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Zucchini Tuna Melts

Name: Zucchini Tuna Melts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 small zucchini; 2 tbsp olive oil (divided); 1 can of tuna (drained); 1 celery stalk (minced); ¼ medium red onion (minced); 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (*about half a lemon); ¼ tsp dried dill (*or 2 tsp fresh dill); ½ cup shredded or crumbled cheese

BySharon Rhodes July 21, 2024July 21, 2024

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These zucchini tuna melts are packed with protein, offering a tasty and nutritious keto meal option that is ready in under 30 minutes. It is an easy and delicious low-carb recipe everyone loves.

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We love quick and easy healthy dinner recipes, like these keto zucchini boats, which use veggies instead of bread or pasta. Other dinner faves include this keto BBQ chicken casserole or these Zucchini Pizzas. Check out all of our Dinner Recipes for some inspiration.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This is a twist on the old-school classic sandwich, offering a taste of nostalgia in a low carb tuna melt.
A great way to use your bounty of summer squash!
This recipe is naturally low-carb, keto, and gluten-free, Bonus!

Ingredients

Find the complete ingredient list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.

Zucchini – Try to choose smallish zucchini that are around the same size so the portions are equal.
Olive Oil – We use this to rub on the zucchini so it browns up when it roasts
Canned Tuna – Look for pole and line-caught tuna for a more sustainable choice.
Celery and Red Onion – For some crunch and punchy flavor.
Lemon Juice – You need about one tablespoon of fresh juice.
Dill – You can use fresh or dried
Salt and Black Pepper – These simple seasonings bring out the best flavor in your ingredients.
Cheese – Use what you love! We’ve tested with parmesan and feta, and both are delicious.

Expert Tip!

If you don’t have other uses for celery, look for the single celery stalk option at the grocery store to save money and reduce waste.

Equipment

Cutting Board and Sharp Knife – For prepping the zucchini.
Medium Mixing Bowl – Use this to mix the tuna filling.
Large Baking Sheet – To roast the tuna melts on.
Parchment Paper – A must for easy clean up. We recommend unbleached parchment paper.

Luxury Splurge

Caraway Ceramic Baking Sheet

Free of PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, lead, cadmium, and other toxic materials that can leach into your food.
Can withstand oven temperatures up to 550ºF.

See it on Amazon

Instructions

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.

Step 1

Start by lining a baking dish with parchment paper and setting it aside. Then, start on the stuffed zucchini.

First, using a sharp knife, slice the stalk off the top of the zucchini and then slice it in half.

Step 2

Then, using a spoon, scoop out the zucchini flesh and discard it.

Step 3

Next, place the sliced and hollowed zucchini onto the lined baking sheet and bake until it is tender.

Step 4

Meanwhile, prepare the tuna salad stuffing. Add the tuna, minced celery and onion, fresh lemon juice, and dill to a mixing bowl and stir it to combine.

Step 4

Then, once the zucchini is roasted, remove it from the oven and set the oven to broil. Add the tuna stuffing to the boats and top with the cheese.

Step 5

Next, broil until the cheese is melted, browned, and bubbling.

Keep an eye on it because this can happen quickly, depending on how hot your oven is.

Step 6

Serve warm.

Expert Tip!

Use different cheeses to change up the flavor. Pictured are feta and parmesan cheese, but gruyere, provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese are all delicious.

Substitutions

Use shallot instead of red onion for a milder onion flavor.
Substitute leftover rotisserie chicken instead of tuna.
Swap out other vegetables, such as chopped bell pepper and green onions, instead of celery.

Recipe Variations

Try a BBQ version with pulled pork and a mixture of BBQ sauce, topped with a bit of Mozza.
Make a Tex-Mex spin with shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, jalapeno, cumin, corn, and black beans, topped with shredded lettuce.
If you want a richer-tasting tuna melt experience with these keto-stuffed zucchini, add a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise to your tuna mixture before broiling.
For a pizza boat, use cooked ground beef, ground turkey, or Italian sausage with tomato sauce or marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and mozzarella cheese sprinkled with fresh basil.
Sprinkle on some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe is perfect for a light lunch lunch – or a girl dinner! Enjoy it open-faced, and add some greens on the side with this simple lettuce salad or this crunchy vinaigrette coleslaw.
Sprinkle with fresh herbs such as dill or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Serve with some condiments like this spicy dipping sauce or this homemade tartar sauce.

FAQS

Can you use different proteins besides tuna?

Yes! There are a number of variations that can be made with these zucchini boats. Just be sure the protein is cooked before following this recipe.

Storage Tips

To Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best texture, reheat in an oven or toaster oven.

More Healthy Low Carb Recipes

**This recipe was originally posted on July 2, 2014, updated on August 7, 2019, and updated again on July 21, 2024, with recipe notes, writing, and new photos.**

If you’ve tried these stuffed zucchini boats, please rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!

Be sure to follow me on social media! I love pinning to Pinterest, sharing on Facebook, and posting pics on Instagram. See you there. 🙂

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