Best Vegetarian Recipe for Giant Zucchini You’ll Love

Giant zucchinis are a gardener’s delight and a fantastic ingredient to work with in the kitchen. Their impressive size not only grabs attention but also offers plenty of versatility for creative cooking.

If you’re looking for the best vegetarian recipe for giant zucchini, you’re in the right place! This recipe transforms the large zucchini into a hearty, delicious, and wholesome vegetarian stuffed dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even entertaining guests.

Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a savory cheese blend, it’s a comforting meal that celebrates the natural flavors of the zucchini while adding a nutritious punch.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just exploring plant-based meals, this recipe is simple enough to make on a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at a special occasion. Plus, it’s a smart way to use up those oversized zucchinis from your garden or farmer’s market.

Let’s dive in and discover how to make this giant zucchini recipe the star of your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian stuffed giant zucchini recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly adaptable — you can swap out fillings based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

The zucchini acts as a natural bowl, making it both beautiful and eco-friendly by reducing the need for extra dishware.

Flavor-packed and nutritious, the dish features a medley of vegetables, fresh herbs, and a creamy cheese topping that melts to golden perfection. It’s also a great way to sneak extra veggies into your meal in a fun, appealing way.

Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and comforting textures.

Lastly, it’s a fantastic example of seasonal cooking — making the most of summer squash when it’s freshest and most flavorful. If you enjoy this, you might also love our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a creamy pasta side or our Cheese Penny Recipe for a cheesy accompaniment.

Ingredients

• 1 giant zucchini (about 12-14 inches long)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or vegan cheese for dairy-free)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Sharp kitchen knife
• Spoon for scooping
• Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
• Mixing bowl
• Frying pan or skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when you’re done prepping the zucchini.
2. Prepare the zucchini: Wash your giant zucchini thoroughly. Cut it in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh to create a cavity for stuffing. Leave about a 1/2-inch thick shell for stability. Set the scooped flesh aside.
3. Sauté the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the bell pepper and reserved zucchini flesh: Dice the zucchini flesh and add it to the pan along with the bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
5. Mix in spinach, cherry tomatoes, and cooked quinoa: Stir in spinach and tomatoes, cooking until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl.
6. Add herbs and cheese: To the filling bowl, add oregano, basil, crumbled feta, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly.
7. Stuff the zucchini halves: Spoon the filling evenly into each zucchini boat, pressing lightly to pack it in.
8. Top with remaining Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the stuffed zucchinis for a golden crust.
9. Bake: Place the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbly.
10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving for a fresh, bright finish.

Tips & Variations

To prevent the zucchini from releasing too much water while baking, you can salt the hollowed-out halves and let them sit for 10 minutes before stuffing, then pat dry with a paper towel.

Feel free to customize the stuffing by adding other veggies like mushrooms or zucchini flowers if you find them. For a protein boost, toss in some cooked lentils or chickpeas.

If you want a vegan version, swap the feta and Parmesan for your favorite plant-based cheeses or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle a balsamic reduction over the baked zucchini just before serving. This adds a sweet and tangy contrast that complements the savory filling beautifully.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This stuffed giant zucchini pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp salad or a light soup. For a Mediterranean flair, serve alongside a chilled cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.

You might also enjoy it with crusty garlic bread or a warm flatbread for soaking up any delicious juices.

For a complete meal, consider complementing it with recipes like our Chicken Bruschetta Recipe Stove Top Stuffing (vegetarian adaptation possible) or a refreshing dessert like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.

Conclusion

Using a giant zucchini as the centerpiece for a vegetarian meal is a brilliant way to celebrate fresh, seasonal produce while creating a delicious and nourishing dish. This stuffed zucchini recipe combines wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors, making it a satisfying meal for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

It’s easy to prepare, visually appealing, and offers plenty of room for creativity with fillings and toppings.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply enjoy a cozy family meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and pair it with complementary dishes from our collection for a truly memorable dining experience.

Happy cooking!

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