Whole30 Turkey Taco Zucchini Boats
Looking for a healthy, flavor-packed dinner idea that fits perfectly into your Whole30 journey? These Whole30 Turkey Taco Zucchini Boats are a satisfying twist on taco night, combining vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors with a low-carb, veggie-packed base. Nestled inside tender, baked zucchini halves, the seasoned ground turkey filling is spiced to perfection with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, creating a rich and saucy dish that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Quick to prepare, this 45-minute recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and can be garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime for an irresistible finishing touch. Perfect for meal prep or a fun family dinner, these zucchini boats are gluten-free, dairy-free, and bursting with nutritious goodness.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.75 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 0.25 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 large, sliced (optional for garnish) avocado
- 1 cut into wedges (optional for garnish) lime
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wash the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the center seeds to form a hollowed 'boat' shape. Reserve the scooped-out zucchini flesh for later use.
Brush the hollowed zucchini halves with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and lay them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until they start to soften but are not fully cooked.
While the zucchini pre-bakes, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Mix in the reserved zucchini flesh, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Add the tomato paste and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes saucy.
Remove the zucchini boats from the oven and carefully fill each one with the turkey taco mixture, pressing it down gently to pack it in.
Return the filled zucchini boats to the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes until the zucchinis are tender and the filling is hot.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Optionally, serve with sliced avocado and a lime wedge for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1498 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 79.2 g | 102% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.3 g | 86% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 322 mg | 107% | |
| Sodium | 9932 mg | 432% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 106.0 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.2 g | 97% | |
| Total Sugars | 64.8 g | ||
| Protein | 101.8 g | 204% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 244 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 12.6 mg | 70% | |
| Potassium | 3404 mg | 72% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
