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.
This is arris oily a little bit of genius. I have a serious hummus addiction and I love idea of topping it off with that beautiful simple bruschetta. Definitely need to give this a try!
These look wonderful. I love everything about them!
These sound delicious! I am loving all the bright, fresh flavors happening with this! :) And what a great way to use up those fresh herbs.
Loooving this use of the basil pesto hummus! I planted a whole bunch of herbs this year. My fingers are crossed….
I am no stranger to hummus and love this idea to stuff it into zucchini. This summer when I have it coming out of my ears from my CSA, I’ll be making this over and over.
Since moving to New York, I have turned into a huge carb (bagels and challah bread, you kill me). This is the perfect low carb alternative to balance it out! Cheers!
This recipe appeals to me for so many reasons!! Zucchini and tomatoes are just coming into our farmer’s markets and have been so good — and hummus? Who doesn’t love hummus?! These are beautiful. Adding to my Memorial Day weekend menu!
I can’t wait until my vegetables and herbs start going crazy…one of my favorite parts of summertime! These zucchini look amazing.
No carb bruschetta, seriously need this my life as my body has consumed entirely too many carbs in the last three days. Plus, these are gorgeous, which makes me want them even more!
Sooooooo what you’re really saying is that you want me to come over and steal some of your herbs :) These stuffed zucchini are a nice twist with the hummus…so good!