Why make this recipe
This recipe is fresh, healthy, and full of Mediterranean flavors. It uses zucchini as a low-carb shell and a savory turkey sausage filling. If you like easy weeknight dinners, you may also enjoy a simple Mediterranean chicken orzo for another quick meal.
These Mediterranean Zucchini Boats are bright, filling, and easy to make. The mix of olives, sun dried tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan gives each bite a nice mix of salty and fresh. You can find more simple ideas in our dinner recipes collection.
How to make Mediterranean Zucchini Boats
Follow the steps below to make the stuffed zucchini boats.
Ingredients :
3 medium zucchini, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 pound ground turkey sausage, 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion, 4 garlic cloves (, pressed or minced), 1 egg (, lightly beaten), 1 cup bread crumbs (, divided), 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives (, halved), 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes in oil (, drained and chopped), 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (, divided), 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- From stem to stem, slice the zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the pulp, chop, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey sausage and cook for 5 minutes, stirring and breaking it up into smaller pieces. Add the onion and garlic and season with the oregano, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the reserved chopped zucchini pulp and cook until the onion softens and the turkey is no longer pink.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the whisked egg, bread crumbs, olives, sun dried tomatoes, 3/4 of the basil, pine nuts, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Toss and mix well.
- Spoon the stuffing into the zucchini boats and place in a 9 X 12 baking dish or baking sheet. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10-15 more minutes or until the zucchini are fork tender. Serve hot topped with the remaining basil and more Parmesan cheese if desired.
You can serve these boats with a simple salad or a cold side like a chickpea feta avocado salad.
How to serve Mediterranean Zucchini Boats
Serve hot from the oven. Add extra fresh basil and grated Parmesan on top. These boats pair well with crusty bread or a grain side. For a casual meal, place them on a plate with a few lemon wedges and a green salad. You can also serve them alongside a favorite burger recipe like crack burgers for a hearty plate.
How to store Mediterranean Zucchini Boats
Let the boats cool to room temperature. Put them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warm. You can also freeze cooked boats in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For easy meal prep, bake ahead and heat when ready to eat. If you want a snack after baking, try serving with a sweet treat like chocolate chip cookies later.
Tips to make Mediterranean Zucchini Boats
- Use medium zucchini so they cook evenly.
- Scoop out pulp carefully to leave a sturdy shell.
- Drain sun dried tomatoes well if packed in oil.
- Taste the filling before stuffing and adjust salt and pepper.
- Toast pine nuts briefly for more flavor.
Variation (if any)
- Make vegetarian: replace turkey sausage with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu and add more bread crumbs or cooked quinoa.
- Add feta instead of Parmesan for a tangy twist.
- Swap pine nuts for chopped walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground beef or pork instead of turkey sausage?
A: Yes. You can use ground beef, pork, or a plant-based meat. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can assemble and refrigerate for a day before baking. Bake when ready to serve.
Q: Are these boats gluten-free?
A: To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check other ingredients for gluten.
Q: Can I skip the egg?
A: You can omit the egg, but the filling may be looser. Use a little extra breadcrumbs or a flax egg to bind.
Q: How do I know when zucchini are done?
A: They are done when a fork easily pierces the zucchini and the stuffing is hot and set.
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Zucchini Boats are a tasty, simple meal you can make any night. For more recipe ideas and similar stuffed zucchini versions, check out Stuffed Mediterranean Zucchini Boats (20 Minute Prep) – foodiecrush, a vegetarian take at Easy Zucchini Boats (Vegetarian) | The Mediterranean Dish, a quinoa-stuffed version at Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Quinoa – The Almond Eater, a baked zucchini variation at Mediterranean Zucchini Boats – iFoodReal.com, and another style at Mediterranean Zucchini Boats – A Cedar Spoon.
