Grilled Mediterranean Zucchini Boats [gluten-free + high-protein]

By Healthy Helper
Updated on April 27, 2026
Posted on April 23, 2026
Comments 81 Comments
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These grilled Mediterranean zucchini boats with salmon are one of those recipes that feel restaurant-level but come together with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Clean, vibrant, and packed with flavor…exactly what summer cooking should be.

Grilled Mediterranean Zucchini Boats [gluten-free + high-protein]

If you’re looking for a fresh, high-protein summer recipe that feels elevated but takes minimal effort, these grilled Mediterranean zucchini boats deliver. Packed with smoky salmon, creamy hummus, briny olives, and tangy feta, this dish hits that perfect balance of light, satisfying, and flavor-forward.

Whether you’re firing up the grill or using your oven, these zucchini boats are an easy go-to for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a low-carb entertaining option.

Grilled Mediterranean Zucchini Boats [gluten-free + high-protein]

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • High-protein & low-carb thanks to salmon and zucchini
  • Mediterranean diet-friendly with healthy fats and fresh ingredients
  • Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes
  • Grill or oven adaptable depending on your setup
  • Great for meal prep — reheats beautifully

Ingredients

  • 2 medium Melissa’s Produce zucchinis, sliced lengthwise with seeds scooped out (code HEALTHYHELPER saves!!)
  • 1 cedar plank salmon, grilled and chopped (or you can use canned salmon!)
  • 1/4 cup roasted red pepper hummus
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped
  • 1/4 cup roasted tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 tbsp basil pesto
  • 3 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
  • Olive oil (for brushing)
  • Salt and pepper

How to Make Grilled Mediterranean Zucchini Boats

1. Prep the Zucchini: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Trim the ends of the zucchini, slice them in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds to create “boats.” Brush the inside with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

2. Grill the Zucchini: Place zucchini cut-side down on the grill and cook uncovered for 4–5 minutes, until lightly charred and caramelized. Remove and set aside. No grill? Broil in the oven for about 10 minutes instead.

3. Make the Mediterranean Salmon Filling:

In a bowl, combine:

  • chopped grilled salmon
  • roasted red pepper hummus
  • chopped kalamata olives
  • roasted tomatoes

Mix until evenly combined.

4. Stuff the Zucchini Boats: Divide the salmon mixture evenly among each zucchini half.

Top each with:

  • 1 tablespoon basil pesto
  • a sprinkle of crumbled feta

5. Finish Cooking: Return to the grill and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, until heated through and slightly bubbling. (Oven option: Broil for 3–5 minutes until the tops are lightly golden.)

Grilled Mediterranean Zucchini Boats [gluten-free + high-protein]

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Grilled Mediterranean Zucchini Boats

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  • Author: Healthy Helper
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Yield: 4 boats
  • Category: Main Meals

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium Melissa’s Produce zucchinis, sliced in half lengthwise with seeds scooped out (code HEALTHYHELPER saves!!)
  • 1 Cedar Bay cedar plank salmon, grilled and chopped up (or you can use canned salmon!)
  • 1/4 cup roasted red pepper hummus
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped
  • 1/4 cup roasted tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 tbsp basil pesto
  • 3 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
  • olive oil, for brushing
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to medium heat. Trim ends of squash; halve lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
  2. Brush inside of squash with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Grill, cut side down, 4-5 min, uncovered, until edges are slightly charred and caramelized. Transfer to clean work surface. (Alternatively, you can broil the zucchini for 10 minutes in the oven if you don’t want to use a grill)
  3. While zucchini is cooking, mix salmon, hummus, olives, and tomatoes in a bowl.
  4. Fill each squash with an equal amount of salmon mixture, drizzle with one tbsp of pesto, and sprinkle with feta cheese. Grill, uncovered, 10 min or until filling begins to bubble. (Or, broil for 3-5 minutes)

Grilled Mediterranean Zucchini Boats [gluten-free + high-protein]

Tips for the Best Zucchini Boats

  • Don’t overcook the zucchini — you want tender but still structured boats
  • Use high-quality salmon for the best flavor payoff
  • Drain watery ingredients (like tomatoes) to avoid sogginess
  • Go heavy on herbs — fresh basil or parsley adds a bright finish

Variations & Substitutions

  • Swap salmon for grilled chicken or chickpeas for a different protein
  • Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of roasted for a deeper flavor
  • Try goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture
  • Add pine nuts or toasted breadcrumbs for crunch

What to Serve with Zucchini Boats

These pair well with:

  • a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • quinoa or couscous for a heartier meal
  • grilled pita and extra hummus

Storage & Meal Prep

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture
  • Avoid microwaving too long to prevent soggy zucchini
Are you a seafood lover? What’s your favorite type of fish? Have you ever ‘stuffed’ a vegetable before?

Talk soon,

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81 Comments

  6. These look great Kaila! I love stuffing zucchini. My favorite thing to do is ground turkey with taco seasoning.. but I need to try these!

    Reply

  8. SCORE!! That looks so delicious. We are always looking for new ways to do tuna, and as much as I love tuna salad and tuna melts, they can get old. This is a great idea. AND we love zucchini. Thanks so much!

    Reply

  11. This looks really yummy. I love stuffed vegetables. We often do stuffed peppers, squashes – summer and spaghetti and they are delicious. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Sally @ Life Loving

    Reply

  13. I don’t know where to start with these…. they look delicious, simple, and elegant! Yes like so simple you can throw them together at home, healthy, delicious, and filling. Yet they also look so good you could serve them for friends or find them at a restaurant.

    Reply

  14. I have a abundance of zucchini right now from the garden and I can’t wait to try this with them!! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! This post has been pinned on the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! I love having you and can’t wait to see you next week!

    Reply

  18. these look really good, going to go over to Whole Foods to get the organic version and make it for dinner one night. thanks for sharing. Stopping by from #SaturdaySharefest #SITSBlogging

    Reply

  20. Loving all the briny goodness in this dish. I’m a huge fan of both tuna and zucchini. And olives. And feta. So yeah. I’m all over this. Thanks for linking up to #SaucySaturdays.

    Reply

  22. I was planning to say, ” can NOT wait to try it,” but my kids came screaming “YOU touched it!” “No! YOU touched it first!” So I ended up typing “You” in place of “not.” Sorry!

    Reply

  23. Thanks so much for linking up to #SaucySaturdays! I love the idea of zucchini boats as a vessel (no pun intended) for the tuna! What a great and healthy way to eat it. I have been trying to go 100%paleo for a while and this will definitely help with new menu ideas. I will be linking up to your party as well.

    Reply

  24. Hi Joli,
    This sounds delicious and I love the ingredients. Zucchini is in season now and I know we have loads of it – so this would be another great way to use it and have a delicious healthy meal. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.

    Reply

      1. I am so sorry Kaila. I don’t know how I did that. I am looking at lot of different post at one time and sometimes I do stupid things like this – please excuse my stupidity. It a great recipe Kaila.

        Reply

  28. Congratulations!
    Your recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday today! Hope you have a very special day and enjoy your new Red Plate.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply

  32. I love salmon and most seafood too; this looks so yummy. Thanks so much for sharing this and your other posts with us at the Summer Fun party. I pinned them all.

    Reply

  39. Grilled Mediterranean Zucchini Boats are a delightful gluten-free and high-protein dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. This recipe is not only nutritious but also easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for those seeking healthy meal ideas. I truly appreciate the effort put into sharing such a wonderful recipe, as it has brought joy to my cooking experience.

    Reply