Roasted Mediterranean Greek Vegetables (Printable version)

Tender roasted vegetables with herbs, lemon, and feta for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

# Needed ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
03 - 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
05 - 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
06 - 1 pint cherry tomatoes

→ Seasonings and Oil

07 - 6 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
12 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

→ Garnishes

15 - 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, optional
16 - 3.5 ounces feta cheese, crumbled, optional
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and position a rack in the middle.
02 - In a large bowl, combine eggplant, zucchinis, red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion. Add olive oil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss until vegetables are evenly coated.
03 - Spread vegetables in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between pieces for even roasting.
04 - Roast for 20 minutes. Remove the baking sheet and gently stir or flip the vegetables.
05 - Add cherry tomatoes and minced garlic to the pan, mixing them in with the other vegetables. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 10-12 minutes, until all vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized at the edges.
06 - Remove from the oven. Drizzle immediately with lemon juice and add Kalamata olives, if using. Toss gently.
07 - Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It transforms simple vegetables into something so flavorful you'll forget you're eating healthy.
  • The leftovers actually get better overnight as the herbs and lemon soak into every bite.
  • You can prep everything in advance and just slide it into the oven when you're ready to eat.
  • It works as a side dish, a main course, or even a filling for wraps the next day.
02 -
  • Don't add the garlic at the beginning or it will burn and turn bitter, wait until the last 10 minutes.
  • If your vegetables release too much water, your oven isn't hot enough or they're too crowded on the pan.
  • Let the vegetables sit for a few minutes after roasting so the juices redistribute and the flavors settle.
03 -
  • For a smoky depth, char the eggplant and peppers on a grill or directly over a gas flame before roasting.
  • If you want the feta to melt slightly into the vegetables, crumble it on during the last 2 minutes of roasting instead of after.
  • Swap out the herbs based on what you have, fresh basil or dill at the end works beautifully too.
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