Mediterranean Zucchini Bake with Feta and Herbs
Indulge in a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish with this layered zucchini bake, combining fresh zucchini, rich feta, and aromatic herbs. This recipe is reminiscent of lasagna but celebrates the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this dish is both hearty and healthy, making it a fantastic option for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Serve it with a crisp salad for a refreshing balance to the warm, savory layers. With its cheesy goodness and the fresh taste of mint, this zucchini bake is bound to become a favorite at your table.
4
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
4 large (sliced lengthwise into 1/2" thick slices)
Salt
2 tablespoons (for draining zucchini)
Flour
1/2 cup (for coating zucchini)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated, for layering)
Fresh mint
2 tablespoons (finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried mint)
Feta cheese
1 cup (crumbled, for layering)
Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (shredded, for topping)
Olive oil or vegetable oil
1/2 cup (for drizzling on top)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Slice the zucchini lengthwise into 1/2" thick slices and sprinkle them generously with salt. Place the slices in a colander and let them stand for about 2 hours to allow excess moisture to drain.
3
After 2 hours, rinse the zucchini slices thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt, then gently squeeze them dry with paper towels.
4
Lightly coat each zucchini slice with flour to create a thin layer.
5
In a greased 9" square baking pan, start by laying down a layer of zucchini slices.
6
Sprinkle one-third of the grated Parmesan, the chopped mint (or dried mint), and crumbled feta evenly over the first layer of zucchini.
7
Repeat the layering process two more times, ensuring you save enough zucchini slices for a final top layer.
8
Once you reach the top layer, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire dish.
9
Finish with a final layer of zucchini on top and drizzle the olive oil evenly over everything.
10
Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the top is lightly golden.
11
After baking, allow the dish to cool for about 25-30 minutes. This resting time enhances the flavors and makes it easier to cut.
12
Slice into squares and serve hot or at room temperature with a side salad.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
11.25g
Carbs
8.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Zucchini Bake with Feta and Herbs?
It is a layered Mediterranean-inspired vegetable dish featuring fresh zucchini, feta cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, and aromatic herbs, similar in structure to a lasagna.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving of this zucchini bake?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Why do the zucchini slices need to be salted and left for 2 hours?
Salting the zucchini and letting it sit allows excess moisture to drain out, preventing the bake from becoming watery.
Should I rinse the salt off the zucchini?
Yes, after 2 hours of draining, you should rinse the zucchini slices thoroughly under cold water to remove the excess salt.
How should I dry the zucchini after rinsing?
Gently squeeze the zucchini slices dry using paper towels.
What is the purpose of coating the zucchini in flour?
A light coating of flour helps create a thin layer on the zucchini which aids in the texture of the bake.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
A greased 9-inch square baking pan is recommended.
What cheeses are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses three types of cheese: grated Parmesan, crumbled feta, and shredded mozzarella.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped mint with 1 teaspoon of dried mint.
How many layers are in this Mediterranean bake?
The recipe involves repeating the layering process three times.
Where does the mozzarella cheese go in the layers?
The shredded mozzarella is sprinkled over the dish once you reach the top layer of zucchini.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of olive oil or vegetable oil to be drizzled over the top.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the dish for approximately 45 minutes.
How do I know when the zucchini bake is done?
The dish is ready when the zucchini is tender and the top layer is lightly golden.
Why does the dish need to rest for 25-30 minutes after baking?
Resting enhances the flavors and allows the layers to set, making it much easier to cut into squares.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Key tags include greek cuisine, zucchini, baked dish, vegetarian, feta cheese, and mediterranean.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 12.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving has 11.25g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each serving?
The dish provides 8.75g of protein per serving.
Can I serve this dish at room temperature?
Yes, this zucchini bake can be served either hot or at room temperature.
What is a good side dish for this bake?
A crisp, fresh salad is recommended to provide a refreshing balance to the warm layers.
How should the zucchini be sliced?
The zucchini should be sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices.
What ingredient is used for drizzling on top?
Either olive oil or vegetable oil is used for the final drizzle.
Is this recipe considered a quick weeknight meal?
While it requires 2 hours of prep time for the zucchini to drain, the actual assembly and baking make it a great hearty option.
What kind of cuisine inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Mediterranean and Greek cuisine.
Can I use large zucchinis for this?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 4 large zucchinis.
How many grams of sugar are in this recipe?
The sugar content is not specified in the nutritional information provided.