If you’re searching for a delightful way to enjoy healthy zucchini snacks, look no further than these Mediterranean zucchini boats filled with cottage cheese and topped with a savory olive tapenade. These zucchini boat appetizers are not only delicious but also a fantastic low-carb option that can fit perfectly into a variety of meal ideas.
Imagine sinking your fork into tender zucchini filled with creamy cottage cheese, perfectly complemented by the rich and tangy flavors of olive tapenade. It’s a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet remains healthy. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, these stuffed zucchini with cheese make for an impressive dish with minimal effort.
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Healthy and Flavorful Zucchini Boat Meal Ideas
These zucchini boats offer a fresh and vibrant taste, combining the creaminess of cottage cheese with the bold flavors of the olive tapenade topping. This dish balances healthy ingredients while maintaining a satisfying flavor profile, making it an excellent choice for those following low-carb zucchini recipes.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup olive tapenade
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prep the Zucchini: Scoop out the seeds from the zucchini halves to create ‘boats’. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the Zucchini: In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with half of the olive tapenade and fill each zucchini half with this mixture.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the filled zucchini.
- Bake: Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Drizzle remaining olive tapenade over the top before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
Recommended Amazon Products for Making Cottage Cheese Recipes
Here’s a curated list of tools to make your cooking experience easier and more efficient.
1. Mixing Bowl Set
- Why You Need It: A set of nesting mixing bowls with non-slip bases makes it easy to prep ingredients without spills.
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2. Measuring Cups and Spoons
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3. Shredded Cheese Grater
- Why You Need It: Grating cheese fresh at home ensures better flavor and texture.
- Three Blades: Coarse shredding blade, fine shredding blade with different diameter ; One slicing blades; A pound of cheese is only 30 seconds, avoid contact between fingers and blades
4. Storage Containers
- Why You Need It: Keep your muffins fresh for meal prepping or snacking later.
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Best Diets for Mediterranean Cottage Cheese and Olive Tapenade Zucchini Boats
Here’s a helpful table highlighting which diets this recipe fits best and why:
| Diet Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Low-Carb/Keto | High in protein, low in carbs (only 8g per serving). The cottage cheese and olives provide healthy fats. |
| Mediterranean | Features classic Mediterranean ingredients like olive tapenade, zucchini, and olive oil. |
| High-Protein | Contains 12g of protein per serving from cottage cheese and mozzarella. |
| Vegetarian | Meat-free but still filling due to protein-rich cottage cheese and cheese topping. |
| Gluten-Free | Naturally gluten-free with no added grains or wheat-based ingredients. |
| Calorie-Conscious | Only 180 calories per serving, making it a low-calorie yet satisfying meal or snack. |
| Diabetic-Friendly | Low in sugar and carbs, making it suitable for managing blood sugar. |
| Heart-Healthy | Rich in heart-healthy fats from olive oil and olives while being low in unhealthy fats. |
| Meal Prep-Friendly | Easy to prepare in batches and reheat throughout the week. |
These Mediterranean Cottage Cheese and Olive Tapenade Zucchini Boats are a delicious and nutritious addition to various diet plans, making them perfect for a well-balanced meal or snack.
