This hummus stuffed zucchini is topped with a simple bruschetta and toasted panko basil crumb. It’s the perfect side dish to enjoy all summer.
For 5 years now, I’ve done the potted herb thing since I still don’t (and probably never will) have the raised bed garden of my dreams in the backyard (which, I might add is perfect for a garden).
For 5 years I’ve put these pots on the front (south facing) steps and for every single one of those 5 years, the end of June/beginning of July has come and the cilantro is all but dead and the basil is woody and pathetic looking.
It wasn’t until late last year (after there was no saving either plant) that I realized, hmm, maybe I shouldn’t put the cilantro and basil in the front with the sun and heat blasting on them all day long.
I should try out the (north facing) deck in the back instead.
Face/palm moment right there.
Well, that’s exactly what I did this year.
After only 3 weeks, my herbs are so out of control amazingly bushy and loving life back there despite the early summer heat we’ve had that I’m now actually panicking about how I’m going to use this much cilantro, basil and parsley.
Of course, I could always make Roasted Pesto Potatoes, Skillet Zucchini Pesto Pizza or Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles with some homemade pesto if all else fails.
So with an overly ambitious zucchini purchase (I’m doing a 30 day paleo challenge with Julie this month and bought all the veg in sight last week), I decided to stuff them full of hummus and top them with a bruschetta mixture to start attacking the basil explosion on the deck.
Did you know you can also freeze whole zucchini? Check out our comprehensive guide on how to freeze zucchini for all the details on that but it’s super helpful for storing seasonal produce.
I also happen to have an overload of eggplant right now too, that’s another story…
But, this cheesy chicken stuffed eggplant and lentil stuffed eggplant are both on the upcoming menu.
More summer recipe inspo: Simple Sautéed Swiss Chard, Summer Harvest Cheddar Quesadilla & Sweet Corn, Peach and Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Thursday is National Hummus Day (yep, it’s a thing) and Sabra’s basil pesto hummus seemed the most fitting for this recipe. Although, any variety will do!
It’s crazy there are still people out there that don’t know what hummus is considering the quantities we eat in this house, but apparently you’re out there.
Listen up, you hummus virgins…grab thee a tub, stop freaking out that it’s a bean dip (chickpeas are delicious!) and start by dipping a cracker, Spicy Seasoned Pretzels or, carrot in there.
Once you’re hooked (which will be after the first bite), you’ll realize all the things you can use it for besides just snacking, like these hummus stuffed zucchini.
Or, Hummus Flatbread with Grilled Corn and Berries, Chipotle Hummus Fundido & Savory Hummus Waffles just to name a few ideas!
Then, get to work on this hummus stuffed zucchini recipe.
You can even stuff round zucchini with this recipe if you prefer, they taste the same just have an adorable round shape instead of the regular kind!
Love this recipe for hummus stuffed zucchini?
Try one of these other savory zucchini recipes this summer too: Cheesy Zucchini Bread, Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Cream Sauce, Zucchini Ricotta Bake or, Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles.
Bruschetta Hummus Stuffed Zucchini
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini, ends trimmed and cut in half lengthwise
- 3/4 cup Sabra Basil Pesto Hummus
- 2 cups halved grape tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon + more for topping extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, use gluten-free if needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place zucchini in a baking dish with a little bit of water on the bottom and bake for about 20 minutes, flesh side up until softened enough to scoop out the insides.
- Meanwhile, combine the tomatoes, onion, basil, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl and toss together.
- Hollow out the middle of each zucchini half once cooled enough to handle and discard flesh.
- Spoon the hummus (about 2 tablespoons per zucchini half) into the hollowed out cavity.
- Top with the tomato mixture then sprinkle the panko on top.
- Lightly drizzle the panko topping with more olive oil and return to the oven for about 10 minutes. Raise heat to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to just slightly brown the top.
- Remove and serve warm.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
*This post is sponsored by Sabra as part of my work with them as a Sabra Tastemaker. All content and opinions are my own.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
I couldn’t find basil hummus at my grocery store. I considered making it, but know time will be short in the dinner hour. I bought hummus and basil pesto. I think we will try some hummus, some pesto, and some mixed. Do you know where I can find it or was it 2015 limited edition flavor and no longer available?
I don’t think that flavor exists any more – they change them quite often! I think your plan sounds great!
Love the idea and definitely going to try it, as I’m not paleo right now, but I’m pretty sure hummus (chickpeas) is not paleo! Thanks for the recipe :)
This bruschetta hummus stuffed zucchini absolutely something new for me! Looks yummy! I’m also gonna pin this post on my Pinterest board my followers will love it. Thx for sharing recipe, I definitely add it to my cookbook!
I’ll definitely try bruschetta hummus stuffed zucchini! Hope my husband would love it! Thanks for sharing! Can i post it on my blog?
This was great! We had Sabra’s original hummus on hand, so I used that. But, it came out delicious! My husband was in heaven and so was I.
The only thing is my husband took leftovers into work the next day and said that the hummus had a mayonnaise consistency at lunch, and he wasn’t able to stomach it. So, I recommend making as much as you need and eating it right away unless you like that mayonnaise consistency.
I used large striata squash and it was pretty tasty but I would suggest cutting in to the flesh a bit so that they cook all the way through. It is indeed an excellent grain free, garden friendly choice. :)
I like the recipe very much the only thing I had to change is using my home made hummus .
Great idea to use homemade!
Once you’ve made your own hummus, you won’t be able to settle for store bought and will reduce your sodium intake as well.
And as far as extra herbs, I make my own pesto with a variety of herbs or even greens and freeze in ice cube portions for later in the year.
Well worth the effort for both, and easy with a good food processor.
I stuff zucchini frequently and love the idea of adding the hummus. Will do very soon. I always scoop out the meaty insides of the squash and add to the other ingredients. Never waste good food! I can’t wait to try this new addition! Thanks for the idea.
Zucchini and hummus is the best combo. I made the pasta salad today, again, with zucchini. So good! I’m going to grill this recipe this weekend for sure!