Description
A Zesty Turkey & Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini recipe combining lean ground turkey, protein-rich quinoa, and fresh vegetables in a tender zucchini shell. This dish is flavorful, nutritious, and perfect for a healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the center of each zucchini half with a spoon, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Stir in cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until flavors meld.
- Spoon the turkey and quinoa mixture into the hollowed zucchini halves.
- If using, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Place stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can brush the hollowed zucchini halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before stuffing.
- Taste the stuffing mixture before filling the zucchini and adjust seasonings as needed.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed zucchini
- Calories: Approx. 350 kcal (will vary based on ingredients)
- Sugar: Low
- Sodium: Moderate
- Fat: Moderate
- Saturated Fat: Moderate
- Unsaturated Fat: Moderate
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
- Fiber: High
- Protein: High
- Cholesterol: Moderate