Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for Mediterranean stuffed zucchini! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors that’ll transport you straight to a sun-soaked terrace. Imagine tender zucchini halves filled with a delicious medley of sautéed vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese—can you smell that? It’s as if summer has decided to take a little vacation in your kitchen! It’s such a versatile dish too; whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress your friends at a gathering, these stuffed zucchinis always hit the mark. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy them. Trust me, once you make this dish, you’ll be craving it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced into delightful little pieces
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced for that sweet crunch
- 1 cup onion, diced to add a savory kick
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled for creamy goodness
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced to bring a briny flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for aromatic depth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, to sauté everything to perfection
- 1 teaspoon oregano, because herbs are life!
- Salt and pepper to taste, essential for balancing flavors
How to Prepare Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Trust me, this step is crucial because it ensures your stuffed zucchinis will bake evenly and come out perfectly tender. Get that heat going while you prepare the rest of the dish!
Prepare the Zucchini
Now, grab those beautiful zucchinis! Slice them in half lengthwise—think of them as little boats ready to be filled with flavor. Use a spoon to scoop out the insides gently, leaving just enough flesh to provide structure. Don’t toss that zucchini flesh; we’ll use it in the filling!
Cook the Filling
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, toss in the bell pepper and cherry tomatoes, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until they soften beautifully. This is where the magic happens! Stir in the scooped zucchini flesh, olives, oregano, salt, and pepper, mixing everything together well. Once it’s all combined, remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the crumbled feta cheese. This mixture should be colorful and bursting with flavor—don’t be afraid to taste it and adjust the seasoning!
Stuff the Zucchini and Bake
Now comes the fun part! Spoon that vibrant filling into each zucchini half, pressing it down gently so it’s packed full of goodness. Place the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the tops are slightly golden. You’ll know they’re done when they smell irresistible and look like a delicious party waiting to happen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- Packed with fresh, vibrant Mediterranean flavors
- Healthy and vegetarian, making it a great option for everyone
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or cheeses
- Perfect for meal prep or serving at gatherings
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these Mediterranean stuffed zucchinis is approximately 180 calories, featuring 10g of fat, 6g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to check the labels for precise nutritional info!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Mediterranean stuffed zucchini turns out perfect every time, here are some pro tips! First, don’t overcook the zucchini when you bake them; you want them tender but still holding their shape. If you prefer a creamier filling, feel free to swap feta for ricotta or add a dollop of cream cheese. Also, consider adding some cooked quinoa or couscous to the filling for extra texture and protein! Lastly, top it off with fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving for that extra pop of flavor and color. Happy cooking!
FAQ Section
Can I make Mediterranean stuffed zucchini ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the zucchinis a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It’s a real time-saver!
What other ingredients can I use in the filling?
Feel free to get creative! You can add ingredients like spinach, artichokes, or even ground meat if you’d like. The Mediterranean stuffed zucchini is super versatile, so use what you have on hand!
Can I freeze stuffed zucchinis?
Yes! Just bake them as directed, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. Just reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
How do I know when the zucchinis are done baking?
You’ll know they’re done when the zucchini is tender and the tops are golden brown. A fork should easily pierce the zucchini, and a delicious aroma will fill your kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your leftover Mediterranean stuffed zucchini, simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the stuffed zucchinis. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to three months in the freezer!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain that delicious texture and flavor!
For more information on the health benefits of zucchini, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re looking for more delicious vegetarian recipes, visit this page for inspiration!
For tips on how to prepare zucchini, you can refer to this Food Network guide.
Print
Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini: 5 Steps to Flavorful Joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mediterranean stuffed zucchini is a flavorful dish filled with a mix of vegetables, cheese, and herbs.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add bell pepper and cherry tomatoes, cooking until softened.
- Stir in zucchini flesh, olives, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and mix in feta cheese.
- Fill zucchini halves with the mixture.
- Place stuffed zucchinis on a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute feta with ricotta for a creamier filling.
- Add cooked quinoa for extra protein.
- Top with fresh herbs before serving for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed zucchini half
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Mediterranean stuffed zucchini
