Quick and Easy Vegan Zucchini Boat
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5.0
102 reviews
Excellent
Quick and Easy Vegan Zucchini Boat
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These simple vegan zucchini boats are the perfect mix of satisfying and light. The zucchini is pan-seared for extra flavor, stuffed with a rich marinara and homemade plant-based sausage, then baked until soft and bubbling. With just 10 ingredients, they’re an effortless choice for an Italian-inspired main dish or side.
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Ingredients
ZUCCHINI
- 3 medium-sized zucchini
- 1-2 tsp avocado oil (if avoiding oil, omit)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 healthy pinch red pepper flake
FILLING
- 2 Tbsp oil (or sub water but double the amount)
- 1/2 cup diced white or red onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flake (reduce or omit for less heat)
- 1 ¼ cup Easy Vegan Sausage (or sub store-bought)
- 1 cup favorite marinara (or sub store-bought)
- 2-3 Tbsp Vegan Parmesan Cheese
FOR SERVING optional
- fresh basil
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese
- red pepper flake
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Grab a baking dish that can comfortably hold your sliced zucchini halves — a 9×13-inch dish is ideal. If you prefer, you can also arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds and a bit of the inner flesh with a spoon or measuring spoon. Create a shallow “boat” that can hold roughly 1/2 cup of the sauce and vegan sausage filling.
- Give the zucchini a light coating of oil, either by brushing or spraying it on. Make sure every surface is covered, then sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Place a large skillet — cast iron if you have it — over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, lay the zucchini halves cut-side down, working in batches so the pan isn’t crowded. Sear for 2–3 minutes, just until the edges take on a light golden color. This step boosts flavor and starts softening the zucchini for baking. Move each finished piece to your baking dish, cut-side up.
- Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add a splash of oil (or water). Stir in the onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 3–4 minutes until everything turns soft, fragrant, and lightly golden. If it starts browning too fast, reduce the heat.
- Add the vegan sausage to the pan and use a spatula or wooden spoon to crumble it into small pieces. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring regularly, until it starts to brown and get a little crisp around the edges. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Spoon the marinara into each zucchini boat, dividing it evenly. Add the cooked sausage mixture on top, then lightly swirl the two together so they mingle without fully mixing — keeping most of the sausage sitting on the surface.
- Top each zucchini boat with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan, then bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re golden, slightly crisp on top, and the zucchini is soft. If your zucchini are larger or you prefer them extra tender, you may need to extend the baking time a little.
- Serve them just as they are, or finish with more vegan Parmesan and a dash of red pepper flakes. A handful of fresh basil on top also makes a beautiful, flavorful garnish.
- These zucchini boats are best enjoyed fresh. Store any leftovers in the fridge for 2–3 days and reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
1boat
Calories
203
(10%)
Carbohydrates
18.5g
(6%)
Protein
5.8g
(12%)
Fat
13.1g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
1.6g
(8%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3.45g
Monounsaturated Fat
7.2g
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
0mg
(0%)
Sodium
591mg
(25%)
Potassium
599mg
(17%)
Fiber
4.6g
(18%)
Sugar
5.9g
(12%)
Vitamin A
521IU
(10%)
Vitamin C
27.22mg
(30%)
Calcium
64.86mg
(6%)
Iron
1.75mg
(10%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6(Boats)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 203 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1boat | |
| Calories | 203 | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 18.5g | 6% |
| Protein | 5.8g | 12% |
| Fat | 13.1g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.6g | 8% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.45g | 20% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7.2g | 36% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 591mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 599mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 4.6g | 18% |
| Sugar | 5.9g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 521IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 27.22mg | 30% |
| Calcium | 64.86mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1.75mg | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
102 reviews
Excellent
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