Zucchini boats are a fun and creative way to serve up a meal. The boats are made by hollowing out zucchini halves and stuffing them with a delicious filling. This veggie entree makes a healthy main dish or side that both kids and adults love. But a tasty filling isn’t the only thing that makes zucchini boats shine. Serving them with complementary sides and sauces really brings the meal together. So what should you serve alongside these veggie vessels?
Meat and Cheese
One of the most popular fillings for zucchini boats is a mixture of meat and cheese. Ground beef, Italian sausage, or bacon pair nicely with shredded mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, or goat cheese. When making meat and cheese boats, aim for sides that will complement the rich, savory filling.
Bread is one of the best accompaniments for meat and cheese stuffed zucchini. Garlic bread, breadsticks, or dinner rolls are all excellent choices. The bread provides an additional starch component to balance the vegetables. It also helps soak up any delicious juices from the zucchini boats.
A fresh green salad also makes a nice accompaniment to meat and cheese stuffed zucchini boats. The crisp lettuce and veggies add freshness. And the acid from a vinaigrette balances the richness of the filling. Topping the salad with toasted nuts or croutons provides an extra crunch.
Quinoa, brown rice, or orzo can provide a protein-packed bed for the zucchini boats. The fluffy grains soak up flavor and give the meal more heft. Roasted potatoes are another excellent starchy side for meat and cheese stuffed zucchini boats.
Vegetarian
For vegetarian zucchini boat fillings like rice, beans, or cheese, aim for bright, fresh sides. A tangy slaw adds crisp texture and brightness. Crunchy coleslaw with a yogurt or cider based dressing is one of my favorites. But you could also do a broccoli, kale, or Brussels sprouts slaw.
A mixed green salad with nuts, seeds, and fruit is another nice option. Citrus segments, berries, sliced apples, or pears pair well with many vegetarian zucchini fillings. Amp up the protein in the salad by topping it with chickpeas or edamame.
Roasted vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash also make great sides for veggie stuffed zucchini boats. Their caramelized sweetness balances the savory flavors of the filling. You can toss the roasted veggies in herbs, garlic, olive oil, or tahini dressing.
Quinoa, brown rice, bulgur, or farro provide a wholesome base for vegetarian stuffed zucchini boats. Drizzle the grains with a lemony vinaigrette for brightness. Or mix in chopped herbs and roasted veggies for more flavor.
Greek Inspired
For Greek or Mediterranean style zucchini boat fillings, aim for sides that continue the flavor profile. Classic Greek salad is an obvious choice, with its mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, feta, and olives. Toss the salad with a lemony dressing and lots of fresh herbs like oregano, mint, and parsley.
Roasted red potatoes, tossed in olive oil, lemon, and oregano, also make a fantastic accompaniment to Greek zucchini boats. You can even bake them underneath the zucchini boats to soak up all of the delicious juices.
Hummus and pita bread can round out the meal for dipping. Or serve tzatziki sauce alongside for drizzling. Baba ghanoush, made from roasted eggplant, is another traditional Greek dipping sauce that pairs wonderfully with zucchini boats.
For heartier options, rice pilaf studded with cinnamon, currants, and herbs complements Greek seasoned zucchini boats. Orzo, bulgur, or couscous salads work well too. Mix in diced cucumbers, bell peppers, Kalamata olives, feta, and plenty of fresh herbs.
Italian Inspired
Zucchini boats stuffed with pizza fillings, Italian sausage, or marinara sauce beg for some classic Italian sides. Garlic bread or breadsticks help soak up any delicious sauce dripping from the zucchini boats. Bruschetta, topped with tomato, basil, and garlic, also pairs nicely.
A bright caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves makes a refreshing accompaniment. Add some balsamic reduction to bring it all together.
Pasta salad, such as rotini with pesto, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, and Parmesan, makes a tasty bed for Italian style zucchini boats. The pasta soaks up the flavors.
Risotto, studded with peas and Parmesan, also complements the zucchini boats beautifully. The creaminess of the risotto balances the fresh veggie flavors.
And of course, what Italian meal would be complete without garlic roasted broccoli or green beans? A squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil is all they need.
Mexican Inspired
Zucchini boats stuffed with taco meat, black beans, corn, and other Mexican flavors demand some bright, colorful sides. Start with fresh tortilla chips, salsa, and guacamole for scooping every last bit of deliciousness.
A vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, onions, jicama, cilantro, and corn makes a fantastic salad. Dress it with lime juice and chili powder. Add some shredded cabbage or lettuce for extra crunch.
Mexican street corn off the cob makes an amazing accompaniment as well. Remove the corn kernels from the cob and mix with mayo, lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, and cotija cheese. The sweet corn balances the zesty zucchini boats.
Warm tortillas served alongside work well too. Let guests build their own tacos or burritos with the zucchini boat filling. Refried or black beans also complement the Mexican spiced veggie vessels.
And don’t forget the guac! Fresh guacamole adds creaminess and bright flavor. Add diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice for an extra zesty version.
Asian Inspired
For Asian style zucchini boats filled with ginger, sesame, soy, and other classic flavors, serve alongside bright, crunchy sides.
A cold peanut noodle salad adds great texture contrast. Toss noodles with peanut sauce, shredded carrots, bell peppers, scallions, cilantro, and chopped peanuts.
An Asian slaw also pairs nicely. Shred napa cabbage, carrots, basil, and mint. Toss with a ginger lime dressing. Top with toasted sesame seeds and almonds for crunch.
Sticky rice makes a nice base to soak up drippings from teriyaki or sesame filled zucchini boats. Top the rice with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
Quick pickled cucumbers, radishes, or other crisp veggies also provide brightness. Mix them with rice vinegar, sugar, salt and red pepper flakes.
And no Asian meal is complete without a simple stir fry. Quickly cook broccoli, peppers, snap peas, mushrooms and carrots with soy, oyster or teriyaki sauce. Serve alongside zucchini boats for the perfect combo of flavors and textures.
Easy Accompaniments
In addition to sides tailored to the filling, almost any zucchini boat meal can benefit from a few easy basics like crusty bread and butter, dinner rolls, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad. Here are some other simple sides that pair with just about any zucchini boat filling:
- Rice pilaf or risotto
- Pasta salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted or mashed potatoes
- Quinoa or couscous
- Sauteed greens like kale or spinach
- Roasted root vegetables
Zucchini boats are endlessly adaptable. Mix up the fillings and sides for a perfect meal anytime. With so many delicious options, you could enjoy these veggie vessels all summer long and never get bored!
Conclusion
Zucchini boats deserve more than just a basic filling – take them over the top with perfectly paired sides! Complement the flavors of the stuffed veggie entree with bright salads, warm grains, roasted veggies, and other thoughtfully chosen accompaniments. Whether you’re going Greek, Italian, Asian, or Mexican, the right sides can really make your zucchini boats shine. With so many delicious possibilities, it’s easy to transform this summer squash staple into a truly spectacular meal.