Easy Zucchini Boats: Mediterranean-Style Stuffed Zucchini

Jump to Recipe ↓

These easy zucchini boats are filled with fresh cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. They make a flavorful vegetarian main course or side dish and are simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Boats

These Mediterranean-style zucchini boats combine tender zucchini with savory, fresh ingredients and plenty of flavor. The combination of tomatoes, olives, feta, oregano, and basil gives the filling a delicious Mediterranean touch.

They are also easy to customize. You can enjoy them as a vegetarian dish or add your favorite protein if you want to make them more substantial.

Zucchini Boats Recipe

To make these zucchini boats, fresh zucchini is halved lengthwise and hollowed out to create a boat shape. The zucchini is then filled with a mixture of sautéed onion, garlic, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and Mediterranean herbs before being baked until tender.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup chopped Kalamata olives
• ½ red onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Zucchini Boats

1. Prepare the zucchini: Wash the zucchinis and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and some of the center, creating a boat shape. Avoid scooping too deeply so the zucchini remains sturdy.
2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Prepare the filling: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant.
4. Add the vegetables: Add the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Cook for a few minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release some of their juices.
5. Add the cheese and herbs: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the feta cheese, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fill the zucchini: Place the zucchini halves in a baking dish and spoon the filling evenly into each zucchini boat.
7. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender but still slightly firm.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

The Recipe

Zucchini Boats

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup chopped Kalamata olives
• ½ red onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

1. Prepare the zucchini: Wash the zucchinis and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and some of the center, creating a boat shape. Avoid scooping too deeply so the zucchini remains sturdy.
2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Prepare the filling: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant.
4. Add the vegetables: Add the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Cook for a few minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release some of their juices.
5. Add the cheese and herbs: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the feta cheese, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fill the zucchini: Place the zucchini halves in a baking dish and spoon the filling evenly into each zucchini boat.
7. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender but still slightly firm.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm

Tips for Making Perfect Zucchini Boats

• Don’t overcook the zucchini. It should be tender but still firm enough to hold the filling.
• Choose medium-sized zucchini for boats that are easy to fill and serve.
• Customize the filling. You can add other vegetables, chickpeas, cooked ground meat, or another cheese if desired.
• Serve immediately for the best texture.

How to Store Zucchini Boats

Allow the zucchini boats to cool, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate.

For the best quality, enjoy them within 2–3 days.

How to Freeze Zucchini Boats

Zucchini boats can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much excess air as possible before sealing.

For the best texture, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat Zucchini Boats

To reheat thawed zucchini boats, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchini boats in a baking dish and heat for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until warmed through.

You can also reheat them in the microwave in short intervals, although the zucchini may become softer.

Final Thoughts

These easy zucchini boats are a simple and flavorful way to enjoy zucchini with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Fresh tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta, garlic, and herbs create a delicious filling that works well for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish.

Once you’ve tried the basic recipe, feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients.

More Zucchini Recipes

1. Easy Zucchini Recipes: 12 Healthy & Delicious Recipes
2. 5 Easy Zucchini Smoothie Recipes for a Healthy Glow
3. How to Make Zucchini Noodles: Easy & Healthy Zoodles
4. Zucchini Fritters: Easy, Crispy & Delicious Recipe
5. Baked Zucchini Chips: Easy, Crispy & Healthy Snack
6. Zucchini Sticks: Easy, Crispy & Delicious
7. Zucchini Pizza: Easy, Delicious & Mediterranean-Inspired
8. The Best Mediterranean Zucchini Bread – Light, Fluffy & Full of Flavor
9. Zucchini Muffins: Moist, Flavorful & Easy to Make
10. Zucchini Cake
11. Zucchini Lasagna
12. Zucchini Roll-Ups