Indulge in the soul-warming flavors of the **Mediterranean Diet Cheesy Comfort Casserole**, a wholesome yet decadent dish that brings together vibrant Mediterranean ingredients and a creamy, cheesy finish. This recipe features a nourishing medley of sautéed vegetables, including zucchini, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes, combined with protein-packed quinoa and fresh baby spinach. The rich, tangy blend of crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese adds a luscious layer of comforting goodness, all seasoned with aromatic dried oregano and a hint of garlic. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is ideal for family dinners or meal prep, offering a healthy, gluten-free comfort food option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you're following the Mediterranean diet or simply craving a deliciously satisfying dish, this casserole promises to be a hit!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and sautéed vegetables with the sliced kalamata olives and baby spinach. Stir well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese.
Pour the yogurt and feta mixture over the vegetable and quinoa mixture and gently fold until evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Mediterranean Diet Cheesy Comfort Casserole!
Calories |
1685 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 110.4 g | 142% | |
| Saturated Fat | 40.1 g | 200% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 370 mg | 123% | |
| Sodium | 5554 mg | 241% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 113.0 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.4 g | 101% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.7 g | ||
| Protein | 68.0 g | 136% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1512 mg | 116% | |
| Iron | 14.4 mg | 80% | |
| Potassium | 3042 mg | 65% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.