Mediterranean Eggplant and Zucchini Bake

Mediterranean Eggplant and Zucchini Bake

Mia

This Mediterranean Eggplant and Zucchini Bake brings together the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean coast in one wholesome, satisfying dish. Layers of tender eggplant and zucchini are nestled with aromatic herbs, ripe tomatoes, and a hint of garlic, then baked to perfection until the vegetables are meltingly soft and infused with flavor. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of tangy feta cheese and fresh herbs that add both richness and authenticity to this classic preparation.

Rooted in the culinary traditions of Greece, Southern Italy, and the Eastern Mediterranean, this vegetable bake showcases the region's love for seasonal produce and simple, honest cooking. The combination of eggplant and zucchini creates a wonderful textural contrast, while the olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that are a cornerstone of the Mediterranean Diet. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory, slightly sweet, and herbaceous notes that transport you to sun-drenched Mediterranean shores.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility and nutritional profile. It works beautifully as a main course for a light dinner, or as a substantial side dish alongside grilled fish or chicken. The vegetables are naturally low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this bake both nourishing and delicious. Best of all, it's incredibly easy to prepare—simply slice, layer, and bake—making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe also embraces the Mediterranean principle of enjoying food that's as good for your body as it is for your soul. The aromatic combination of oregano, basil, and garlic fills your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance while the dish bakes, and the final result is a colorful, rustic presentation that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

Nutrition

1 hour 5 minutes
None servings
185 calories
Fat 12.00g
Carbs 15.00g
Protein 6.00g

Ingredients

2 mediumeggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
3 mediumzucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1/4 cupextra virgin olive oil
4 clovesgarlic, minced
1 28-oz cancanned crushed tomatoes
2 tspdried oregano
1 tspdried basil
1 tspsalt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1 cupfeta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cupfresh parsley, chopped
2 tbspfresh basil, chopped (optional)

Equipment

Wooden spoon
Cutting board
aluminum foil
kitchen towel or paper towels
measuring cups and spoons
9x13-inch baking dish
pastry brush
large skillet
sharp knife

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 approach perfectly, with over 80% of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods (eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, fresh herbs, olive oil) that are anti-inflammatory and rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The small amount of feta cheese adds flavor while keeping the overall dish focused on wholesome, minimally processed ingredients.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This recipe is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients including extra virgin olive oil, colorful vegetables rich in antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic. It avoids processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats while emphasizing whole plant foods that help reduce inflammation in the body.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with its use of whole, unprocessed ingredients in their natural state: fresh vegetables, extra virgin olive oil, real feta cheese, and fresh herbs. It contains no refined sugars, artificial ingredients, preservatives, or processed foods—just simple, recognizable ingredients prepared with minimal processing.

DASH Diet

This recipe aligns with DASH Diet principles by emphasizing vegetables rich in potassium and magnesium, using herbs and spices for flavor instead of excessive salt, incorporating heart-healthy olive oil, and including moderate amounts of cheese. The abundance of fiber-rich vegetables and minimal sodium from fresh ingredients support blood pressure management.

Flexitarian Diet

This plant-based vegetable bake exemplifies flexitarian eating by featuring vegetables as the star ingredients with minimal animal products (just feta cheese as a flavor accent). The recipe emphasizes whole, minimally processed ingredients and provides a satisfying meat-free meal option rich in fiber and nutrients.

Gluten-Free Diet

This naturally gluten-free recipe contains only vegetables, olive oil, herbs, spices, and feta cheese—all ingredients that are free from wheat, barley, rye, and gluten-containing grains. It's a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten while providing abundant nutrients and Mediterranean flavors.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This heart-healthy recipe features vegetables rich in fiber and antioxidants, heart-protective extra virgin olive oil with monounsaturated fats, and herbs for flavor instead of excessive sodium. It avoids saturated fats, processed ingredients, and fried foods while providing nutrients that support cardiovascular health and help reduce cholesterol levels.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense vegetable bake is ideal for eating windows during intermittent fasting, providing sustained energy from complex carbohydrates in the vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and protein from feta cheese. The high fiber content and whole food ingredients support satiety and stable blood sugar levels throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This satisfying Mediterranean bake honors intuitive eating principles by offering a balanced, nourishing meal that provides both pleasure and nutrition without restriction or guilt. The recipe celebrates whole foods, diverse flavors and textures, and the cultural tradition of Mediterranean cooking while allowing for flexible portions based on hunger and satisfaction cues.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe is a quintessential Mediterranean dish that emphasizes extra virgin olive oil, abundant vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes), herbs (oregano, basil, parsley), garlic, and moderate amounts of feta cheese. It avoids processed ingredients and red meat while showcasing the heart-healthy, plant-forward eating pattern central to the Mediterranean Diet.

Mindful Eating

This recipe is ideal for mindful eating with its variety of colors, textures, and aromas that engage multiple senses—from the visual appeal of layered vegetables to the fragrant herbs and the contrast between tender vegetables and tangy feta. The simple preparation encourages awareness and appreciation of each ingredient's natural flavor and the Mediterranean culinary tradition.

Vegetarian Diet

This completely vegetarian recipe features plant-based ingredients including eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs, with feta cheese and olive oil providing protein and healthy fats. It contains no meat, poultry, fish, or seafood, making it a perfect wholesome vegetarian main or side dish.

Weight Watchers

This vegetable-forward dish is excellent for Weight Watchers, featuring non-starchy vegetables as the main components, minimal added fats, and nutrient-dense whole food ingredients. The recipe is naturally low in calories while being filling and satisfying, with the vegetables providing volume and fiber to support weight management goals.

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2

Slice the eggplant and zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds, keeping them as uniform as possible for even cooking.

10 min
3

Arrange the eggplant slices on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry.

10 min
4

While the eggplant is resting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2 min
5
1 min

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

6
5 min

Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7

Remove the tomato sauce from heat and set aside.

8

Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.

1 min
9

Spread one-third of the tomato sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

1 min
10

Arrange half of the eggplant slices in a single layer over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.

2 min
11

Layer half of the zucchini slices over the eggplant, again slightly overlapping.

2 min
12

Spread another third of the tomato sauce over the zucchini layer and sprinkle with half of the crumbled feta cheese.

1 min
13

Repeat the layering process with the remaining eggplant, zucchini, and tomato sauce.

3 min
14

Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top layer.

15

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

16

Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes.

35 min
17

Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining feta cheese over the top of the bake.

18

Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is lightly golden.

10 min
19

Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for 5 minutes to allow the layers to set.

5 min
20

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and basil if desired, then serve warm.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions