Ranch Zucchini Boats

Ever notice how the cucumber gets a prized spot in salads and keto recipes while the zucchini gets buried in overcooked squash or left out altogether? Rich in antioxidants and low in calories and fat, the zucchini deserves a starring role on the plate.  

If you're looking to up your intake of fresh veggies and delicious, healthy fats, these tasty Zucchini "Boats" are a great way to tuck zucchini into your weekly rotation. Filled with lean protein and drizzled with Primal Kitchen Ranch Dressing, these halved zucchini make a great side dish, appetizer, or light main meal. They're fun to serve and eat, and even the kids will love 'em—especially if you tuck a little breadstick "mast" and a flag toothpick in the front of each boat to complete the illusion! 

Ranch Zucchini Boats

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Category

Appetizer

Servings

2

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

25-30 minutes

Calories

678

Topped with crispy bacon and Primal Kitchen Ranch Dressing, these easy, cheesy zucchini boats are the perfect appetizer or side dish to get kids to eat their veggies. They're also easily customized—skip the cheese for a no-dairy treat or substitute your favorite vegan cheese. 

Author:

Maria Emmerich

Ingredients

• 1 medium zucchini (about 12 inches)

• 1 cup chicken, chopped

• 3 Tablespoons Primal Kitchen® Mayo
• 2 slices bacon, diced

• 2 Tablespoons diced tomato

• Optional: 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

• 4 Tablespoons Primal Kitchen Ranch Dressing

• Chives, for garnish

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Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut the zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the middle to remove seeds.

2. Combine chopped chicken and mayo to create the chicken salad filling.

3. Place the zucchini facing cut side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Fill the hollowed out center with chicken salad. Cover each boat with diced tomatoes and cheese (if using).

4. Cook in the oven for 20 minutes or until the zucchini is fork-tender.

5. Meanwhile, cook bacon in cast iron skillet until cooked to desired crispness, about 4 minutes.

6. Remove bacon from heat and set aside to cool. Then chop.

7. Remove zucchini from oven. Garnish with bacon, chives and Primal Kitchen Ranch Dressing. Enjoy!

Recipe Note

To keep things simple, Maria purchases a pre-cooked roasted chicken from Whole Foods Market®.

Nutrition

Nutrition

Serving Size

1 serving

per serving

Calories

678

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Fat

50.5 grams

Carbs

7 grams

Fiber

2.2 grams

Protein

50.2 grams

You might also like these veggie recipes:

• Roasted Curry Cauliflower
• Buffalo Cauliflower Rice
• Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts
• Air Fryer Tater Tots

About the Recipe Author

Maria Emmerich is a wellness expert in nutrition and exercise physiology with a passion for helping others reach their goals of optimal health. Maria understands the connection between food and how it makes us all feel on the inside and out. She is a national and international bestselling author of The Ketogenic Cookbook and Quick and Easy Ketogenic Cooking. She also authored many other books, including several cookbooks and nutritional guidebooks. Follow along with Maria at mindbodyhealth.com or on Facebook at @ketoadapted.