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Weekly Wellness Recipe: Mediterranean Zucchini Boats

Baked zucchini boats stuffed with ground meat, tomatoes, and herbs, topped with melted cheese.

These Mediterranean zucchini boats are packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs for a satisfying, Phase 2–friendly meal.

If you’re craving something savory, satisfying, and a little bit different during your Phase 2 reset, these Mediterranean Zucchini Boats are the perfect way to shake up your meal routine. Packed with lean protein and layered with bright, herbaceous flavor, this dish feels indulgent but keeps you totally on track.

Inspired by Mediterranean staples like tomatoes, garlic, lemon, and oregano, these boats are simple to prep, easy to customize, and ideal for meal planning. They’re proof that flavorful food and weight loss can absolutely go hand-in-hand.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe does more than just taste good. It supports your Phase 2 goals with clean, nourishing ingredients that work hard for your body.

  • Zucchini: Naturally low in calories and high in water, zucchini adds volume and texture without weighing you down. It’s also rich in antioxidants and digestion-friendly fiber.
  • Lean Ground Turkey: A lean, high-protein choice that helps maintain muscle and rev up metabolism. Using 99% fat-free turkey keeps it fully Phase 2 compliant.
  • Tomatoes: Juicy, vitamin-rich, and full of flavor. Tomatoes brighten up the dish without added sugar and bring anti-inflammatory benefits to the table.
  • Olives & Feta (Optional for Phase 3): If you’re in maintenance, a small sprinkle of olives or feta adds Mediterranean depth and healthy fats, but this dish is just as delicious without them.
  • Lemon Juice & Herbs: Classic Mediterranean flavors that support digestion and bring fresh brightness with zero added calories.
Fresh whole zucchinis on a wooden cutting board with tomatoes and parsley in the background

Fresh zucchini is the perfect low-calorie, nutrient-rich base for this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and hollowed
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey (99% fat free)
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or no-sugar-added canned)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional for Phase 3 or Maintenance:

  • ¼ cup chopped black olives
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and use a spoon to gently scoop out the center, forming “boats.”
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground turkey until fully browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
  4. Add minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, lemon juice, oregano, and basil. Cook for 5–7 minutes, letting the mixture reduce slightly.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Spoon the turkey mixture into the zucchini boats and arrange them in a baking dish.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the zucchini is fork-tender.
  8. Optional: If you’re in Phase 3, top each boat with olives and crumbled feta before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Serving Size: 2 zucchini halves (1 full zucchini)

  • Calories: 280
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fats: 6g (lower if olives/feta omitted)
  • Protein: 25g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Fiber: 4g

Lighten Up Your Weekly Meal Prep

Whether you’re prepping for the week ahead or looking for something fresh to keep your reset exciting, these zucchini boats deliver. They’re filling, flavorful, and easy to double up so you always have a Phase 2–friendly meal ready to go.

Try them for lunch, dinner, or even a satisfying weekend meal, and don’t forget to share your creations in the BSN group or tag us on Instagram. Clean eating doesn’t have to be boring, especially when you’ve got Mediterranean flavor on your side.

For more delicious and nutritious recipes, check out these articles:

Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss: 20 Nutritionist-Approved Options Under 200 Calories

Weekly Wellness Recipe: Citrus Fennel Chicken Bowls

Budget-Friendly Weight Loss Recipes: 5 Ways to Eat Healthy for Cheap