• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Scratch To Basics logo
  • RECIPES
    • Sides & Snacks
    • Dips & Dressings
    • Meals
    • Treats
    • Paleo
    • Gluten Free
    • Dairy Free
  • MEAL PLANNING
    • Recomended Meal Planning Apps
    • Recommended Meal Planning Services
    • Free Meal Planning Templates
  • REAL FOOD
    • Real Food 101
    • Where to Buy Real Food
  • CLEAN BEAUTY
  • BLOG
    • Cooking Tools
    • Gift Ideas
    • Favorite Products
    • Free Masterclass: Save Money Without Feeling Restricted By Your Budget
menu icon
go to homepage
  • RECIPES
  • FAVORITES
  • TIPS & TOOLS
  • PRODUCTS
  • ABOUT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • RECIPES
    • FAVORITES
    • TIPS & TOOLS
    • PRODUCTS
    • ABOUT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Meal Planning

    10 Surprising Vegetables You Can Freeze For Later

    Last updated on May 25, 2021 by Megan Barrett - Leave a Comment

    Some of the links on this site may be affiliate links. This means, at no additional cost to you, I may be paid a small commission if you follow the links and make a purchase. Learn more here.

    Nobody wants to pay money for produce that you don't even get to use. But unfortunately, it happens all too often. If only there was a way to freeze vegetables and quick-to-spoil produce for later.

    10 vegetables you didn't know you could freeze

    I'm sure you know what it's like to reach for that head of lettuce in the fridge, only to find a wilted, slimy thing that only slightly resembles lettuce.

    I hate throwing food away. Especially food I really wanted to eat.

    If you're anything like me, you might even avoid buying the quick-to-spoil items because you don't want them to go to waste.

    The list below will give you an option you might not have even thought was possible. Freeze them for later!

    produce storage guide for learning how to freeze vegetables

    Meal planning to reduce produce waste

    Before we get to the list of vegetables you can freeze, I want to mention one thing that's really helped reduce our food waste. Meal planning.

    Related: 20+ Meal Planning Templates That Will Take The Stress Out of Meal Times

    By making a plan of meals for the week (along with a grocery list) we're able to use up all the groceries we buy each week. Meal planning saves us money and takes the stress out of weeknight meals.

    Four ways to freeze vegetables

    There are four main ways to go about freezing vegetables.

    1. Blanching required, with flash freeze
    2. No blanching required, with flash freeze
    3. No blanching required, no flash freeze
    4. Puree, pour into ice cube tray, freeze

    Blanching is when you dunk the vegetable into boiling water for just a few minutes. This helps the food keep its color and a better texture when thawed out.

    Flash freezing is when you freeze something in a single layer on a baking sheet, then when it's frozen you transfer it to another container to store it.

    Freezing (and thawing) vegetables takes away the crunch. So it's best to use the thawed out vegetables in a dish that you won't notice. Like soups, stews, or smoothies.

    10 Vegetables You Didn't Know You Could Freeze

    1. zucchini

    Can you freeze zucchini? Yes. In the middle of your garden's summer bounty, you may have googled once (or twice)..."What to do with excess zucchini?".

    One option you may or may not have come across is freezing it.

    The best way to freeze zucchini is to chop it into cubes (or whatever size you want in your soup later), blanch, let it dry, then freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Then once it's frozen, transfer it to a freezer bag or container.

    You can also shred the zucchini and freeze it in a bag.

    How to Use Frozen Zucchini?

    After the zucchini is thawed you can use it in soups, stews, or other hot dishes. Use frozen shredded zucchini in baked goods like zucchini muffins.

    2. spinach

    1. Chop into bite sized chunks
    2. Blanch
    3. Squeeze out excess moisture
    4. Freeze on a baking sheet in a single layer
    5. Transfer to freezer bag or container after frozen.
    you can freeze spinach

    How to Use Frozen spinach?

    After thawing the spinach, use it in soups, stews, or other cooked dishes.

    3. celery

    Celery can be frozen by a similar method as the zucchini.

    1. Chop
    2. Blanch
    3. Freeze on a baking sheet in a single layer
    4. Transfer to freezer bag or container after frozen.

    How to Use Frozen Celery?

    After thawing the celery, you can use it in soups, stews, or other cooked dishes.

    4. Lettuce

    1. Chop the lettuce
    2. Put in freezer bag and freeze
    you can freeze lettuce

    How to Use Frozen lettuce?

    After thawing the lettuce, you can use it in smoothies or soups.

    5. cucumber

    1. Chop the cucumber
    2. Freeze on a baking sheet in a single layer (or freeze in water
    3. Transfer to freezer bag or container after frozen.
    you can freeze cucumbers

    How to Use Frozen cucumber?

    After thawing the cucumber, use it to flavor your water or use it in a sauce that needs cucumber flavor, but the texture doesn't matter (like tzaziki sauce).

    6. avocados

    1. Scoop the avocado into a bowl.
    2. Add salt and lemon juice (or lime juice) and mash into a paste.
    3. Scoop the mixture into a freezer bag and squeeze the air out. Seal the bag and freeze.

    How to Use Frozen avocados?

    After thawing the avocado mash, use it on tacos, as a dip for chips & salsa, or a dip for veggies.

    7. Fresh Herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil, etc.)

    1. Chop the herbs
    2. Freeze on a baking sheet in a single layer
    3. Transfer to freezer bag or container after frozen.

    Note: you can also freeze herbs in an ice cube tray covered with oil or water.

    you can freeze fresh herbs

    How to Use Frozen Herbs?

    After thawing the herbs, you can use them in pesto, sauces, or smoothies.

    8. green onions

    1. Chop the green onions.
    2. Put in freezer bag and freeze.

    How to Use Frozen green onions?

    After thawing the green onions, use them it in soups, stews, dips, or other cooked dishes.

    9. onions

    1. Chop the onions.
    2. Put in freezer bag and freeze.
    you can freeze onions

    How to Use Frozen onions?

    After thawing the onions, you can use them in soups, stews, or other cooked dishes.

    10. Mushrooms

    1. Chop & saute the mushrooms.
    2. Freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
    3. After frozen, put them in a freezer bag or a sealed container.

    HOW TO USE FROZEN Mushrooms?

    After thawing the mushrooms, you can use it them in soups, stews, or other cooked dishes.

    Freezing Produce Cheat Sheets

    The next time you realize you won't have a chance to use up all that produce in your fridge, just freeze your vegetables to use for later. You'll waste less, save more money, and be less stressed in the kitchen.

    Grab my Produce Storage Guide today so you don't end up throwing food away when you find it mushy in the back of the fridge.

    produce storage guide for learning how to freeze vegetables

    Pin this for later

    10 vegetables you can freeze
    « Christmas Gifts for Kids: 14 Toys That Will Last A Lifetime
    Mixbook Canvas Review - Hang Your Memories For Everyone To Enjoy »

    Meal Planning

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    Hello! I’m Megan. Wife. Mom. Jesus follower. Chocolate lover. I'm passionate about helping you simplify healthy living and make healthy food taste good in your own kitchen. More about me →

    Search STB Here:


    How to Get Your Kids to Eat 30+ Fruits and Veggies (with a Smile)

    Learn about how it works & how to get FREE product for kids HERE.

    Get 20% Off Clean Beauty at Beautycounter

    image of beautycounter products
    Get the coupon code here and then take the skincare quiz!

    Simplify Your Life. Make a Meal Plan.

    weekly and monthly meal planning templates
    Get the FREE meal planning templates here!

    Ad - Web Hosting from SiteGround - Crafted for easy site management. Click to learn more.

    Trending on STB

    20+ Meal Planning Templates For Stress Free Dinners
    How to Use a Tortilla Press to Make Homemade Tortillas
    Crowd Cow vs Butcher Box - Which is The Best Meat Delivery Service For You?
    tomato paste pizza sauce finished
    How to Make The Best Pizza Sauce Recipe With Tomato Paste
    5 Best Meal Planning Services for Stress Free Dinners

    Hello! I’m Megan. Wife. Mom. Jesus follower. Chocolate lover. I'm passionate about helping you simplify healthy living and make healthy food taste good in your own kitchen. More about me →

    Search STB Here:


    How to Get Your Kids to Eat 30+ Fruits and Veggies (with a Smile)

    Learn about how it works & how to get FREE product for kids HERE.

    Get 20% Off Clean Beauty at Beautycounter

    image of beautycounter products
    Get the coupon code here and then take the skincare quiz!

    Simplify Your Life. Make a Meal Plan.

    weekly and monthly meal planning templates
    Get the FREE meal planning templates here!

    Ad - Web Hosting from SiteGround - Crafted for easy site management. Click to learn more.

    Trending on STB

    20+ Meal Planning Templates For Stress Free Dinners
    How to Use a Tortilla Press to Make Homemade Tortillas
    Crowd Cow vs Butcher Box - Which is The Best Meat Delivery Service For You?
    tomato paste pizza sauce finished
    How to Make The Best Pizza Sauce Recipe With Tomato Paste
    5 Best Meal Planning Services for Stress Free Dinners

    Footer

    • About Megan
    • Privacy Policy
    • Free Budgeting Training
    • Work with Me
    • Guest Post Guidelines
    • Contact Me

    Copyright © 2023 · Scratch To Basics Log in

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT