Get ready to transform your summer grilling game with these mouthwatering Vegetarian Quinoa Stuffed Grilled Zucchini boats! Imagine tender, perfectly charred zucchini filled with a Mediterranean-inspired quinoa mixture that's bursting with flavor, color, and nutrition. This recipe isn't just a side dish - it's a culinary adventure that will have your friends and family begging for seconds, all while keeping things healthy, delicious, and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchinis
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped olives
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchinis by washing them thoroughly and cutting them lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the inner flesh, creating a boat-like shape, leaving about 1/4 inch thickness along the edges to maintain structural integrity.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, chopped olives, and dried oregano. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, mixing gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Brush the zucchini boats with olive oil on both sides, ensuring they are lightly coated. This will help prevent sticking and enhance grilling flavor.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Generously fill each zucchini boat with the quinoa mixture, pressing down gently to compact the stuffing.
- Place the stuffed zucchini boats on the grill, cut-side up. Grill for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and has distinct grill marks.
- Optional: Sprinkle additional feta cheese on top during the last 2 minutes of grilling for extra melting and flavor.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Drizzle with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
- Plate the stuffed zucchini boats and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Choose zucchinis that are firm and similar in size for even cooking and consistent presentation.
- Don't skip brushing the zucchini with olive oil - this prevents sticking and adds a beautiful, subtle flavor.
- For extra flavor, consider briefly toasting the quinoa before mixing with other ingredients.
- If you don't have a grill, this recipe works perfectly in an oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.
- Allow the zucchini boats to rest for a few minutes after grilling to let the flavors meld and prevent burning your mouth.
- For a vegan version, simply omit the feta cheese or replace with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil or mint to customize the flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
