Move over, spiralized comfort foods; there’s more than one way to turn your favorite dishes low carb and gluten-free. All aboard the zucchini train — err, zucchini boat. Once you halve a zucchini and scoop out the seeds, it’s the perfect vessel for makeshift tacos, pizza or even burgers. As an added bonus, this hack is a totally clever way to make sure you’re eating your veggies (and not eating gluten or carbs, if that’s your jam). Yes, sometimes our cravings are like those of a picky five-year-old, but with a little help from these stuffed zucchini recipes, you might find yourself making these easy dinner recipes every night.
1. Bruschetta Hummus Stuffed Zucchini: This bruschetta and hummus love affair is just the dish for a light meal or party snack. If you’re planning on serving it as an appetizer, halve your boats for more mileage and watch them go. (via Running to the Kitchen)
2. Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats: If you’re the kind of person who carries hot sauce in her purse (hi, bae), buffalo chicken holds a special place in your heart. These buffalo chicken stuffed zucchinis might be just the trick you needed to get on board with the green veggie. Now if only there was a safe way to carry these boats in your purse… (via Destination Delish)
3. Chili Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Boats: You can take these boats to the next level by adding a hot dog and/or Fritos. The zucchini here just might beat the texture of a gluten-free bun. (via Maebells)
4. Zucchini Pizza Boats: How cute are these mini pepperonis? So cute, you’re going to want to eat these pizza boats all up. The best part of this recipe is not getting flour all over your kitchen. That’s a win for lazy girls and healthy girls alike. (via Cooking Classy)
5. Lemon Asparagus Cauliflower Rice Stuffed Grilled Zucchini With Shrimp: For a totally healthy, flavorful meal, try this dish with cauliflower rice and grilled shrimp. Though it’ll seem like you spent tons of time on these, you can actually pull it off in 30 minutes. (via Food Faith Fitness)
6. Stuffed Zucchini Boats With Garlic Sauce: Even if you’re not a fan of zucchini, the garlic sauce topping this dish might change your mind. It’s like a lightened-up aioli thanks to the addition of yogurt. (via Delicious Meets Healthy)
7. Zucchini Boats: Recreate the glorious loaded baked potato with this healthy twist. Swap out your usual starchy spud for a zucchini or two, and you might not feel the pull of a food coma post-meal. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and hot sauce for the best not-a-baked-potato ever. (via Real Food by Dad)
8. Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini Boats: This super simple dish works well as a side or a light main. It helps to have cashew cream and quinoa prepared beforehand — as they do take some time to make — so get a head start on those ingredients over a lazy weekend. After that, these zucchini boats come together in a snap. (via Simply Quinoa)
9. Quinoa & Black Bean Enchilada Stuffed Zucchinis: Up your healthy enchilada game by swapping in zucchinis for tortillas. They make the dish lighter, but still satisfying. The quinoa, black bean and zucchini makes for a fibrous combo that can’t be beat. (via Tastes Lovely)
10. Mushroom Swiss Burger Stuffed Zucchini Boats: Yes, it’s possible to indulge and eat mindfully at the same time. Take this mushroom Swiss burger, for instance. It doesn’t have the processed sugars and empty carbohydrates of white bread, but it’s just as filling and tasty as any pub fare. (via Strictly Delicious)
11. Mexican Zucchini Burrito Boats: You don’t need a tortilla to celebrate taco Tuesday — case in point, these Mexican-inspired boats. Who knew hollowed-out zucchinis were perfectly adequate tortilla impersonators? Top with some avocado slices and hot sauce, because they make everything taste better. (via Making Thyme for Health)
12. Lasagna Zucchini Boats: Put a spin on veggie lasagna with these zucchinis filled with red sauce, ricotta cheese and ground meat. It’s a solid option for a quick weeknight dinner. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of this recipe, try diced mushrooms in place of ground meat for an even healthier take that still tastes meaty. (via Cooking Classy)
13. Roasted Zucchini Tuna Melts: Skip the deli, and make a healthy version of a tuna melt at home. Since these are technically open-face sandwiches, the top layer of cheese and tuna gets extra melted and crispy with a little broiler action. Sorry, tuna melt — you’ve been replaced. (via The Honour System)
14. Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats: You can still get the flavors you love from chicken Parmesan in this zucchini-centric version. This recipe uses ground chicken instead of fried cutlets, which is both healthier and easier to prepare. (via The Wholesome Dish)
15. Lentil Walnut Vegan Chorizo Stuffed Zucchini: Both non-vegans and vegan devotees will appreciate this stuffed squash. It’s loaded with a delicious mix of spices, from cumin to cinnamon, so it’s definitely not lacking in flavor. This dish also boasts at least three different forms of protein to give you an energy boost to power you through the day. (via Connoisseurus Veg)
16. Cheeseburger Stuffed Zucchini Boats: When a burger craving hits, it’s not always in line with your meal plans — whether your concerns are budget- or health-related. You can satisfy that craving guilt-free by cooking up these burger boats. Though the recipe calls for beef, any ground meat you prefer will do. Just don’t forget the ketchup and mustard. (via The Skinny Fork)
Follow us on Pinterest for more easy + delicious recipe ideas.
From Your Site Articles
- 30 Low-Carb Dinner Recipes You Can Make in an Hour (or Less!) - Brit + Co ›
- 14 Easy Diabetic-Friendly Recipes to Try This Summer - Brit + Co ›
- 19 Low FODMAP Recipes For A Happy Tummy - Brit + Co ›
