STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS

Crisp-tender Stuffed Zucchini Boats filled with a flavorful blend of tender black beans, sweet corn, and zesty spices, then topped with a creamy tahini sauce. This healthy, flavorful recipe is naturally vegan and makes a satisfying plant-based meal.

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

TENDER STUFFED ZUCCHINI

Crisp-tender zucchini makes the perfect base for a hearty filling. Black beans add richness with a touch of smokiness, while corn brings bursts of sweetness and crunch. A warm mix of spices blends it all together into a comforting, flavor-packed bite.

CREAMY TAHINI SAUCE

The tahini sauce is a creamy and tangy topping that perfectly complements the savory stuffed zucchini. Its rich, nutty flavor adds a depth of taste while the bright acidity from lemon juice balances the richness of the black beans and corn.

SIMPLE STEPS FOR THESE STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS

Slice & Bake Zucchini Until Tender
Slice & Bake Zucchini Until Tender
Dice & Sauté Veggies & Add Black Beans & Corn
Dice & Sauté Veggies & Add Black Beans & Corn
Combine Simple Ingredients For Savory Tahini Sauce
Combine Simple Ingredients For Savory Tahini Sauce
Stuffed Zucchini Boats Ingredients
Stuffed Zucchini Boats Ingredients

STEP 1 – PREPARE THE ZUCCHINI:

  • Preheat oven to 400°.

  • Wash zucchini, cut off tops and bottoms, then slice in half lengthwise.

  • Scoop out seeds if desired.

  • Place zucchini skin-side down on a baking sheet and roast 20–30 minutes until fork-tender.

STEP 2 – COOK THE VEGGIES:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  • Dice onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno (seed to reduce heat if desired).

  • Cook veggies until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

STEP 3 – ADD SEASONINGS & FILLING:

  • Stir in garlic, cumin, and chili powder; cook 2 more minutes.

  • Add drained black beans and corn; cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.

  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

STEP 4 – MAKE TAHINI SAUCE:

  • Combine tahini, water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, chili powder, and salt.

  • Mix until smooth, adding more water to reach desired consistency.

  • Taste and adjust seasonings.

STEP 5 – ASSEMBLE & SERVE:

  • Spoon the black bean filling into roasted zucchini halves.

  • Drizzle with tahini sauce and add extra nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper if desired.

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Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Crisp-tender zucchini filled with a flavorful blend of tender black beans, sweet corn, and zesty spices. Topped with a creamy, tangy tahini sauce for a satisfying plant-based meal.
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Tahnini Sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Wash and cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds if desired.
    4 Medium Zucchini
  • Place zucchini skin side down on a large baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes until fork tender.
  • While zucchini roasts, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    Drizzle Olive oil
  • Dice onion & bell pepper.
    1 Large Onion, 1 Large Bell Pepper (Choice of Red, Yellow, OR Orange)
  • Dice jalapeno, seed if desired to reduce heat.
    1-2 Jalapeno Peppers
  • Add diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 2 minutes more.
    2 tsp Minced Garlic, 1 tsp Ground Cumin, 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
  • Drain and rinse black beans and add to skillet. Drain corn and add to skillet. Cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.
    1 Can Black Beans (15 oz), 1/2 Can Corn

Prepare Tahini Sauce

  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well until creamy. Adjust seasonings to taste.
    1/4 Cup Tahini, 3 tbsp Water, 2 tbsp Lemon Juice, 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 tbsp Nutritional Yeast, 1 tsp Chili Powder, Salt

To Serve

  • Scoop the black bean mixture into the roasted zucchini halves.
  • Top with tahini sauce and additional nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper as desired.
  • Serve immediately.

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FAQ'S FOR THIS STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS RECIPE

1. Can I make these zucchini boats ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the zucchini and filling in advance, then assemble right before serving.

2. Can I use other beans or vegetables in the filling?
Absolutely. Kidney beans, pinto beans, or additional veggies like mushrooms or spinach work well.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients you choose, such as tahini, black beans, and other pantry items, are labeled gluten-free.

4. Can I make the tahini sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving and add a little more water if necessary to thin it out, as it tends to thicken when sitting.