Mediterranean Zucchini Bake with Olives and Feta
This Mediterranean zucchini bake layers tender zucchini with juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, baked until golden and bubbly. It’s fresh, savory, and wholesome — perfect for summer dinners or a make-ahead dish for entertaining.
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced into rounds
2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh thyme/oregano)
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
Preheat Oven → 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a medium baking dish.
Layer Vegetables → Arrange zucchini, tomato, and onion slices in alternating layers in the dish (slightly overlapping like a gratin).
Season → Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables, sprinkle with garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Add Olives & Feta → Scatter olives between layers and sprinkle feta (and Parmesan if using) evenly on top.
Bake → Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, bake another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and vegetables are tender.
Finish & Serve → Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm as a side or with crusty bread for a main.
Notes & Tips
Extra Flavor Boost → Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers between layers.
Protein Add-On → Top with baked chicken or chickpeas for a full meal.
Make-Ahead → Assemble the dish earlier in the day, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
Cheese Swap → Goat cheese or ricotta can be used instead of feta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes, yellow squash works beautifully and adds extra color.
Q: How do I keep it from getting watery?
Lightly salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10 minutes. Pat dry before layering.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 3g