We love a good stuffed zucchini boat. Looking for a fresh and flavorful dish thatโs both healthy and super satisfying? This one is fresh and flavorful and full of Mediterranean flavors with tangy feta, roasted red peppers, and olives. Itโs a simple but tasty way to mix up your usual dinner routine. Serve it as a light meal or a fun side, and youโre good to go!
For more Mediterranean flavors try our Chickpea Salad or our Mediterranean Pasta Salad.
Why Our Recipe
- Loaded with bold Mediterranean flavors like feta, roasted red peppers, and olives.
- Super simple and healthyโperfect for a light meal or a fun side.
- Crunchy garlic croutons take the filling to the next level with a little texture and flavor.
In this recipe, the crunch of the croutons brings some texture to the roasted red peppers, black olives, and feta. It is finished off with a blast of lemon juice to bring out a bright flavor. Give your zucchini a twist!
Ingredient Notes
- Zucchini: Look for medium-sized zucchini that are firm to the touch and free of soft spots. These will hold up well as boats for the filling.
- Roasted Red Bell Peppers: You can find these in a jar, usually near the pickles or condiments section at the grocery store. Or use a fresh bell pepper for something a little more crunchy.
- Garlic Croutons: If you donโt have garlic croutons, any flavored croutons or even homemade ones will work.
- Black Olives: Sliced black olives from a can are quick and easy, but you could also use Kalamata olives for a stronger, brinier flavor. Just chop them up.
- Feta Cheese: If you need a substitute, try goat cheese for a similar texture and taste.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is key here for brightening up the dish. Make sure to use fresh lemons rather than bottled juice for the best flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Avoid using regular vegetable oil as it wonโt give you the same flavor.
Hollowing Out Zucchini
Hollowing out zucchini for stuffing is a simple process, but there are a few tips that can make it even easier. Start by trimming the ends and slicing the zucchini in half lengthwise to create a stable base for the stuffing. When itโs time to scoop out the flesh, using a small spoon or melon baller will give you better control. Aim to leave about a 1/4-inch border around the edges so the zucchini holds its shape during cooking. Be gentle as you scoop, especially toward the bottom, to avoid breaking through.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve this up as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or as a fun side. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Greek salad for extra Mediterranean flair. You can also serve it alongside a grain like couscous.
If you’re going for a bigger spread, try serving these with hummus, pita bread, or a light soup, like tomato or lentil. These zucchini boats are also great as a side to grilled meats like chicken or fish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffed zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF. Place the stuffed zucchini on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Reheat in the Microwave: Place the stuffed zucchini in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high in 30-second increments until warmed through.
More delicious ways to use zucchini…
Watch the video below where we will walk you through every step of the recipe with a video demonstration.
IMHO a little cooked Italian sausage would make this a dinner dish. I like it and will make it without and with.
Excellent suggestion!
Super easy and delicious!! Great way to use up zucchini! Weโve even substituted the peppers with tomatoes and the feta with grated mozzarella, and had a more Italian flare with great results, too!
Super delicious. Made this on a cold fall evening and it was a healthy โcomfort foodโ dish. Sautรฉed orange pepper in olive oil, salt and pepper and used Kalamata olives. Once again the video was very helpful. Served with home made sweet potato fries and it was a delicious meal. Thank you for another wonderful but easy recipe!
Sounds wonderful to me. I will try it.
Never heard croutons used in a zucchini boat recipe. How about using shrimp instead of the croutons and then sprinkle fresh chopped basil leaves on top!
Sounds like a whole new recipe! Perhaps I'll give it a try sometimes!
not gonna lie, I'm kinda craving your boats and it's only 730 am! Seriously love these!
A comment from "Oh Sweet Basil." I'm dying!