These bright stuffed zucchini boats loaded with Mediterranean favorites like tomatoes, feta, and fresh herbs can be ready in 20 minutes or less!

Add this to the list of fun zucchini recipes to use up your summer zukes! Be sure to check out our tips and video below.

vegetarian zucchini boats assembled on serving platter

Stuffed zucchini for the modern cook = zucchini boats!

There’s a reason people go nuts for zucchini boats.

They are easy to make–no special “cheffy” skills needed–and they are the perfect carrier for whatever toppings or filling you like!

Ingredients for zucchini boats including zucchini, feta, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, green onions, and lemon

Classic stuffed zucchini boat recipes typically call for a heavy meat and cheese topping, but these vegetarian zucchini boats take on fresh Mediterranean flavors that will not disappoint.

Like our Greek stuffed onions, we make use of the entire vegetable, including the flesh; it goes right in the filling for the zucchini boats.

This is a simple recipe that takes 20 minutes or less! Here’s how…

How to make zucchini boats

1. Season and grill zucchini halves on both sides (a little brush of quality extra virgin olive oil is important here).

Tip: grill zucchini until tender and nicely charred, this brings out the delicious flavor!

Grilled zucchini halves. Some zucchini flesh scooped out on the side to make zucchini boats

3. Scoop out the flesh to hollow out the zucchini halves…or to create “boats” for the topping or filling (do not discard the tender charred flesh, it’s so tasty and we’ll use it later).

4. Make the filling. The possibilities for the filling here are endless here (see more examples below), but I kept my filling simple, leaning more towards fresh and vegetarian options.

To make it, combine the zucchini flesh with Mediterranean favorites like tomato, feta, green onions, and fresh herbs. I love using a couple different herbs here like mint and parsley. And if you like a little extra zest, then do as I have and add a squeeze of lemon juice.

5. Fill the zucchini boats with the stuffing and enjoy!

Zucchini boat filling. A bowl of sliced cherry tomatoes, zucchini flesh from grilled zucchini, feta, fresh herbs, and chopped green onions

Stuffed zucchini boat variations

Wondering what else you can use for a topping or filling for these easy zucchini boats? Here are a few more ideas:

  • Add more vegetarian items like a handful of baby spinach, olives, or marinated artichokes. And if you like things spicy, add a pinch of hot pepper flakes (Oooh or even a little harissa, which is not necessarily spicy but will add an interesting kick!)
  • Give these vegetarian zucchini boats a little Italian flare by using baby mozzarella, fresh basil, and maybe a little cured meat like Prosciutto or salami.
  • If you’re up for a little extra work, then make the meat and rice stuffing from this stuffed pepper recipe (it does make more than you need for 6 zucchini halves, but then you’ll have more rice to eat later. Or, make more zucchini boats!)
zucchini boats topped with tomatoes and feta

Ways to serve them

Mediterranean grilled zucchini boats are an obvious appetizer choice.

And here’s a fun tip! If you’re serving a larger crowd, you can cut the zucchini halves crosswise to create smaller “boats” that are much easier to pick up (no fork and knife needed.) A dollop of Tzatziki sauce on top doesn’t hurt a bit! 

Or you can serve these grilled zucchini boats as a side next to things like: Chicken Meatballs; Pan-Seared Trout; Lemon Garlic Salmon; or Lamb Burgers.

Can you freeze zucchini boats?

If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge in a tight-lid glass container for 2 days or so. They’re great cold or at room temperature.

But I would not advise freezing zucchini boats. The grilled zucchini will be too mushy once thawed and the topping won’t be in the best shape either.

Is zucchini healthy?

If you’re searching for Mediterranean diet recipes or ingredients, zucchini will show up over and over. It’s a staple in Mediterranean cooking and regularly on my shopping list.

Zucchini, also known as courgette is a type of summer squash. It’s low in fat and carbohydrates, high in antioxidants and filled with vitamins and important nutrients like vitamin C, folate, and potassium.

For me, zucchini is essential in a hearty ratatouille and makes a great addition to a fun skillet dinner like this sauteed shrimp and zucchini. And I’ll often serve a simple baked zucchini as a side next to nearly any protein.

You may also like 50+Mediterranean Diet Recipes. Or check out the archives for all our recipes. And be sure to join my email list for FREE weekly meal plans and more!

4.65 from 34 votes

Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Tomato and Feta

The Mediterranean Dish
vegetarian zucchini boats assembled on serving platter
You'll love these easy grilled zucchini boats, prepared Mediterranean-style with tomato and feta. We make every use of the zucchini flesh too! Check out the tips and ideas in the post. Serve these as a fun appetizer or side next to your favorite summer entrees!
Prep – 10 minutes
Cook – 7 minutes
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Serves – 6 zucchini boats
Course:
Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 3 zucchini trimmed and sliced length-wise into halves
  • extra virgin olive oil I used Early Harvest Greek EVOO
  • Kosher salt and pepper to your liking
  • Dried oregano large sprinkle to your liking
  • 6 oz cherry tomatoes sliced in halves
  • 3 green onions both white and green parts, ends trimmed, chopped
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese more to your liking
  • 6 to 10 fresh mint leaves chopped
  • Large handful fresh parsley chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Splash lemon juice not too much

Instructions
 

  • Heat a cast iron skillet or indoor griddle over medium heat. (OR, If cooking on gas grill, lightly oil the grate and preheat grill to medium-low).
  • Brush zucchini generously with extra virgin olive oil on both sides. Season zucchini (particularly flesh side) with salt, freshly ground pepper, and oregano.
  • Place zucchini, flesh-side down, on the preheated grill (or indoor griddle). Grill for 3 to 5 minutes until soft and nicely charred, then turn on back side and grill for another 3 to 5 minutes until this side is also tender and gains some color. (If using an indoor skillet or griddle, you may need to adjust heat to medium-high.)
  • Remove zucchini from heat and let cool enough to handle.
  • To create zucchini boats, use a small spoon to scoop out the flesh (do not discard). Squeeze all liquid out of zucchini flesh (you might use a linen kitchen towel or paper towel to do this.)
  • Make the filling for the zucchini boats. Put the zucchini flesh in a mixing bowl and add the cherry tomatoes, green onions, feta, mint, parsley, lemon zest. Add a small splash of lemon juice and sprinkle a little more oregano. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and mix everything together.
  • Spoon the filling mixture into the prepared zucchini boats and arrange on a serving platter. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • Cook’s Tips: You can cut the zucchini halves crosswise to create smaller “boats” that can be easily picked up by hand. This is ideal if you’re serving a larger crowd as an appetizer (yields 12 instead of 6).
  • Cook’s Tip: Grill zucchini until tender and nicely charred – this brings out the delicious flavor!
  • Cook’s Tip: A drizzle of Greek Tzatziki sauce really seals the deal on these zucchini boats. Find recipe for homemade Tzatziki here.
  • Make Ahead Option: You can grill the zucchini ahead of time, then when ready to serve, follow recipe from step #5.
  • Other Filling Options: You can change up the existing filling in this recipe by simply adding more vegetarian items like a handful baby spinach, olives, or marinated artichokes. Or turn this into Zucchini Boats Antipasti. Just give your filling a little Italian flare using baby mozzarella, fresh basil, and maybe a little cured meat like Prosciutto or salami.
  • Visit The Mediterranean Dish Store for our Greek extra virgin olive oils and more! Our Early Harvest and Private Reserve extra virgin olive oils are both from organically grown and processed Koroneiki olives. And you’ll also find a selection of all-natural and organic spices for Mediterranean cooking. Try the Ultimate Mediterranean Spice Bundle, or create your own 6-pack of spices.

Nutrition

Calories: 51.2kcalCarbohydrates: 5.7gProtein: 4.3gFat: 1.9gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6.7mgPotassium: 334.1mgFiber: 1.4gVitamin A: 436.9IUVitamin C: 25.5mgCalcium: 25.5mgIron: 0.7mg
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*This recipe/article has been republished with new information and media for readers’ benefit.

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I’m Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I’m all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you’re here…
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4.65 from 34 votes (34 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Julie says:

    5 stars
    Amazing tasting and easy to make! I added marinated artichoke hearts to mine. Yummy!

  2. Kevin says:

    4 stars
    The dish was amazing, but the website gave me tourettes with all the ads. I stopped counting at 14. The popups were the worst and kept crashing my phone

  3. Marian Klopp says:

    5 stars
    This was absolutely delicious! Simple & very tasty. Served with venison backstraps. Wish I would have doubled the recipe because I could have eaten more.
    I recently discovered your site & love it!

    1. TMD Team says:

      Welcome to The Mediterranean Dish, Marian!

  4. Julie Williams says:

    5 stars
    Hi , I’ll be making these soon!! Can’t believe it’s so simple! I love your recipes. 🤗
    Regards
    Julie from Australia

  5. Carolyn says:

    So this recipe is served at room temperature?
    How long could they remain at room temp before serving.
    I would be transporting them a short distance.
    I see below where you like to serve them warm. Do
    you slip them in the oven for a minute?
    Thanks,
    Carolyn

  6. Lois says:

    5 stars
    Very, very good. Will make them again. Thank you.

    1. Suzy says:

      Wonderful! Thanks, Lois!

  7. Adrianne Cady says:

    I have made something very similar & in our house, we call them ZUCCANOES…instead of boats, canoes.

    1. Suzy says:

      Lol! Cute!

  8. Deb says:

    I enjoyed the recipe. Quick question, is this considered a cold appetizer?

    1. Suzy says:

      Hi, Deb. I most often serve these warm, but you can certainly serve them cold or at room temperature.

  9. Jasyn says:

    5 stars
    Our first recipe from this site! Very simple and quick for a weeknight meal. We served with some naan bread. We are a family of three and my daughter was sad there wasn’t any leftovers to take to school for lunch! Thanks!

    1. Suzy says:

      You’ll have to make double next time :).

  10. Amber says:

    Hi,

    I don’t have a grill. Can I bake the zucchini in the convection oven first?

    1. Suzy says:

      Hi, Amber. You could try that, but, if you just have a grill pan or cast iron skillet, that best alternative to an outdoor grill here would be to cook them on the stovetop.

  11. Carol D says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! I added a little quinoa and sliced black olives and made it a meal. Spouse (who doesn’t really care for zucchini) loved it!

    1. Suzy says:

      Awesome! Thanks, Carol!

  12. Dan Olson says:

    5 stars
    Suzy, I absolutely love your recipes and how you present them. I have made so many of your recipes and we love them. I will soon order some of your products. Thank you!
    Dan
    Oviedo, Florida

    1. Suzy says:

      Wonderful! Thanks, Dan!

  13. Helen Davis says:

    I have not received a response to my prior Email. YOU NEED TO HAVE A RECIPE BOX APPLICATION ATTACHED TO YOUR SITE. HOW CAN ONE SAVE RECIPES, OUTSIIDE OF SOCIAL MEDIA?

    Helen a programmer for 50 years

    1. Katie says:

      I copy the link and email it to myself, with the recipe title in subject line. I love that I’m able to organize folders and subfolders, like sheet pan recipes or under 30 minutes. Hope this helps.

    2. Jen says:

      5 stars
      Helen, if you are using a browser your can bookmark it, that’s what I do.

      Suzy – thanks for many great recipes! Jen