14 Low-Carb & Gluten-Free Zucchini Boats To Inspire Your Next Dinner

Low-Carb & Gluten-Free Zucchini Boats

Move over, spiralized comfort foods – there’s more than one way to turn your favorite dishes low-carb and gluten-free. All aboard the zucchini train — err, zucchini boat. Once you halve a zucchini and scoop out the seeds, it’s the perfect vessel for makeshift tacos, pizza, or even burgers. As an added bonus, this hack is a totally clever way to make sure you’re eating your veggies (and not eating loads of gluten or carbs, if that’s your jam). Yes, sometimes our cravings are like those of a picky five-year-old, but with a little help from these stuffed zucchini boat recipes, you might find yourself making these easy dinner recipes every night.

Running to the Kitchen

Bruschetta Hummus Stuffed Zucchini

This bruschetta and hummus love affair is just the dish for a light meal or party snack. If you’re planning on serving it as an appetizer, halve your zucchini boats for more mileage and watch them go. (via Running to the Kitchen)

Destination Delish

Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

If you’re the kind of person who carries hot sauce in her purse, buffalo chicken likely holds a special place in your heart. These buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats might be just the trick you needed to get on board with the green veggie. Now if only there was a safe way to carry these boats in your purse… (via Destination Delish)

Maebells

Chili Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Boats

You can take these boats to the next level by adding a hot dog and/or Fritos. The zucchini here just might beat the texture of a gluten-free bun, though. (via Maebells)

Cooking Classy

Zucchini Pizza Boats

How cute are these mini pepperonis? They're so cute, you’re going to want to eat these pizza boats all up. The best part of this easy recipe is not getting flour all over your kitchen like you would with actual pizza. That’s a win for lazy girls and healthy girls alike. (via Cooking Classy)

Food Faith Fitness

Lemon Asparagus Cauliflower Rice Stuffed Grilled Zucchini with Shrimp

For a totally healthy, flavorful meal, try this zucchini dish with cauliflower rice and grilled shrimp. Though it’ll seem like you spent tons of time on these boats, you can actually pull it off in 30 minutes. (via Food Faith Fitness)

Delicious Meets Healthy

Stuffed Zucchini Boats With Garlic Sauce

Even if you’re not a fan of zucchini, the garlic sauce topping this dish is made with might just change your mind. It’s like a lightened-up aioli, thanks to the addition of yogurt. (via Delicious Meets Healthy)

Real Food by Dad

Baked Potato Zucchini Boats

Recreate the glorious loaded baked potato with this healthy twist! Swap out your usual starchy spud for a zucchini or two, and you might not feel the pull of a food coma post-meal. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and hot sauce for the best not-a-baked-potato ever. (via Real Food by Dad)

Simply Quinoa

Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini Boats

This super simple dish works well as a side or a light main. It helps to have the cashew cream and quinoa prepared beforehand — as they do take some time to make — so get a head start on those ingredients over a lazy weekend. After that, these zucchini boats come together in a snap. (via Simply Quinoa)

Tastes Lovely

Quinoa & Black Bean Enchilada Stuffed Zucchinis

Up your healthy enchilada game by swapping in zucchinis for tortillas. They make the dish lighter, but still satisfying. The quinoa, black bean and zucchini makes for a fibrous combo that can’t be beat. (via Tastes Lovely)

Cooking Classy

Lasagna Zucchini Boats

Put a spin on veggie lasagna with these zucchinis filled with red sauce, ricotta cheese, and ground meat. It’s a solid option for a quick weeknight dinner. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of this recipe, try diced mushrooms in place of ground meat for an even healthier take that still tastes meaty. (viaCooking Classy)

The Honour System

Roasted Zucchini Tuna Melts

Skip the deli and make this healthy version of a tuna melt at home! Since these are technically open-face sandwiches, the top layer of cheese and tuna gets extra melted and crispy with a little broiler action. Sorry, tuna melt — you’ve been replaced. (via The Honour System)

The Wholesome Dish

Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats

You can still get the flavors you love from chicken Parmesan in this zucchini-centric version. This recipe uses ground chicken instead of fried cutlets, which is both healthier and easier to prepare. (via The Wholesome Dish)

Connoisseurus Veg

Lentil Walnut Vegan Chorizo Stuffed Zucchini

Both non-vegans and vegan devotees will appreciate this stuffed zucchini boat. It’s loaded with a delicious mix of spices from cumin to cinnamon, so it’s definitely not lacking in flavor. This dish also boasts at least three different forms of protein to give you an energy boost to power you through the day. (via Connoisseurus Veg)

The Skinny Fork

Cheeseburger Stuffed Zucchini Boats

When a burger craving hits, it’s not always in line with your meal plans — whether your concerns are budget- or health-related. You can satisfy that craving guilt-free by cooking up these burger boats! Though the recipe calls for beef, any ground meat you prefer will do. Just don’t forget the ketchup and mustard. (via The Skinny Fork)

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This post has been updated.

Every January, I commit to a Whole30 month and throughout the year follow the low-carb program for a week or even a day. This year, 2025, I'm going to try to adhere to a low-carb diet all year long. My body just doesn't react well to carbs and it's generally a healthier way to live. I recently tried True Story's Whole30 Approved Bundle, which has been a great starter kit to get back in the swing of a low-carb routine, especially at lunchtime when I don't have time to cook from scratch.

Now there are tons of Whole30 recipes that you can enjoy without breaking the rules. The creativity of these dinner recipes make you feel like you're not giving up on dairy, grains, sweets or fun, but instead are venturing into a style of cooking that's healthy and *delicious.* Enjoy the adventure and experiment with these versatile mains that you can add to your monthly cooking routine.

Easy Paleo Chili Recipe

Make this easy Whole30-compliant dish that's full of healthy veggies (no beans!) and so simple to make. (via The Endless Meal)

Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs

For an easy dinner, try these meatballs without breadcrumbs made from ground beef or pork. Just add a veggie and your favorite sauce! (via Where Is My Spoon)

Sweet Potato Toasts

Sweet potatoes are low in calorie and high in fiber and a good swap for your toasty cravings. There are endless topping combos to turn them into a delicious and savory meal. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Sheet Pan Chicken And Asparagus

This Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus recipe is Whole30 approved and ready in less than 30 minutes! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Creamy Chicken Mushroom

Serve over cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash, this Creamy Chicken Mushroom recipe is made with garlic chicken thighs and a delicious mushroom sauce that's made creamy with healthy cashew butter. (via The Endless Meal)

Chicken Artichoke

This chicken smothered in a creamy spinach and artichoke cream sauce is Whole30-compliant and so delicious! (via Clean Cuisine)

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

If you’re looking for a soul-soothing dish that’s still diet-friendly, you’ve come to the right recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Hearty comfort food isn’t always compliant with the latest food trends, but this loaded baked potato soup just happens to be Whole30 approved. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Animal Style Burgers

Whole30 Animal Style Burgers

Crunchy lettuce leaves replace traditional buns to make burgers that are Whole30 compliant. You’ll be able to stop your drive-thru dreams after just one bite. (via Brit + Co)

Chicken, Pesto, and Sun-Dried Tomato Egg Pizza

Instead of a wheat crust, this pizza is made on a high-protein egg base. A creamy pesto made with pine nuts and cashews will make you forget all about cheese. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole 30 Salmon Avocado Salad

The most unexpected bite in this salmon salad comes not from creamy avocado, but rather from bright bursts of tangy grapefruit that liven up the entire dish. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole30 Broccoli Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes

Thank goodness white potatoes aren’t off-limits with Whole30. Turn them into an entire, satisfying meal by stuffing them with broccoli, chicken, fresh herbs, and spices. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole30 Chicken, Lime, and Avocado Soup

Don’t forget the avocado. It adds a cooling, creamy effect to your bowl. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Whole30 Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

This Whole30-compliant chicken cacciatore is comfort food at its best, made by swapping zucchini noodles for pasta. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Whole30 Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken

Make this sesame chicken at home in your Instant Pot so you don’t give in to your take-out cravings. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Taco Salad Bowl + Sautéed Plantains

Dig into this hearty salad served with sautéed plantains and a homemade Whole30-compliant taco seasoning for a totally satisfying dinner. (via The Real Food Dieticians)

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Roasted sweet potatoes, eggs, and the toppings of your choice (bacon and avocado, for example) create a hearty base for your day. (via Brit + Co)

Hashbrown Egg Cups

Sometimes nothing hits the spot like a cozy hashbrown egg cup. Opt for only shredded sweet potatoes in this dish to keep it compliant. (via Siriously Deliciousby Siri Daly / Time Inc., Books)

Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Tangy, spicy sheet-pan shrimp fajitas can be wrapped in lettuce taco “shells.” (via Brit + Co)

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

This Greek-inspired whole chicken cooks fast and tasty in an air fryer. Add roasted potatoes for a complete meal! (via Vikalinka)

Green Egg Shakshuka

If you’re not famished after work, treat yourself to a pan of mixed greens topped with baked eggs. (via Brit + Co)

Spring Chicken Salad

Chicken, potatoes, and greens are always a choice grouping. Here, the addition of a pesto dressing transforms them into a vibrantly flavored dish. Use snap peas instead of English peas to keep things Whole30-compliant. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Shepherd’s Pie

Topped with a creamy cauliflower-potato mash, Whole30 shepherd’s pie is just one way to satisfy your comfort food cravings. (via Brit + Co)

Halibut en Papillote

Made with halibut, shiitake mushrooms, and a touch of sesame oil, this homemade fish dish is oh-so-memorable. Serve it with cauli rice to help soak up the extra sauce. (via The Clean Plate: Eat, Reset, Heal by Gwyneth Paltrow)

Instant Pot Salmon Dinner

Instant Pot Salmon Dinner

Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and orange-covered salmon cook up all at once in an Instant Pot within minutes so hanger doesn’t have time to strike. (via Brit + Co)

Keto Vegan Alfredo Zoodles

We think Whole30 will forgive us since alfredo sauce isn’t something people tend to binge on. Top it with shrimp or chicken for extra oomph. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Mashed Potatoes With Mushroom Gravy

Make a big batch of this and serve it alongside a steak. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Don’t knock it till you try it. Egg, bacon, avo, and sweet potatoes surprisingly go very well together. (via Brit + Co)

Paleo Dressing

This bowl combines roasted root vegetables and sausage for an earthy, filling combo. Serve it with some cauliflower rice for a complete meal. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Chicken Salad

This easy grilled chicken salad, ideal for the nights when you want to quickly throw something together, happens to be Pinterest’s top recipe. (via Brit + Co)

As you already know if you've made it this far, getting through a month of healthy meals is all about the meal plan! We hope you've found some inspiration for easy, flavorful, colorful, and tasty meals that we imagine might land in your regular meal rotation beyond your Whole30 month? Find more inspiration in our weekly newsletter or enjoy a free month of our on-demand baking and cooking classes.

Main image via The Endless Meal

Starbucks fans, rejoice!Trader Joe’s just dropped an earth-shattering dessert that mimics the coffee chain’s most popular grab-and-go dessert. You’re gonna want to run to TJ’s as soon as possible to see if it’s in stock, because not only is it tasty, it’s also a total steal compared to what you’d typically spend for a sweet treat at Starbucks.

Scroll on to discover the brand-new Trader Joe’s dessert that’s definitely making me rethink my drive-thru habit!

Trader Joe’s

Introducing Trader Joe’s Sprinkle Cake Bites: bite-sized cake balls baked with a “rich and moist” batter, coated in a white confectionary coating, and tossed in adorable little multicolored sprinkles to maximize snacking joy. Yeah, I’m already obsessed.

Ksenia Chernaya / PEXELS

Trader Joe’s crafted their new Sprinkle Cake Bites out of the belief that cake is just too good a dessert to wait for birthdays and anniversaries to eat it – and I wholeheartedly agree. Their small size makes everyday indulgence a possibility, though knowing myself, I could easily eat the entire box!

Starbucks

Now, I’m clearly not one to deny myself something sweet, and my sugar cravings get especially enticed when I roll up to the Starbucks drive-thru for a caffeinated pick-me-up. More often than not, I’ll leave the establishment with not only my typical iced latte, but also a cake pop in-hand. All their cake pops are so delicious, but I also know they’re not necessarily great for my health (or my wallet).

Ivan Samkov / PEXELS

Great news, though: while a singleStarbucks cake popcosts $3.25, this 6-pack (yes, 6!) of Trader Joe’s Sprinkle Cake Bites is just $3.99. Plus, on average, Starbucks’ cake pops (varying flavors) also contain 160 calories and 16 grams of sugar, while one of the Trader Joe’s Sprinkle Cake Bites has 120 calories and 13 grams of sugar. The only thing that’s missing from TJ’s iteration is the stick.

Alexander Wark Feeney / PEXELS

The Trader Joe’s Sprinkle Cake Bites will definitely be on regular rotation in my kitchen, starting now. In addition to mid-workday snacking, I’ll also be snagging some boxes for friends’ birthdays and to share at this year’s Galentine’s Day party!

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Anyone else load up on all the carbs this holiday season? While the season calls for indulging in the best way, I never feel my best after days of consuming heavy carbs and refined sugars like lasagna, mac & cheese, holiday cookies and cakes. Now that the holiday season is fading away, now is the perfect time to make this ridiculously easy gut-healing bone broth soup recipe. This brothy soup is packed with nutrients: bone broth is rich in collagen, minerals, and amino acids that support gut lining repair; vegetables are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants for overall health; garlic is a natural prebiotic to feed healthy gut bacteria; and spinach is high in magnesium and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Make this nutritious and versatile soup as part of your 2025 wellness routine and nourish your body.

Here are delicious ideas for elevating this simple bone broth soup too!

Shutterstock

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups bone broth (chicken or beef)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets
  • 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (for sautéing)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Leftover rotisserie chicken, optional

Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish
  • A squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness
  • A pinch of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits
  • Peeled and chopped sweet potatoes for more fiber, which can help promote healthy gut bacteria
  • Swap organic kale or chard for spinach leaves if preferred

Shutterstock

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat avocado oil over medium heat (optional). Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened (about 2-3 minutes).
  2. Add the sliced carrots, cauliflower florets, and celery to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the cauliflower to lightly soften and release its flavor.
  3. Pour in the bone broth, add the diced cucumber, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and flavors to meld.
  4. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking so that they wilt but remain vibrant.
  5. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

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Everyone who knows me knows that I truly cannot resist a little sweet treat. I’m a huge fan of baked goods in particular, and I’m lucky to live by so many local bakeries that whip up some insanely tasty goodies, from chocolate-loaded brownies to mascarpone-stuffed croissants. Unfortunately, a single sweet treat often comes out to $6, which doesn’t necessarily favor my bank account.

Luckily, Costco’s been baking up a very delicious solution to my pastry cravings at just $2 a serving, and shoppers are saying they’re a total “10/10.”

Scroll on to discover the sheer greatness of Costco’s latest baked good that’s got little treat lovers (like me) fired up.

Reddit

The pastry in question is none other than the Almond Croissants. Costco’s Almond Croissants resemble a Kouign-amann in shape, but are totally croissant-y by nature with lots of flaky lil’ layers of butter and dough.

Each croissant is filled with frangipane (AKA almond-flavored custard) then topped off with slivered almonds and powdered sugar, all of which add a most delightful texture and sweetness. Shoppers have described them as “quite dense,”“a little doughy,” and “deceptively huge.”

Reddit

Die-hard shoppers were quick to compare the new treat to an OG favorite, Costco Almond Danishes. The danishes seem to have been phased out from stores in the past year, though, meaning this new pastry is fulfilling its absence in the most delectable way. Here’s what shoppers are saying:

“I bought these yesterday and I've already eaten 3,” one person said. “They are seriously great!!!!!”

“I just ate one as soon as I got home from Costco,” another noted. “It was delicious! I can’t wait to have one in the morning heated up with my coffee.✨”

“They are extremely good,” one more person confirmed.

Reddit

The Costco Almond Croissants are sold in quantities of 6 for $11.99, totaling out each one to about $2. A few sleuth-y shoppers report that each croissant contains about 750 calories, and since they’re so dense, they’re more easily palatable if you eat half of one at a time.

The Costco Almond Croissants are simply perfect for pairing with your morning coffee, snacking on alongside some berries, or topping desserts like a good post-dinner ice cream!

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Amid the tragedy of the LA fires, neighbors are opening their homes to one another. In addition to AirBnb offering temporary housing and various YMCAs and Red Cross locations opening their doors, victims are finding safety with friends and family — and that includes your favorite celebrities. Like Hilary Duff and husband Matthew Koma, who opened their home to Mandy Moore, Taylor Goldsmith, and their family.

Here's what Mandy Moore and Griffin Goldsmith have said about Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma — and the LA wildfires.

Despite losing everything, Griffin is touched by Hilary Duff & Matthew Koma.

After Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith's home was affected by the wildfires in Altadena (they lost their garage, music studio, and back house), Mandy's brother-in-law Griffin Goldsmith revealed the family had been taken in by Hilary Duff.

"All of this so overwhelming," he said on Instagram. "Our dear friends @matthewkoma and @hilaryduff thought it wise to set up a gofundme for us to help with everything moving forward. Not to mention they are currently housing my brother’s family. They’ve taken care of my entire family from the moment this began. I will never be able to thank them adequately. This is the kindest act any human could do for another. They are the most beautiful, selfless people we’ve ever known."

"I’ve never been so moved in my life," he continues. "We are completely blown away. I can’t talk or think about it without crying. Like I said there aren’t words to describe how I feel. I’m doing my best. You all have completely changed what the picture of our future in Los Angeles looks like."

Mandy Moore shared the GoFundMe for Griffin and Kit on Instagram, writing in a since-deleted post that the couple "lost their home and everything they own in the Eaton Fire."

"With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever," Mandy says (via People). "Griff is a touring musician and also lost his entire arsenal of drums/percussion he uses to make a living. It’s all so much. So many have asked how to help during this unimaginable and stressful time … Please consider donating and sharing to help them rebuild."

And when people criticized her decision to share the GoFundMe link? "Kindly F OFF."

"People questioning whether we’re helping out our own family or attributing some arbitrary amount of money Google says someone has is NOT helpful or empathetic," she continues. "Of course we are. Our buddy Matt started this GoFundMe and i’m sharing because people have asked how they can help them. We just lost most of our life in a fire too."

And the main part of Mandy Moore's home is still "mostly intact."

The Princess Diaries actress shared photos from her family's property, revealing that the main part of their home is still standing. "It’s not livable but mostly intact," she said on Instagram January 10. "We lost Taylor and griffin’s studio with every instrument and piece of equipment they’ve ever owned. We lost our garage and back house. Everyone we know lost everything. Every house on our street is gone. My in laws. My brother and sister in law- 6 weeks from welcoming their first baby. Our best friends. Feeling weird survivors guilt. We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support. Thanks for everyone for checking on us and offering us help. Altadena strong."

Resources and more information on the LA fires can be found here.