If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful, and vibrant dish, these Mediterranean-style stuffed peppers with feta & olives are perfect! Packed with herbs, spices, briny olives, and creamy feta, these peppers make a fantastic vegetarian main course or a delicious side dish.
Stuffed peppers are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, combining simple ingredients with bold flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
1. Ingredients & Kitchen Tools
Ingredients for the Stuffed Peppers:
- 4 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (or rice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp pine nuts (optional)
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredients for the Topping:
- ¼ cup feta cheese, extra for garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Essential Kitchen Tools:
- Baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Large spoon (for stuffing the peppers)
2. Preparing the Bell Peppers
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut and Clean the Peppers
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Lightly rub the inside with olive oil to prevent drying out.
3. Pre-Bake for Softness (Optional)
- Place peppers cut-side up in a baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes to soften them before stuffing.
3. Cooking the Mediterranean Filling
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Cook the Vegetables
- Stir in zucchini and cherry tomatoes.
- Season with oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the Quinoa & Olives
- Stir in cooked quinoa and sliced olives.
- Mix well and let cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Add Feta & Pine Nuts
- Remove from heat and stir in crumbled feta cheese and pine nuts.
4. Stuffing & Baking the Peppers
1. Fill the Peppers
- Spoon the quinoa mixture evenly into each bell pepper.
2. Bake Until Tender
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil, top with extra feta, and bake uncovered for 10 minutes.
5. Finishing Touches & Plating
1. Add the Toppings
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra feta.
2. Serve Warm
- Enjoy them as a main dish or a side with grilled meats or fish.
3. Wine Pairing Suggestions
- A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Rosé pairs beautifully with the fresh flavors.
6. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
1. Peppers Too Hard?
- Pre-bake them before stuffing for a softer texture.
2. Filling Too Dry?
- Add a splash of vegetable broth before baking.
3. Peppers Falling Over?
- Trim a tiny bit off the bottom to create a flat base.
7. Storage & Reheating Tips
1. How to Store Leftovers
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Best Way to Reheat
- Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Microwave for 2 minutes, but the oven keeps them firmer.
8. Variations & Substitutions
1. Grain Alternatives
- Swap quinoa for couscous, brown rice, or bulgur.
2. Vegan Version
- Omit feta or use vegan feta cheese.
3. Protein Boost
- Add chickpeas or shredded chicken to the filling.
Conclusion
Mediterranean-style stuffed peppers with feta & olives are a healthy, colorful, and delicious dish that’s easy to make. With briny olives, creamy feta, and vibrant vegetables, these peppers deliver authentic Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
Enjoy this light yet satisfying dish as a meal on its own or paired with grilled meats and a glass of wine! 🍷🍽
FAQs
1. Can I use different colored peppers?
Yes! Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a slightly bitter taste.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Stuff the peppers, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. What type of olives work best?
Kalamata olives provide the best Mediterranean flavor, but green olives work too.
4. Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes! Wrap each pepper in foil, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
5. How do I make the filling more protein-packed?
- Add cooked chickpeas, ground turkey, or tofu.
6. What should I serve with stuffed peppers?
They pair well with:
- Greek salad
- Hummus & pita bread
- Grilled lamb or chicken
7. Can I make them spicy?
Yes! Add chopped chili peppers or red pepper flakes for heat.
8. How do I make them extra crispy?
- Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to slightly char the tops.
9. Can I skip the quinoa?
Yes! Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
10. How do I keep the feta from melting too much?
- Add half of the feta after baking for a creamier texture.
Enjoy your Mediterranean-style stuffed peppers with feta & olives, and happy cooking! 🫑🧀🥂