Easy Stuffed Zucchini is a healthy and delicious side dish perfect for summer dinners. This zucchini boats recipe is not only flavorful but also easy to make, taking only 15 minutes to prepare in the microwave. It’s an excellent way to use up any excess zucchini from your garden or local farmer’s market!
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These stuffed zucchini boats are a wonderful choice for those looking for a healthy and flavorful side dish. They’re simple to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and can be enjoyed by everyone. Give microwave zucchini a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
A Healthy Zucchini Side Dish
Plentiful zucchini is one of my favorite things about summertime! It feels like I am constantly thinking about how I can incorporate it into each and every meal. These Zucchini Boats are an easy and delicious recipe that everyone enjoys.
There are so many benefits of cooking with zucchini, it’s a low-calorie vegetable that’s rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, and it also contains antioxidants that can help protect your body against disease. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or not, stuffed zucchini is a great option. It’s a filling and satisfying dish that’s low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats.
Stuffed zucchini is a perfect side dish for summer dinners. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, making it a great complement to grilled meats and other summer favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Zucchini Recipe
- Healthy: This recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and a microwave, you can have this dish on the table in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
- Flavorful: The combination of zucchini, tomato, and cheese in this recipe is a winning combination. The flavors complement each other perfectly, creating a dish that is both delicious and satisfying.
Stuffed Zucchini Ingredients
Zucchini: 2 medium zucchinis are needed for this dish, halved down the middle to make 4 pieces.
Breadcrumbs: Use 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs for thickening and binding the filling together.
Olive oil: You will need 1 ½ teaspoons of olive oil to moisten the filling.
Parmesan cheese: Adding 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese really elevates the flavor of this dish.
Tomato: ½ of a small tomato, diced, for added taste and freshness.
Garlic: For even more amazing flavor, use 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Thyme: Add an ⅛ teaspoon of thyme for a subtle earthy flavor.
Salt: This will be added to taste, meaning you can use as much or as little as you’d like.
Additional add-ins:
Pine nuts (optional): You can add in 2 tablespoons of pine nuts for added texture.
Italian Sausage (optional): For some protein, feel free to mix in ¼ pound of cooked Italian sausage.
How to make Easy Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Prep Zucchini
Start by using a sharp knife to cut the zucchini lengthwise in half.
Then use a spoon to scoop out the zucchini centers, leaving a ¼-inch thick shell (or boat). Be sure to reserve the zucchini flesh (the stuff you scooped), in a bowl to use for the filling.
Next, cook the zucchini boats on a microwave-safe plate, for about 2 minutes in the microwave.
Prepare Filling
After that, dice the reserved zucchini flesh and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Add in the olive oil, diced tomato, garlic, and thyme. Stir well to combine.
Cook on high in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until tender. Make sure to stir halfway through cooking.
Then stir in the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese into the vegetable mixture, season with salt, stir again to combine well.
Optional: If you want to make this a more filling meal, consider adding in some ground sausage. Cook the sausage in a frying pan on the stove until it’s no longer pink. Mix the meat to the filling mixture after all the other ingredients are combined and heated through. Also feel free to add in some pine nuts as well, stir to combine.
Assemble
Proceed to pile equal amounts of filling onto each of your zucchini boats. Arrange the zucchini in a microwave safe baking dish with the stem ends towards the edge of the pan.
Cook
Put the zucchini back in the microwave and cook, covered, on high for 2-3 minutes until hot. Let stand loosely covered for 2 minutes to cool slightly.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Try This Zucchini Grilled!
If desired, you can grill this recipe instead. To do this, place the stuffed zucchini in a grill basket and grill for about 10 minutes. This will add a nice smokey flavor and beautiful char lines to your zucchini.
EASY STUFFED ZUCCHINI
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 TBSP breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ tsp olive oil
- 1 TBSP Parmesan cheese grated
- ½ small tomato diced
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ⅛ tsp thyme
- Salt to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 2 TBSP pine nuts
- ¼ lb Italian sausage cooked
Instructions
- Prep Zucchini: Cut the zucchini lengthwise in half, then use a spoon to scoop out the zucchini centers, leaving a ¼-inch thick shell (or boat). Reserve the zucchini flesh (the stuff you scooped), in a bowl to use for the filling. Cook the zucchini boats on a microwave-safe plate, for about 2 minutes in the microwave.
- Prepare Filling: Dice the reserved zucchini flesh and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Add in the olive oil, diced tomato, garlic, and thyme leaves. Stir well to combine. Cook on high in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until tender. Make sure to stir halfway through cooking. Stir in the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, season with salt, stir again to combine well.
- Optional: If you want to make this a more filling meal, consider adding in some ground sausage. Cook the sausage in a frying pan on the stove until it's no longer pink. Mix the meat to the filling mixture after all the other ingredients are combined and heated through. Also feel free to add in some pine nuts as well, stir to combine.
- Assemble: Pile equal amounts of filling onto each of your zucchini boats. Arrange the zucchini in a microwave safe baking dish with the stem ends towards the edge of the pan.
- Cook: Put the zucchini back in the microwave and cook, covered, on high for 2-3 minutes until hot. Let stand loosely covered for 2 minutes to cool slightly. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Try This Zucchini Grilled: : If desired, you can grill this recipe instead. To do this, place the stuffed zucchini in a grill basket and grill for about 10 minutes. This will add a nice smokey flavor and beautiful char lines to your zucchini.
Notes
Nutrition
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How long are stuffed zucchinis good for?
This dish is best served immediately after being made, but if you plan to meal prep it or wish to stretch it further, you can. You can get the zucchini to last up to 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
When reheating, place it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Stuffing Variations for Zucchini Boats
- Vegetarian Options: For those who prefer a meat-free option, there are plenty of delicious vegetarian stuffing options for zucchini. A popular choice is a mixture of cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, and feta cheese. Another option is a combination of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. For a Mediterranean twist, try a stuffing made with chopped olives, roasted red peppers, and crumbled goat cheese.
- Meat Lovers’ Choices: For meat lovers, there are a variety of options to choose from. A classic stuffing is made with ground beef or sausage, onions, and garlic with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Another option is a mixture of cooked bacon, diced ham, and cheddar cheese. For a spicy twist, try a stuffing made with chorizo sausage, diced jalapeños, and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Cheese Selections: Cheese lovers will enjoy experimenting with different types of cheese in their zucchini stuffing. A popular choice is a mixture of ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese with fresh basil and garlic. Another option is a stuffing made with blue cheese, walnuts, and dried cranberries. For a Mexican-inspired twist, try a stuffing made with pepper jack cheese, diced green chilies, and cilantro.
What do you serve with stuffed zucchini?
Grilled chicken is a classic pairing with stuffed zucchini. The smoky flavor of the chicken complements the fresh flavors of the zucchini, creating a well-rounded meal. Serve the chicken alongside the stuffed zucchini for a filling and delicious meal.
Also, a light and refreshing quinoa salad is the perfect side dish to serve with stuffed zucchini. The nutty flavor of the quinoa pairs well with the fresh flavors of the zucchini, while the salad adds a satisfying crunch. This combination is perfect for a summer dinner.
Garlic bread is a classic side dish that pairs well with almost anything. The crispy bread and garlic flavor complement the soft and flavorful stuffed zucchini. This combination is perfect for a quick and easy meal.
Here are some more Zucchini Recipes you’ll enjoy!
- Best Zucchini Bread Recipe Ever!
- Zucchini Sausage Soup
- Cinnamon Walnut Zucchini Bread Bars
- Lemon Zucchini Muffins
- Pineapple Zucchini Bread
- Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole
- Iced Zucchini Bread Bites
- Garden Zucchini Chowder
- Zucchini Sheet Cake with Browned Butter Icing
- Low Fat Zucchini Cookies
- Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Zucchini Cheddar Bread
- Zucchini Risotto
- Baked Zucchini Parmesan Casserole
- Easy Zucchini Pasta
- Pudding Zucchini Bread
- Apple Zucchini Bread
Easy Stuffed Zucchini is a deliciously healthy side dish that’s perfect for summer dinners. Make this delightful zucchini boats recipe in just 15 minutes!
Katie says
So easy to throw together, and everyone loves it!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
This is such an easy and delicious recipe, I cannot wait to make it again!