Grilled Pesto Zucchini Stuffed with Tomatoes and Orzo.
Grilled stuffed zucchini. A healthy vegetarian recipe of tomato, feta, and orzo stuffed inside a grilled pesto zucchini. This quick and easy dish is perfect for spring and summer days and doubles as a healthy dinner or simple side dish. Either way you serve it up, it’s going to be a favorite.
As I mentioned on Monday, I really wanted to share a few recipes for the grill this week in preparation for Memorial Day weekend and all the warm summer days that will follow. I might be jumping ahead just smidge with these summery recipes, but I just cannot help it.
I am so excited to see things finally getting green around here, it’s really starting to look somewhat like summer too. Or at least spring! If you follow along on Instagram then you’ve seen a glimpse of what I’m talking about. Our sunsets this week have been the prettiest I’ve seen all year.
It’s hard not to be excited for what is to come, but I’m also really just enjoying this time, and loving watching the trees begin to bloom. It sounds so lame, but it’s the truth. If you need a little energy boost, just head outside for a little while and take in these pretty spring days.
Trust me, it really makes all the difference.
OK. Okay. Moving along now…
I’ve been having a bit of hard time in the kitchen the last few weeks, both recipe wise and photography wise. Sometimes towards the end of a season or even just randomly throughout the year, I’ll go through a phase of not liking anything I am creating. Sometimes this phase lasts a few days, sometimes a couple of weeks. I was really trying to force myself not to jump too far ahead and continue to share more spring recipes, but the truth? I was/am bored with the spring recipes and ready to move to a new season.
So I gave in and let my creativity guide me and this is what I got. A very summery recipe that also happens to be perfect for these late spring days, your Memorial Day picnic, and every other day after that…well at least until zucchini and tomato season is over.
If you can’t already tell, I am VERY excited about this recipe. Not only did it break me out of my creativity funk, but it turned out better than I imagined, and I love it.
Now for the details.
I truly believe that warm weather recipes need to be simple. I’m all about less time in the kitchen and more time outside. I know you feel the same, don’t you?
Cool. Cool. Glad everyone is on the same page.
This means quick and easy recipes that use minimal ingredients, and maybe even some that you might be growing in your own backyard. Hello to fresh herbs, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
Originally, this recipe started out a bit simpler, but after talking it over with my mom, she suggested adding in orzo. Now, mom is not normally the person I look to for recipe guidance, but she has her moments of recipe genius, and this is one of those moments.
Although of course, adding carbs would be something that Mom would suggest. I’m pretty sure the first thing that comes to mind for her when deciding if a recipe sounds good is, ” what’s the carb”.
Anyway, I was just planning to do a more of a grilled zucchini stuffed with tomato and cheese type thing, but when I heard the idea of adding in orzo, I knew that was what I had to do.
Because let’s be real, carbs do make everything better. They do.
To start, you’ll make the orzo which is just a mix up of fresh herbs, balsamic vinegar, garlic, tomatoes, and feta cheese. While that’s happening, grill up some halved zucchini or summer squash and top the hot squash with pesto. Then spoon the orzo over the grilled zucchini and finish with some fresh herbs.
And that’s it. You are DONE.
This is kind of like a caprese salad, but elevated with orzo, zucchini, and um, ok a few other things too. It’s also just DELICIOUS. Really fresh, really colorful, and all things perfect.
If you wanted to bulk up the protein, you could add a side of grilled chicken, beef, or even some chickpeas for a vegetarian option. And lastly, you can serve this warm or at room temperature, which makes it perfect for picnics and BBQs.
You know me though, I’m all about warm foods, so I serve this hot, right off the grill, and it makes the perfect, quick, easy, and healthy dinner.
Already excited to make it again soon!
If you make this grilled stuffed zucchini and love it, please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every one of you. Oh, and of course, if you do make this zucchini, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram so I can see! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Grilled Pesto Zucchini Stuffed with Tomatoes and Orzo
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: vegetarian main, vegetarian side dish, zucchini recipe
Grilled stuffed zucchini. A healthy vegetarian recipe of tomato, feta, and orzo stuffed inside a grilled pesto zucchini. This quick and easy dish is perfect for spring and summer days and doubles as a healthy dinner or simple side dish. Either way you serve it up, it's going to be a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup cubed feta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 zucchini or yellow summer squash, halved
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
Instructions
-
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, the balsamic vinegar, oregano, garlic, and a pinch each of salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir in the feta and tomatoes.
2. Meanwhile, pre heat the grill to medium high heat. Toss the zucchini with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill the for 3-5 minutes per side or until light char marks appear.
3. Arrange the zucchini on a platter and brush evenly with pesto. Spoon the orzo over the zucchini. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Love a pretty dinner.
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this is something that would be perfect for summer vaycay when the last thing I want is to be cooking something complicated and troublesome!!
I am sure it would be amazing for summer vacay! I totally get you, its really nice to have easy dinners when you’re relaxing! Thanks Ruth!
That is a great idea. Hide something healthy in your comfort food. That will balance it out and you probably don’t even taste. This looks delicious. I am making it for dinner tonight.
I really like this recipe. I am very excited to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing useful ingredients.
Thank you! I am so glad you like this!
LOVE everything about this vegetarian meal for warmer weather! I LOVE grilled zucchini and I am absolutely in LOVE with that pretty platter they are on!
Thank you so much!
Can’t wait to make this when my garden zucchini comes in and I have a plethora!! Love the feta and tomatoes…yum!
Ooo that sounds amazing! I hope you love this Brittany!
This recipe looks delicious! I really want to make it as soon as we buy a grill next month. My husband and I want to use the grill lots this summer, but like cooking unique things (in other words, not hot dogs or hamburgers!). Thanks for sharing another amazing recipe.
I LOVE that idea! It is so nice to put veggies and other things on the grill. Tastes amazing! I hope you love this Joy!
These look so healthy & so delicious!
Kari
http://sweetteasweetie.com/aged-cheddar-sliders-with-pineapple-guacamole/
Thank you Kari!
I love this idea! Adding orzo makes so much sense 🙂 I can’t wait for summer to make this!
Thank you so much Marian!
I LOVE tomatoes and zucchini together! Stuffing a zucchini with a mixture of tomatoes and orzo sounds DIVINE! I would love to try making a vegan pesto recipe in substitution for the cheese. But I bet that this recipe will be such a hit for Memorial Day!
Great idea! I hope you love this Cassie! Thank you!
this reciepe this my favourite.. nice post…
Thank you!
Good idea! Looks good!
Thank you Louise!
Made this, loved it!! Served with grilled chicken on the side. This will be a staple recipe this summer, so easy to make ?
Thank you so much Lynn!
I love stuffed zucchini, can’t wait to make these this summer!
Thank you Laura!
Hi Tieghan! Any suggestions for how to make this gluten free? Maybe rice instead of orzo? Thanks!
I think rice or quinoa would be amazing! Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
this looks gorgeous and i think it might be our dinner tonight. we all struggle with inspriration and getting tired of our food. when it happens to me, i just come to HBH and browse through your recipes until i find something that fits my mood and my ingredients. i have never been disappointed! Thanks for all the hard work you do to keep us well-fed and help us impress our friends and family 🙂
Thank you so much Maria! I hope you love this recipe and it turns out amazing for you!
Any ideas on how to do this without a grill? Could you sauté the zucchini?
HI! I recommend just roasting the zucchini at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
You are definitely out of your creativity funk because these stuffed zucchinis look so good! I love that they are all the makings of a yummy pasta salad on their own little zucchini vessels! Can’t wait to try these!
Thank you so much Lauren! That is so sweet!
Made the grilled stuffed zucchini for dinner tonight. WOAH! So delicious, so fresh, so easy!! Adding this recipe to my favorites! Thank you Tegan!
Thank you! I am so glad you loved this!
Wow, this was a-mazing!! Not that I was surprised, everything I’ve tried from your book/blog is incredible. I paired it with Greek marinated chicken and it was perfect! My son and his classmates had their culinary arts final last week and I suggested they make this as their side, the teacher LOVED it and I had to try it for myself! Definitely adding this to the summer rotation.
Thank you so much Sofia! I am so glad to hear you loved this!
made this last night and i’m in love. always looking to cut down on meat and this was a great dinner! brought the leftovers for lunch which is always what really sells me! if i can’t eat it the next day i can’t make it! This is a new Go-To for sure
I am so glad you loved this! Thank you so much Erika!
Made this for dinner tonight…..it was fabulous! Doubled up
on the fresh herbs. Will absolutely make again.
Thank you Patti!
I used locally grown oversized zucchini and added a little chicken for protein. This was absolutely delicious! Thank you so much Tieghan!
Thank you Liz!
IF YOU ARE SIMPLY USING SLICED ZUCCHINI, THIS WORKS FINE AND THE RECIPE IS GRAND. BUT IF YOU HAVE A THICKER ZUCCHINI, AS I DID FROM MY GARDEN, I HAD TO SCOOP OUT THE INSIDES–AS I WOULD A CUCUMBER–TO GRILL AND FORM A POCKET FOR THE FABULOUS FILLING. I ALSO SUBSTITUTED THYME FOR THE OREGANO, AND CHOPPED ORANGE PEPPER INSTEAD OF CHERRY TOMATOES. IT WAS SUPERB! ALSO DOLLOPED BASIL PESTO ON TOP OF THE STUFFING INSTEAD OF BRUSHING IT ON UNFILLED ZUCCHINI. MINE TOOK WAY MORE THAN 4-5 MIN. PER SIDE–MORE LIKE TEN MIN. PER SIDE.
I hope you loved this Ann! Thank you!
This was SO GOOD! And we will be eating it all summer since we have the basil to make pesto, tomatoes and zucchini in the garden. Thanks for the yummy idea!!!
Thank you so much Jen! I am so glad you loved this!
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I just came across your blog today and glad I did. I made the orzo stuffed squash, but used yellow squash from my garden. I made the pesto from my herb garden a few months ago, froze it in ice cube trays and popped a few out today. This was a fantastic lunch: thank you.
I am so happy to hear that! Thank you so much Phyllis!
I made this for dinner tonight and it was so fast, easy, and delicious!
Thank you Danielle! I am so glad you loved this!
I have never tried zucchini like this and I am very glad to see this. I am impressed with these ideas and want to implement this at my kitchen.
Thank you! I am so glad you like this! xTieghan
I have been looking for an easy orzo recipe, this looks delish!
What kind of pesto do you recommend?
Hi Edith! Linked to my homemade pesto below. Otherwise I recommend DeLallo bran basil pesto. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
https://dev.halfbakedharvest.com/antipasto-mozzarella-sandwich-with-lemony-basil-pesto/
This recipe, with the addition of just made fresh basil pesto and tsp of Calabrian hot pepper, was superb. Will make it a family summer staple. Thank-you and thanks Siena Farm!
Thank you so much Linda! I am really happy to hear that! xTieghan
Another winner from you! I made a few small changes (one reason I love your recipes, they’re so adaptable, but one thing I never change are your spice combinations, they are always amazing!) I grilled a few extra zucchini and then chopped and added them to the orzo, tomato mix. I also used a vinaigrette I had leftover from another recipe. What an easy, healthy and absolutely delicious dish.
Hi Michelle! I am so happy this turned out so well for you! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
This was so tasty!! I made it with Trader Joe’s chickpea and lentil risoni instead of orzo, and it worked really well!
Hey Anna,
Thanks a bunch for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! xTieghan