This simple and delicious vegetarian entrée or side – Mediterranean Grilled Zucchini Boats Stuffed with Wild Rice Filling – is sure to become your new favorite end-of-summer dish! Delicious grilled zucchini is stuffed with nutty wild rice, toasted pine nuts, golden raisins, briny feta cheese, chopped fresh mint, and balsamic vinaigrette, taking the traditional zucchini boat to a whole new level!
Lately, we’ve been attempting to cook a few vegetarian meals to help simplify (and healthify … that’s probably not a word!) dinners around here. I love the idea of Meatless Mondays, so I’ve been rolling with it!
I’ll admit, when I think of meatless meals, I tend to lean towards pasta, but we’ve been trying to eat a bit healthier (I mean, we live in the city of cannolis; I‘ve gotta keep that in check!), so I’ve been trying to think up vegetarian entrees and side dishes that are veggie focused. With summer winding down, I’m cooking up all of the last of the summer goodness, and we’ve been using a whole lot of zucchini. (Seriously, if you haven’t tried Skinny Taste’s zucchini rollatini, DO IT!)
I’ve long loved zucchini; a.k.a., courgette. It’s healthy and a staple in Mediterranean cooking (which I love!)
Mediterranean Grilled Zucchini Boats
Zucchini Boats Are The Perfect Vegetarian Dish
Now let’s talk zucchini boats!
In short, they’re awesome. And all the rage these days. Mostly because zucchini boats are easy to make (no fancy chef skills required), and they are the ideal vehicle for whatever toppings or filling or stuffing you want!
With a bit of tweaking, and combining a few recipes here and there, I came up with a total winner: grilled zucchini boats stuffed with wild rice, golden raisins, pine nuts, feta cheese, and topped with mint.
Mediterranean Grilled Zucchini Boats Stuffed with A Delicious Wild Rice Filling
A little bit Mediterranean, a whole lot of fresh, bright, and comforting; these stuffed zucchini boats are refreshing, filling, and totally delicious!
It all starts with grilled zucchini – a delicious dish all on it’s own. By the way, if you don’t have an outdoor grill, a simple grill pan works so well. 😉
I went with wild rice here because I’ve always enjoyed the toasty, nutty flavor and bite of wild rice (though you could easily use farro or quinoa here.) Feta adds the perfect briny cheese notes, the toasted pine nuts trust draw on that nutty wild rice taste, the mint brings the fresh herb component, and the golden raisins add a note of sweet. Tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette, the combination is so darn good.
The preparation of these Mediterranean grilled zucchini boats is relatively straightforward and the result is end-of-summer dinner perfection. You’ll have super yummy zucchini boats in thirty minutes or less, promise!
To make the Grilled Zucchini Boats Stuffed with Wild Rice Filling:
First up, cook the wild rice according to the package directions (be sure to set aside the necessary time), then set it aside to cool completely.
Next, split your zucchini in half from top to bottom, brush with a bit of olive oil. Top with salt and pepper, and grill on both sides. (Don’t forget the olive oil and seasoning. It really helps to bring out the flavor – and prevent major sticking. Win, win!) Remove the zucchini from the grill once it is nicely charred and tender, and allow to cool a bit.
In a bowl, combine 2/3 cup of cooked wild rice, 1/4 cup feta cheese, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, 1/4 cup golden raisins, handful of finely chopped fresh mint, and prepared balsamic vinaigrette. (Try not to eat the whole bowl of wild rice stuffing by the spoonful!)
Using a spoon, gently scoop out the inside of each grilled zucchini spear. (You can use the grilled zucchini insides in your wild rice stuffing, by mixing the zucchini insides into your filling as well.)
Fill each zucchini boat with the wild rice stuffing. Top with more feta and chopped fresh mint and a drizzle of balsamic reduction (optional) and serve!
Enjoy!
Putting together the stuffed zucchini boats was the fun part! Even my toddler wanted to help scoop the grilled zucchini halves.
This simple and delicious entree or side - Mediterranean Grilled Zucchini Boats Stuffed with Wild Rice Filling - is sure to become your new favorite vegetarian dish!
Mediterranean Grilled Zucchini Boats Stuffed with Wild Rice Filling
Ingredients
Instructions
If you make your own delicious zucchini boats, be sure to tag me on social media (@glitterinclexi) so I can live vicariously through all of your delicious end-of-summer creations! Plus, I’d love to hear how yours turn out (and if you’re just as obsessed as we are!)
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Any delicious zucchini recipes you love? I’d love to hear what your favorite simple vegetarian and zucchini dishes are! I’m always looking for new ideas!
Love these zucchini boats? Head to our recipe page to check out what else we’re dreaming up in the kitchen!
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Yum! I only like zucchini cooked certain ways, but this looks delicious