012:

Interesting, I will have to give this a try. Do they end up crunchy or a bit chewy?

Brainy Bunny from Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania on July 30, 2012:

Looks delish! I may have to get a dehydrator, too.

RTalloni on July 30, 2012:

Yum--yhat a great snack food this will be! Thanks very much--perfect timing. :)

Lynn S. Murphy on July 30, 2012:

This is interesting. I like zucchini and squash and this is a great alternative especially to store bought which has tons of other not-so-good-stuff in them.

Susan Zutautas from Ontario, Canada on July 30, 2012:

Okay okay I have to get a dehydrator now. This is the second one of your recipes that I know I'd love.

whalefeather2 on July 30, 2012:

These look really good. I will be trying them.

ThisisShe on July 30, 2012:

These look so yummy. I am a huge fan of kale chips and any potato alternative, especially for my DD, whom I do not allow to eat white potatoes. I do not have a dehydrator, but you are certainly tempting me to get one!