Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa

Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa

Mia

These Mediterranean-inspired stuffed bell peppers are a celebration of color, flavor, and nutrition. Each vibrant pepper serves as an edible vessel for a savory filling of fluffy quinoa, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic herbs that transport you straight to the sun-drenched coasts of Greece and Italy. The combination of protein-rich quinoa with fresh vegetables creates a satisfying, complete meal that's as nourishing as it is beautiful.

The Mediterranean Diet has long been praised for its health benefits and emphasis on plant-based ingredients, and this recipe embodies those principles perfectly. The quinoa provides a nutty base that absorbs the flavors of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, while crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy richness that ties everything together. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures—from the tender roasted pepper to the fluffy quinoa and the slight crunch of vegetables.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility and make-ahead friendliness. You can prepare the filling in advance, customize the vegetables based on what's in season, and even freeze the assembled peppers for future meals. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight family dinner or preparing a impressive dish for guests, these stuffed peppers deliver on both presentation and taste. The aroma of roasting peppers filled with Mediterranean spices will fill your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance that promises a delicious meal ahead.

Nutrition

1 hour 5 minutes
None servings
320 calories
Fat 14.00g
Carbs 38.00g
Protein 12.00g

Ingredients

4 wholebell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
1 cupquinoa, uncooked
2 cupsvegetable broth
3 tbspolive oil, divided
1 mediumyellow onion, diced
3 clovesgarlic cloves, minced
1 mediumzucchini, diced
1 cupcherry tomatoes, halved
2 cupsbaby spinach, roughly chopped
1 tspdried oregano
1 tspdried basil
1/2 tspground cumin
1 tspsalt, divided
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1/2 cupfeta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cupfresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsplemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/4 cuppine nuts, toasted (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Oven
wooden spoon or spatula
medium saucepan with lid
fork
aluminum foil
chef's knife
fine-mesh strainer
measuring cups and spoons
pastry brush
large skillet
large baking dish

16:8 Diet

This recipe is ideal for the 16:8 intermittent fasting eating window, providing sustained energy from protein-rich quinoa, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and abundant vegetables. The nutrient-dense, balanced meal helps practitioners meet their daily nutritional needs within the compressed eating timeframe while promoting satiety.

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 Diet perfectly with over 80% of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods including vegetables, quinoa, olive oil, and fresh herbs. The small amount of feta cheese and pine nuts add flavor while keeping the recipe focused on anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich, vitamin-packed ingredients.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This recipe is rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients including colorful vegetables, olive oil, and anti-inflammatory spices like garlic, oregano, and cumin. The whole grain quinoa, leafy greens, and absence of refined sugars, processed foods, and red meat make it an excellent choice for reducing inflammation while providing antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with its use of whole, minimally processed ingredients in their natural state including fresh vegetables, whole grain quinoa, olive oil, and real cheese. Every ingredient is recognizable and free from artificial additives, preservatives, refined sugars, or processed components.

DASH Diet

This recipe aligns with DASH Diet principles by emphasizing vegetables, whole grains (quinoa), and using herbs and spices for flavor instead of excessive salt. The vegetable broth base, abundant produce, and moderate cheese portion provide potassium, magnesium, and fiber while keeping sodium in check and avoiding processed ingredients.

Diabetic Diet

This recipe is suitable for a diabetic diet with its emphasis on low-glycemic ingredients including quinoa, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil and nuts. The high fiber content from vegetables and whole grains helps slow glucose absorption and maintain stable blood sugar levels, while avoiding refined sugars and processed foods.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe is ideal for the Flexitarian Diet as it's entirely plant-based with vegetables, whole grains (quinoa), and legumes forming the foundation, while dairy (feta) serves as a supporting ingredient. The emphasis on whole, minimally processed foods and abundant produce makes it a perfect example of flexitarian eating.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, using quinoa (a gluten-free grain) as the base along with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and cheese. All ingredients are naturally free from wheat, barley, rye, and gluten-containing grains, making it safe and delicious for those following a gluten-free diet.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe is heart-healthy with its emphasis on olive oil (rich in monounsaturated fats), whole grains, abundant vegetables, and nuts while avoiding saturated fats, processed meats, and fried foods. The Mediterranean-inspired ingredients provide fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats that support cardiovascular health.

High-Fiber Diet

This recipe is excellent for a high-fiber diet, providing substantial fiber from quinoa (a high-fiber whole grain), bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and other vegetables. The combination of whole grains and multiple vegetable varieties delivers well over 8 grams of fiber per serving to support digestive health.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense recipe is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing sustained energy from protein-rich quinoa, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, and abundant vegetables. The balanced macronutrients and whole food ingredients help maintain stable blood sugar levels and provide lasting satiety throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe is perfect for Intuitive Eating as it provides both nourishment and satisfaction through a variety of textures, colors, and flavors. The balanced combination of whole grains, vegetables, healthy fats, and cheese honors both taste preferences and gentle nutrition without restriction or food rules.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This recipe follows Mayo Clinic Diet principles with its emphasis on abundant vegetables (peppers, zucchini, spinach, tomatoes), whole grains (quinoa), and healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts. The nutrient-dense ingredients and moderate cheese portion create a satisfying meal that supports sustainable weight loss while avoiding processed foods and refined grains.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly embodies Mediterranean Diet principles with its emphasis on extra virgin olive oil, whole grains (quinoa), abundant vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, tomatoes), and moderate use of feta cheese. The combination of plant-based ingredients, healthy fats, and herbs like oregano and basil creates a nutrient-dense meal that avoids processed foods and red meat entirely.

MIND Diet

This recipe aligns with MIND Diet principles by emphasizing brain-healthy foods including leafy greens (spinach), vegetables, whole grains (quinoa), olive oil as the primary fat, and nuts (pine nuts). The recipe avoids red meat, butter, and fried foods while providing antioxidants and nutrients that support cognitive health.

Mindful Eating

This recipe supports Mindful Eating principles with its variety of colors, textures, and aromas that engage multiple senses—from the vibrant bell peppers to the fluffy quinoa and crunchy pine nuts. The whole, minimally processed ingredients and Mediterranean flavors encourage slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation.

Plant-Based Diet

This recipe is nearly plant-based, featuring quinoa, vegetables, and plant-based proteins, though it contains feta cheese. To make it fully plant-based compliant, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative, and the recipe becomes 100% plant-based with all the fiber, nutrients, and whole food benefits.

Vegetarian Diet

This recipe is completely vegetarian, featuring plant-based protein from quinoa and a variety of vegetables while incorporating dairy in the form of feta cheese. It provides a nutritionally balanced meal with adequate protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals without any meat, poultry, fish, or seafood.

Weight Watchers

This recipe follows Weight Watchers principles with its emphasis on nutrient-dense whole foods including protein-rich quinoa, abundant non-starchy vegetables, and minimal added fats. The combination of fiber from vegetables and whole grains with moderate portions of feta cheese creates a satisfying, portion-controlled meal that supports weight management.

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer.

1 min
3
5 min

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.

4
20 min

Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.

5

While quinoa cooks, brush the bell pepper halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with a pinch of salt. Place them cut-side up in a large baking dish.

2 min
6

Bake the peppers for 15 minutes to soften them slightly. Remove from oven and set aside.

15 min
7

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

1 min
8
5 min

Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.

9
1 min

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.

10
5 min

Add the diced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender.

11
3 min

Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

12
2 min

Add the chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.

13

Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and add it to the skillet with the vegetables.

1 min
14

Add the oregano, basil, cumin, remaining salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

1 min
15

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top.

1 min
16

Divide the quinoa mixture evenly among the pre-baked pepper halves, packing the filling gently.

3 min
17

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

20 min
18

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.

10 min
19

Remove from oven and let the stuffed peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with toasted pine nuts if desired.

5 min

Frequently Asked Questions