15 Zero Waste Recipes You Need for a Sustainable Kitchen

Creating a sustainable kitchen starts with small changes, and zero waste recipes make it easier than you might think. These recipes help cut down on food waste, save money, and make the most of every ingredient. It feels good to know that nothing is going to waste while still enjoying meals that are flavorful and satisfying. Plus, it’s a simple way to contribute to a healthier planet right from home. With a few smart ideas, a zero waste approach can fit seamlessly into any routine.

Spaghetti Frittata from Naples

This traditional Neapolitan spaghetti frittata is a fantastic way to use up leftover spaghetti. It's a great fit for zero waste recipes because you can repurpose yesterday's pasta into a whole new meal, whether for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic. Plus, it's just as good cold, making it perfect for those busy days when you need something easy.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Frittata from Naples

Tender Poached Whole Chicken

Poaching a whole chicken is a simple, budget-friendly way to make a hearty meal. This method is a perfect example of zero waste recipes, as it lets you use every part of the chicken—from the tender meat to the flavorful broth. It's a versatile base for soups, salads, and sandwiches, making it easy to plan meals for the week.
Get the Recipe: Tender Poached Whole Chicken

Easy Brioche Bun Garlic and Herb Croutons

Don’t toss those leftover buns! These garlic and herb croutons are a quick and delicious way to turn stale bread into something new. They’re perfect for zero waste recipes, as they take something you might normally throw away and turn it into crunchy, flavorful salad toppers or a savory snack.
Get the Recipe: Easy Brioche Bun Garlic and Herb Croutons

Kongbiji Jjigae

Kongbiji jjigae is an old Korean dish that uses okara, the leftover pulp from making soy milk. It’s an excellent option for zero waste recipes since it repurposes this often-discarded byproduct into a hearty, spicy stew. Serve it over rice for a filling and eco-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Kongbiji Jjigae

Homemade Pork Lard

Making homemade pork lard is an efficient way to use pork fat without any waste. This process is perfect for zero waste recipes, as it ensures you’re using every part of the pig for cooking and baking. Once rendered, the lard can be stored for later use, adding a rich depth of flavor to your dishes.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pork Lard

Easy Vegetable Fried Rice with Eggs

This vegetable fried rice is a quick and easy meal, perfect for using up leftover rice and vegetables. It’s a great choice for zero waste recipes, as you can clean out your fridge with whatever veggies you have on hand. Plus, it’s ready in minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Fried Rice with Eggs

Strangolapreti Spinach and Bread Gnocchi

These spinach and bread gnocchi are a delicious way to use up stale bread. This recipe is perfect for zero waste recipes, as it transforms yesterday’s bread into a tasty, filling dish. Served with a simple sage and butter sauce, these gnocchi are an excellent, waste-free meal option.
Get the Recipe: Strangolapreti Spinach and Bread Gnocchi

Best Homemade Vegetable Stock Recipe

This homemade vegetable stock is a flavorful base for soups, stews, and more. It's a great example of zero waste recipes, as it uses up vegetable scraps that would otherwise be thrown away—think onion skins, carrot tops, and celery ends. Making stock at home is a smart way to reduce food waste and boost the flavor of your meals.
Get the Recipe: Best Homemade Vegetable Stock Recipe

How to Make Homemade Ham Stock

If you’ve got a leftover ham bone, turn it into a rich and savory stock. This recipe is perfect for zero waste recipes, as it makes use of every part of the ham, including the bone, to create a deep-flavored broth. It's a great base for soups, stews, or gumbo, adding a delicious richness to your meals.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Homemade Ham Stock

Fresh Pho Herbs Frittata

This pho herbs frittata is a fantastic way to use up extra herbs from making pho. It’s a perfect example of zero waste recipes, turning leftover herbs into a hearty meal. With a few simple ingredients, this frittata becomes a great way to reduce food waste while still enjoying a flavorful, satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Pho Herbs Frittata

Armenian Watermelon Rind Preserves

These preserves are a unique way to turn leftover watermelon rinds into a delicious treat. They’re a perfect example of zero waste recipes, allowing you to use parts of the watermelon that usually get tossed. The result is a sweet, tangy preserve that’s great on toast or as a topping for desserts.
Get the Recipe: Armenian Watermelon Rind Preserves

Simple Carrot Top Pesto Recipe

This carrot top pesto is a quick and fresh way to use up carrot greens that would typically go to waste. It’s a solid fit for zero waste recipes, as it turns those often-forgotten tops into a flavorful spread. Toss it with pasta, use it as a sandwich spread, or enjoy it with roasted vegetables for a simple, waste-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Simple Carrot Top Pesto Recipe

Sourdough Breadcrumbs

Got stale sourdough bread? Turn it into homemade breadcrumbs instead of tossing it. This recipe is a great fit for zero waste recipes, as it lets you repurpose leftover bread into something useful. Use the breadcrumbs to top casseroles, bread your favorite dishes, or add texture to soups.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Breadcrumbs

Garden Veggie Burgers

These veggie burgers make the most of fresh garden produce, turning your summer bounty into a hearty, plant-based meal. They're a great fit for zero waste recipes, as you can use whatever vegetables or grains you have on hand. These burgers are not only healthy but also a perfect way to avoid wasting food while making a delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Garden Veggie Burgers

Homemade Venison Dog Treats

Turn venison scraps into homemade dog treats that are both nutritious and practical. Using leftover trimmings from deer processing, this recipe ensures nothing goes to waste while giving your pup a high-protein snack. It's a great example of zero waste recipes, making sure every part of the animal serves a purpose.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Venison Dog Treats