Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Quinoa & Herbs

Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Quinoa & Herbs

Mia

These vibrant Mediterranean stuffed zucchini boats bring together the wholesome goodness of fluffy quinoa, toasted pine nuts, and sweet currants in a beautiful edible vessel. Inspired by traditional Mediterranean cooking methods that celebrate vegetables as the star of the meal, this dish transforms humble zucchini into an elegant and satisfying dinner that's as nutritious as it is delicious.

The magic begins with perfectly halved zucchini, their centers scooped out to create generous boats ready for filling. The quinoa stuffing is a symphony of Mediterranean flavors: nutty toasted pine nuts provide crunch, plump currants add natural sweetness, and a medley of fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and dill bring brightness to every bite. A splash of lemon juice and quality olive oil tie everything together with that signature Mediterranean freshness.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and health benefits. Quinoa provides complete protein and fiber, while zucchini offers vitamins and minerals with minimal calories. The dish can be served warm from the oven or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Each boat is a complete meal in itself, beautifully portioned and bursting with colors that reflect the sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline.

Whether you're following a Mediterranean diet or simply looking for a lighter dinner option that doesn't sacrifice flavor, these stuffed zucchini boats deliver on all fronts. They're impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight meal, embodying the Mediterranean philosophy of eating well with fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Nutrition

55 minutes
None servings
385 calories
Fat 19.00g
Carbs 47.00g
Protein 11.00g

Ingredients

4 wholemedium zucchini, halved lengthwise
3/4 cupquinoa, uncooked
1 1/2 cupsvegetable broth
4 tbspextra virgin olive oil, divided
1 mediumyellow onion, finely diced
3 clovesgarlic cloves, minced
1/3 cuppine nuts
1/3 cupdried currants
1/3 cupfresh parsley, chopped
2 tbspfresh mint, chopped
2 tbspfresh dill, chopped
1 wholelemon, zested and juiced
1/2 tspground cumin
1 tspsea salt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1/2 cupcrumbled feta cheese (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Oven
medium saucepan with lid
fork
aluminum foil
chef's knife
zester or microplane
fine-mesh strainer
pastry brush
large skillet
large baking dish
spoon for scooping

16:8 Diet

These nutrient-dense zucchini boats are ideal for the 16:8 eating window, providing complete protein from quinoa, healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and abundant vegetables to deliver sustained energy and satiety. The balanced macronutrients help practitioners meet nutritional needs within their compressed eating timeframe.

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 principle with over 80% of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods—fresh vegetables, whole grain quinoa, nuts, herbs, and olive oil—while allowing the modest inclusion of feta cheese and dried currants that add flavor and satisfaction without compromising the overall nutritional quality.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients including extra virgin olive oil, colorful vegetables, fresh herbs (parsley, mint, dill), and omega-3-rich pine nuts, this recipe avoids refined sugars and processed foods while emphasizing whole grains (quinoa) and antioxidant-rich ingredients that help reduce inflammation.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with its use of whole, minimally processed ingredients in their natural state—fresh vegetables, whole grain quinoa, raw nuts, dried fruit without additives, fresh herbs, and quality olive oil. It contains no refined sugars, artificial ingredients, or processed foods, focusing on recognizable whole-food ingredients.

DASH Diet

This recipe aligns with DASH Diet principles by emphasizing vegetables, whole grains (quinoa), and using herbs and spices for flavor instead of excessive salt. The dish is naturally low in sodium when prepared with low-sodium vegetable broth, includes potassium-rich zucchini, and features heart-healthy olive oil while limiting saturated fats.

Diabetic Diet

These zucchini boats support blood sugar management with low-glycemic quinoa providing steady energy, abundant non-starchy vegetables (zucchini), healthy fats from olive oil and nuts that slow glucose absorption, and complete protein. The recipe avoids refined sugars and processed ingredients while offering balanced macronutrients and high fiber content.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe exemplifies flexitarian eating by featuring plant-based ingredients as the foundation—quinoa, vegetables, nuts, and herbs—with optional dairy (feta) as a supporting ingredient. The dish is whole-food focused, minimally processed, and demonstrates how satisfying and flavorful plant-forward meals can be.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, using quinoa (a gluten-free whole grain) as the base instead of wheat-based grains, and featuring only whole, unprocessed ingredients like vegetables, nuts, herbs, and olive oil with no gluten-containing additives or processed ingredients.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe is heart-protective with extra virgin olive oil as the primary fat source, abundant vegetables, whole grains (quinoa), nuts rich in healthy fats, and fresh herbs for flavor instead of excessive sodium. It naturally avoids saturated fats, trans fats, and processed ingredients while providing fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.

High-Fiber Diet

This recipe is excellent for high-fiber diets, providing substantial fiber from quinoa (a fiber-rich whole grain), zucchini, fresh herbs, pine nuts, and dried currants. The combination of whole plant foods delivers both soluble and insoluble fiber to support digestive health while remaining flavorful and satisfying.

Intermittent Fasting

These nutrient-dense zucchini boats are ideal for eating windows during intermittent fasting, providing complete protein from quinoa, healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, complex carbohydrates, and abundant vegetables to maximize nutritional value and promote sustained energy and satiety throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe supports intuitive eating principles by offering a balanced, satisfying meal that honors both nutrition and pleasure. The dish provides variety in textures and flavors, includes adequate portions to satisfy hunger, and features wholesome ingredients without restrictive language or food guilt, allowing eaters to enjoy food mindfully.

Mayo Clinic Diet

These stuffed zucchini boats align perfectly with Mayo Clinic Diet principles by emphasizing abundant vegetables, whole grains (quinoa), healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, and avoiding refined grains, added sugars, and processed foods. The recipe is nutrient-dense with appropriate portions and supports sustainable healthy eating.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe is a quintessential Mediterranean dish, featuring extra virgin olive oil as the primary fat, abundant vegetables (zucchini), whole grains (quinoa), nuts (pine nuts), and fresh herbs (parsley, mint, dill). The use of lemon juice, moderate feta cheese, and emphasis on plant-based ingredients with minimal processing perfectly embodies Mediterranean eating principles.

MIND Diet

This recipe supports brain health with MIND Diet-approved ingredients including abundant vegetables (zucchini), whole grains (quinoa), nuts (pine nuts), olive oil as the primary fat, and fresh herbs. It avoids red meat, butter, and fried foods while providing antioxidants and nutrients that support cognitive function.

Mindful Eating

Perfect for mindful eating with its engaging variety of textures (tender zucchini, fluffy quinoa, crunchy pine nuts), vibrant colors, aromatic fresh herbs, and bright lemon flavor that encourage slow, sensory-focused consumption. The whole, minimally processed ingredients and beautiful presentation naturally promote awareness and appreciation of each bite.

Plant-Based Diet

This recipe can be made fully plant-based by simply omitting the feta cheese. It features exclusively plant-based whole foods including quinoa for protein, vegetables, nuts, dried fruit, and olive oil, with no meat, poultry, or fish, making it a nutrient-dense and fiber-rich plant-based meal.

Vegetarian Diet

These zucchini boats are completely vegetarian, containing no meat, poultry, or fish. They provide excellent plant-based protein from quinoa, healthy fats from pine nuts and olive oil, and include dairy (feta cheese) which is acceptable in lacto-ovo vegetarian diets, creating a nutritionally balanced and satisfying meatless meal.

Weight Watchers

Perfect for Weight Watchers with its emphasis on nutrient-dense whole foods including quinoa (a ZeroPoint food on some plans), abundant non-starchy vegetables, lean protein from quinoa, and controlled portions of healthy fats. The recipe is naturally low in saturated fat and features wholesome, minimally processed ingredients that support weight management.

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water for about 30 seconds to remove any bitter coating.

1 min
3
18 min

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.

4

While the quinoa cooks, prepare the zucchini boats. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4-inch thick walls. Reserve the scooped flesh and chop it finely.

5 min
5

Brush the inside and outside of each zucchini boat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Arrange them cut-side up in a large baking dish.

2 min
6
5 min

In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.

7
4 min

Add the minced garlic and chopped zucchini flesh to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the zucchini softens and any liquid evaporates, stirring frequently.

8
3 min

Add the pine nuts to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.

9

Remove the skillet from heat. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and add it to the skillet along with the currants, parsley, mint, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.

10

Stir all ingredients together thoroughly until well combined and evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

1 min
11

Generously fill each zucchini boat with the quinoa mixture, mounding it slightly on top. Pack the filling gently but firmly.

3 min
12

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes until the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork.

25 min
13

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to lightly brown the tops of the filling.

10 min
14

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of each boat before serving.

5 min

Frequently Asked Questions