Stuffed Zucchini with Feta Cheese

This stuffed zucchini recipe features tender zucchini filled with a savory mixture of feta cheese, herbs, and spices. It’s a healthy and flavorful dish that can be served as a main course or a side.

The preparation is simple, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. You can customize the filling with additional ingredients like tomatoes or olives to enhance the flavor.

Preparing the Zucchini

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving that perfect golden finish on the zucchini.

Next, take your medium zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the seeds to create little boats ready for stuffing. This step not only makes room for the filling but also ensures even cooking.

Creating the Flavorful Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese with cooked quinoa or rice. This combination provides a delightful texture and a rich flavor profile.

Add chopped fresh parsley, diced onion, minced garlic, and dried oregano to the bowl. Season with black pepper and salt to taste. If you wish, diced tomatoes can be included for an extra burst of flavor.

Stuffing the Zucchini Halves

Drizzle the hollowed zucchini halves with olive oil to enhance their flavor and prevent sticking. Then, generously fill each half with the feta mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the filling stays in place during baking.

Arranging the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet will make the transfer to the oven easier. Make sure they are spaced out to allow for even cooking.

Baking to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the zucchinis bake for about 20-25 minutes. The goal is to achieve tender zucchinis with a slightly crispy top, indicating that the filling is perfectly cooked.

Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t overcook. The aroma wafting from the oven will be irresistible!

Serving Suggestions

Once baked, remove the stuffed zucchinis from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. This brief cooling period makes them easier to handle.

Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. These stuffed zucchinis can be served warm as a main dish or as a delightful side to accompany your favorite proteins.

Enjoying the Mediterranean Experience

The combination of flavors in this dish truly embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. The creamy feta, wholesome quinoa, and fragrant herbs create a satisfying meal that is both nutritious and delicious.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these stuffed zucchinis are sure to impress. Their vibrant appearance and delightful taste will transport you to a rustic Mediterranean setting, making every bite a celebration of flavor.

Delicious Stuffed Zucchini Recipe

These stuffed zucchinis are hollowed out and filled with a mixture of crumbled feta cheese, herbs, and spices, then baked until tender. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or rice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes optional

Instructions

1. Prep the Zucchini: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create boats.
2. Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine feta cheese, cooked quinoa or rice, parsley, onion, garlic, oregano, black pepper, salt, and diced tomatoes if using.
3. Stuff the Zucchini: Drizzle the zucchini halves with olive oil, then fill each half with the feta mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
4. Bake: Place the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the filling is slightly golden.
5. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a main dish or side.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 180kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 14g