Have you ever tried zucchini boats? They’re pretty much the coolest way to eat veggies without feeling like you’re stuck choking down rabbit food. Just hollow out a zucchini and fill it with all your favourite stuff.
We’re talking cheese, sauce, veggies—whatever floats your boat! We’ve whipped these up for dinner and felt like we were dining on fancy restaurant fare. Plus, they’re super easy to make, and that’s a win in our books.
So, if you’re looking for tasty side dishes to pair with our zesty zucchini boats, keep reading. We’ve got a list of options that’ll complement them wonderfully. Get ready to impress your friends or just treat yourself to some awesome eats!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Zucchini Boats
Here are some ideas for side dishes to serve alongside your zucchini boats:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette | Quinoa, lemon, herbs | Fresh, tangy | Medium | 25 mins |
| Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes | Potatoes, garlic, herbs, olive oil | Savory, herby | Easy | 35 mins |
| Caprese Salad | Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Wild Rice Pilaf | Wild rice, vegetables, broth | Earthy, savory | Medium | 45 mins |
| Cucumber and Dill Yogurt Salad | Cucumbers, yogurt, dill | Creamy, fresh | Easy | 15 mins |
| Grilled Shrimp Skewers | Shrimp, garlic, lemon, olive oil | Savory, tangy | Medium | 20 mins |
| Tomato Basil Soup | Tomatoes, basil, cream | Savory, herby | Medium | 30 mins |
| Garlic Breadsticks | Bread, garlic, butter | Buttery, garlicky | Easy | 15 mins |
| Balsamic Glazed Carrots | Carrots, balsamic vinegar, honey | Sweet, tangy | Medium | 25 mins |
| Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms | Mushrooms, spinach, feta | Savory, cheesy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Mediterranean Chickpea Salad | Chickpeas, vegetables, olive oil | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan | Cauliflower, Parmesan, olive oil | Savory, cheesy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Lemon Garlic Orzo | Orzo, lemon, garlic, herbs | Tangy, herby | Medium | 20 mins |
These side dishes and accompaniments are designed to complement the light, fresh flavors of zucchini boats, offering a mix of vibrant, tangy, and savory options.
1 – Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Quinoa salad is like that friend who always shows up with snacks. It’s nutritious and super filling.
We toss in some crunchy veggies for texture. A zesty lemon vinaigrette ties it all together.
This dish is great for BBQs or chill dinners. It pairs really well with just about everything.
We also love adding some feta cheese for an extra kick.
Leftovers? They’re even better! Cold quinoa salad is a perfect lunch. Simple, satisfying, and totally versatile.
2 – Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
Who doesn’t love crispy potatoes? Garlic herb roasted potatoes take the humble spud to the next level.
We chop up our fav potatoes, add olive oil, and toss in herbs.
Garlic is a must for flavor. Roast until golden for the best crunch.
These potatoes make any meal feel fancy. They’re easy to prep and even easier to devour.
Perfect with those zucchini boats—total winner! Don’t forget to sprinkle some sea salt on top before serving.
3 – Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is like a little summer party on a plate. Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil make it a winner.
We drizzle it with balsamic glaze for that sweet tang.
It looks fancy, but it’s super easy to throw together. Just slice, layer, and drizzle.
Perfect for BBQs or as a side dish with zucchini boats.
One tip: use ripe tomatoes. They take this salad to a whole new level.
Simple ingredients bring huge flavor; it’s hard to go wrong here.
4 – Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf feels like a fancy dish, but it’s really just rice in disguise. We throw in veggies and nuts for crunch. Simple and tasty—what more could we ask for?
Use broth instead of water for extra flavour. It makes a difference. Stovetop cooking is quick, and leftovers work great in salads. Wild rice gives a nice chewy bite, which we dig.
It’s a versatile side. Pair it with anything from grilled chicken to, yep, those zucchini boats.
5 – Cucumber and Dill Yogurt Salad
Cucumber and dill yogurt salad is like a mini-vacay on a plate. Super refreshing, yet simple to whip up. You just need some cucumbers, yogurt, dill, and a sprinkle of salt.
It’s a cooling side for those zesty zucchini boats.
Chill it for a bit—no one wants a warm salad. Great for BBQs or just hanging out.
We usually toss in a squeeze of lemon because it really brightens things up.
Perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. Trust us, this salad is a must-have!
6 – Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled shrimp skewers are a party on a stick. These little guys grill up fast and taste fantastic.
Thread them on skewers and toss on your favorite seasoning. They soak up flavors well, so get creative!
Watch them cook—overdone shrimp isn’t the vibe.
Pair with a zesty dip or a squeeze of lemon. It’s easy to whip up and always impresses.
Perfect alongside zucchini boats, or as a snack. They’re a sure way to bring smiles to the table.
7 – Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato basil soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s simple and oh-so comforting. We whip it up in no time with canned tomatoes, fresh basil, and some garlic action.
A splash of cream can take it up a notch. It pairs great with grilled cheese for a classic combo. Don’t forget to season it well. We add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
This soup is perfect for meal prep too. Store leftovers for a quick lunch.
8 – Garlic Breadsticks
Who needs fancy bread when we can have garlic breadsticks? These are just pure goodness. Just brush dough with butter, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden.
Serve them fresh and warm. They disappear fast! Don’t skimp on the garlic. We think more is always better.
Pair with marinara for an extra punch. Perfect side for any meal, especially zucchini boats. Enjoy these tasty sticks for an easy, yummy treat!
9 – Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Ever thought carrots could have a glow-up? Balsamic glazed carrots bring out sweetness like no other. Just roast until tender and drizzle with balsamic for the magic.
It’s a super easy side that looks fancy. Pair with those zucchini boats for a colorful plate. We like adding a sprinkle of feta on top. Fresh herbs can also jazz things up. Trust us, they’ll vanish from the table. So, don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds.
10 – Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms
Who knew mushrooms could be such show-offs? These little caps are packed with spinach and creamy feta, creating a combo that’s off the charts.
Quick to prep, they’re perfect for snacks or impressing guests. Just stuff, bake, and watch them disappear.
Try different cheeses for a fun twist. We sometimes go wild with herbs, too.
Easy clean-up makes them more appealing. Don’t forget to pop them right in your mouth—no fancy plates needed!
11 – Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Chickpeas are like the underrated buddy of salads. Mediterranean chickpea salad is a flavor fiesta! We toss in cucumbers, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing that’ll make your taste buds dance.
This dish is easy to throw together. Prep time? Minimal! You can also add feta for a creamy twist.
Storing it? It gets better over time. Perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
We enjoy it as a side or on its own. It’s both filling and refreshing.
12 – Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan
Who knew cauliflower could be a superstar? Roasted cauliflower with parmesan is a serious winner. We toss it in olive oil and let it get all crispy in the oven.
Parmesan throws some cheesy goodness on top. It’s super easy to prep.
Cut it into florets, season, and roast. We add some garlic for extra kick.
Perfect as a side or even a snack. It’s also great leftover, perfect for throwing in salads or wraps!
13 – Lemon Garlic Orzo
Orzo is like the pasta that wanted to be rice. It cooks fast and brings a nice twist to meals. Lemon and garlic really amp up the flavor, making this dish stand out.
We often toss in some veggies for crunch. Leftovers taste even better the next day. It’s a quick fix that pairs with just about anything.
Don’t skip on the seasoning; it makes a huge difference. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can freshen things up even more.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.