Savory Stuffed Zucchini Boats

$- 4 medium zucchinis - 1 cup quinoa - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 1 bell pepper - 1 small onion - 2 cloves garlic - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - ½ cup fresh basil - 2 tablespoons olive oil When I make savory stuffed zucchini boats, I focus on fresh, vibrant ingredients. Zucchinis are a great base. They are tender and hold stuffing well. I use medium zucchinis, which are just right for this dish. I love quinoa for its nutty flavor and texture. It adds protein and makes the filling hearty. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, while bell pepper adds crunch. I choose a small onion for a mild taste, and garlic gives a lovely aroma. Spices are key in this recipe. Italian seasoning blends well with the fresh veggies. Smoked paprika adds depth and a slight smokiness. I always season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, I often add grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully on top and adds richness. Fresh basil brings a pop of color and freshness. I use olive oil for sautéing, enhancing the dish's overall flavor. These ingredients come together to create a healthy and tasty meal. You can find the full recipe for savory stuffed zucchini boats in the recipe section. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This makes sure it's hot and ready. 2. Take each zucchini and slice it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to hollow out the center. This creates your “boats.” Place them cut side up in a baking dish. 1. In a skillet over medium heat, add two tablespoons of olive oil. Once it's warm, add one small onion, finely chopped, and two cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant. 2. Now, add one diced bell pepper and one cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften. 1. Mix in one cup of cooked quinoa and the seasonings: one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine everything. 2. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in half a cup of fresh basil and half of the grated Parmesan cheese, if you are using it. 3. Carefully fill each zucchini boat with the mixture, pressing down to pack it in. 4. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top of each filled zucchini. 5. Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. After that, uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the zucchini is fork-tender. Feel free to check the Full Recipe for more details. Enjoy your delicious creation! How to choose the best zucchinis When picking zucchinis, look for firm ones with a shiny skin. They should feel heavy for their size. Avoid zucchinis with soft spots or blemishes. These signs mean they may not taste good. Recommended quinoa cooking method To cook quinoa, rinse it first to remove any bitterness. Use a ratio of 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water. Bring the water to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff it with a fork once done. Best side dishes to complement zucchini boats Zucchini boats pair well with fresh salads or roasted vegetables. You might enjoy a light tomato salad or a crunchy coleslaw. These sides add color and balance to your meal. Garnishing ideas for enhanced presentation For a pretty touch, sprinkle extra fresh basil on top. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine. You can also use a few slices of lemon for a pop of color and flavor. Overcooking the zucchini Watch your zucchinis closely while baking. If you cook them too long, they can become mushy. You want them tender but still holding their shape. Under-seasoning the filling Make sure to taste your filling before stuffing the zucchini. It should have enough salt and spice. If it tastes bland, add more seasoning. This step ensures every bite is full of flavor. {{image_4}} You can make your stuffed zucchini boats even heartier by adding protein. Ground turkey or beef works well. Just brown them in the skillet before mixing with your veggies. For a vegetarian option, try black beans. They add texture and protein without meat. You can mash them or leave them whole for a hearty bite. Using protein helps balance the meal and makes it more filling. Spices and herbs can totally change your dish. Try using cumin for a warm, earthy taste or chili powder for a kick. You can also play with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. They brighten up the filling. If you want to change the cheese, consider feta or nutritional yeast. Both give a unique flavor and suit different diets. This way, you can keep it fresh and exciting with every batch. Don’t feel stuck with just zucchini! You can use bell peppers, eggplant, or even mushrooms as boats. Each veggie will give a different taste. Seasonal changes also let you swap ingredients. In summer, use fresh corn or tomatoes. In fall, try adding pumpkin or squash. These swaps keep your meals fun and help you use what’s fresh and available. To keep your stuffed zucchini boats fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain taste and texture. For best results, eat leftovers within three days. If you want to prepare them ahead of time, you can stuff the zucchini and keep them in the fridge for one day before baking. Just cover them tightly to prevent drying out. You can freeze your stuffed zucchini boats either before or after baking. If you freeze them before baking, wrap each boat tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This method helps keep them fresh for up to three months. If you bake them first, let them cool completely before wrapping. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, about 20 minutes. In the fridge, your stuffed zucchini boats last about three to four days. To keep them fresh, check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or mushy texture. For the best taste, eat them sooner rather than later. Storing them properly helps avoid food waste and ensures you enjoy every bite! When choosing zucchinis, look for medium-sized ones. They should feel firm and not soft. Firm zucchinis hold their shape better during cooking. Too large zucchinis may have more seeds and less flavor. Yes, you can! Replace the quinoa with brown rice or lentils. Use vegan cheese instead of Parmesan. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or spinach for bulk and taste. Stuffed zucchini boats can last up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to place them in an airtight container. If they smell off or look odd, it’s best to toss them for safety. Yes, other grains work well too! Brown rice, farro, or couscous can be used. If you pick a different grain, check the cooking time. Some grains may need a bit longer to cook than quinoa. Absolutely! You can prepare them a day before. Just fill the zucchini and cover them. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes dinner easy and quick! These zucchini boats pair well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. You can also serve them with a light broth or a tangy dipping sauce. For a twist, add a sprinkle of lemon juice over the top before serving. You learned how to make tasty stuffed zucchini boats. We covered the main ingredients and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking them. You now have tips to avoid common mistakes. You can also try fun variations and know how to store them. Enjoy showing off your new dish! Use fresh veggies and spices for the best taste. Cooking should be fun and rewarding. Happy cooking!$

Discover the deliciousness of savory stuffed zucchini boats that are perfect for a healthy meal! This easy recipe combines fluffy quinoa, fresh veggies, and Italian herbs, all nestled in tender zucchini. Ready in just 50 minutes, these flavorful boats are a nutritious delight for any occasion. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this tasty dish! Enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis

1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked according to package instructions

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 bell pepper (any color), diced into small cubes

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

½ teaspoon smoked paprika for depth of flavor

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for richness)

½ cup fresh basil, chopped for freshness

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for the zucchini boats.

Take each zucchini and slice in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to gently scoop out the center flesh, creating hollow “boats.” Arrange these hollowed zucchinis in a baking dish with the cut sides facing up.

In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Next, add the diced bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Continue to sauté everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables have softened beautifully.

Incorporate the cooked quinoa into the skillet along with the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly combined.

Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the fresh basil and half of the grated Parmesan cheese, if using, allowing the flavors to meld.

Carefully spoon the quinoa filling into each zucchini boat, pressing down slightly to pack the mixture well.

Once filled, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top of each stuffed zucchini for a savory finish.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden, and the zucchini is fork-tender.

Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let the zucchini boats cool for a few minutes to make them easier to handle before serving.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 4

- Serving Suggestions: For an elegant presentation, serve the stuffed zucchini boats garnished with additional fresh basil and a light drizzle of olive oil. They make a delightful healthy main dish or a hearty side that your guests will love! Enjoy!