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Three baked vegetarian stuffed zucchini boats topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs on a white plate.
Layla

Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini

Tender zucchini boats filled with herbed quinoa, melty mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes for a satisfying meatless dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 342

Ingredients
  

For the Zucchini
  • 4 medium zucchini about 8 inches each, halved lengthwise
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
For the Filling
  • 0.75 cup quinoa rinsed
  • 1.5 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, drained and chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 6 oz fresh mozzarella shredded or torn into small pieces
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Large Rimmed Baking Sheet
  • Medium Saucepan with Lid
  • Large skillet

Method
 

Prep and Par-Cook the Zucchini
  1. Preheat oven to 400F. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh with a spoon, leaving a 1/4-inch thick shell. Reserve 1 cup of the scooped flesh, finely chop it, and set aside. Brush the cut sides of the zucchini shells with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 12 minutes until just tender but still holding shape.
Cook the Quinoa
  1. While zucchini roasts, combine quinoa and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Make the Filling
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add garlic and the reserved chopped zucchini flesh; cook 3 minutes more until the moisture evaporates and mixture begins to brown lightly.
  2. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in the cooked quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, oregano, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and season with salt and pepper - the filling should be highly seasoned since the zucchini is mild.
Assemble and Bake
  1. Flip the par-cooked zucchini shells cut-side up. Mound the filling generously into each shell, pressing lightly to pack. Top with remaining mozzarella. Return to the oven and bake 15-18 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling with light golden spots. Let rest 5 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh basil.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan with your favorite dairy-free melting cheese. The filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before stuffing. Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut the richness.