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.
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
- Why You Need It: Accurate measurements are key to perfectly fluffy muffins.
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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.
- Glass Food Storage Containers for Everything! Aside from the obvious fact that JoyFul by JoyJolt glass meal prep containers are healthier for you and your food, you can also go from freezer to oven without breaking, with a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your purpose. What a JoyFul Idea!
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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.
