Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes


INTRODUCTION

Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a healthy, bright, and filling meal. These baked sweet potatoes are topped with a mix of chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, herbs, and feta. The dish is full of fiber and flavor. It works well for a quick lunch or an easy dinner. If you like baked sweet potato ideas, you may also enjoy a different stuffed sweet potato twist like cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes which offers a sweet and tart contrast.

This recipe is a lighter option that keeps taste and health in balance. It is naturally gluten free and can be a great meal prep choice. The mix of chickpeas and feta gives protein for a filling, high protein meal. The recipe is also a healthy version of stuffed potatoes, using olive oil and fresh vegetables instead of heavy sauces.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love these Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes because they are simple to make and full of good nutrients. Each potato gives fiber from the sweet potato and chickpeas. Fiber helps you feel full and helps blood sugar control, which can make the dish diabetic-friendly in moderate portions. The recipe is low in bad fats and uses olive oil for heart healthy benefits.

This is a great for meal prep dish. Bake the potatoes ahead and mix the topping in a bowl. Then you can fill warm potatoes when you are ready to eat. It is also a good option for people who want a lighter option but need solid flavor. If you watch calories, this can be a low calorie meal if you watch portions of feta and oil. The result is a balanced meal with carbs, protein, and healthy fats.

HOW TO MAKE Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

This section shows simple steps to make the recipe. The flavors are Mediterranean and fresh. The chickpeas add protein while the sweet potato adds fiber and complex carbs. You will end with warm potato boats filled with a bright salad that holds up well when served.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Fork
  • Knife
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients You’ll Need :

4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/2 cup cucumber, diced, 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional), 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained, 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, Salt and black pepper, to taste, 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prick the sweet potatoes several times with a fork. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, combine the rinsed chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely diced red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and optional chopped mint in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the prepared dressing over the filling mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, allow them to cool slightly. Slice each potato lengthwise down the center, taking care not to cut all the way through. Gently fluff the interior flesh with a fork.
Generously fill each prepared sweet potato half with the Mediterranean mixture. Serve the stuffed sweet potato boats immediately.

HOW TO SERVE Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Serve these stuffed sweet potatoes warm. For a balanced plate, add a side of leafy greens or a simple green salad. Keep portion sizes in mind: one medium stuffed potato is a full meal for many people. If you are watching calories or aiming for good for weight loss choices, serve one stuffed potato with a large side salad to keep the meal lower in calories but still filling.

For diabetic-friendly portions, pair a single potato with extra non-starchy vegetables. That adds volume and fiber while helping limit total carbohydrates. This recipe is a healthy version of a comfort meal that can be adjusted to fit your diet plan.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Store leftover filling and baked potatoes separately. Keep the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store baked potatoes in a different container for up to 3 days as well. Reheat the potato and then spoon the cold or room-temperature topping over the warm potato for the best texture.

To freeze, do not freeze the salad topping with fresh cucumber and tomatoes. Instead, freeze baked plain sweet potatoes by wrapping them well and storing in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat, then mix a fresh topping before serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Try these serving ideas to keep meals healthy and balanced:

  • Pair with a green salad such as arugula and lemon for a light, bright side. A simple salad like the arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds acidity and bitter greens to balance the sweet potato.
  • Add a side of grilled fish or chicken if you want to boost protein and make the meal more filling.
  • For a vegetarian high protein meal, add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or extra chickpeas on top.
  • Keep a bowl of plain yogurt nearby for a cool contrast. A dollop of Greek yogurt can add extra protein and creaminess.

VARIATIONS

  • Healthier version: Use less feta and reduce the olive oil to 1 tablespoon. Add extra herbs and lemon to keep big flavor with fewer calories. This is a lighter option that still tastes rich.
  • High-protein or low-carb version: Replace chickpeas with diced, cooked chicken breast or tuna to make a higher protein dish. For a lower carb take, reduce the sweet potato portion and serve a smaller mashed scoop with more protein topping. This turns the meal into a high protein meal while lowering total carbs.
  • Air fryer or oven-baked version: For a quicker cook, use an air fryer to cook the sweet potatoes at 380°F (190°C) for 30–40 minutes depending on size. You can also oven-bake as shown. Either way, the potatoes become soft and sweet. For more potato recipes done differently, try a heartier side like cheesy ranch potatoes with smoked sausage as inspiration for a richer side on special days.

FAQs

Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Q: Is this recipe diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes. With portion control this can be diabetic-friendly. Sweet potatoes have fiber and a lower glycemic load than white potatoes. Pair one medium stuffed potato with extra vegetables to make blood sugar control easier.

Q: How long will the filling last in the fridge?
A: The fresh topping with tomatoes and cucumber will keep 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Use an airtight container and check texture before serving.

Q: Can I make this low calorie?
A: Yes. Use less olive oil and reduce feta. Add more lemon, herbs, and spices to keep flavor. This creates a low calorie, lighter option.

Q: Is this recipe gluten free?
A: Yes. All the ingredients are naturally gluten free. It is a good gluten free meal for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Q: Can I add more protein for meal prep?
A: Yes. Add cooked chicken, tuna, or a scoop of Greek yogurt on top. That turns this into a high protein meal for longer satiety.

Q: Are sweet potatoes good for weight loss?
A: They can be. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and volume. When you control portions and pair them with protein and veggies, they are a good choice for weight loss plans.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

  • Bake the sweet potatoes up to 3 days ahead and chill. Reheat before filling.
  • Make the chickpea salad one day ahead. The flavors will deepen, and the mix will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. Keep cucumber and tomato separate if you want extra crunch when serving.
  • Pack potato and topping in separate meal prep containers for easy meals. Heat the potato and add the topping just before you eat. This keeps the textures right and helps the meal feel fresh.
  • For quick weekday lunches, pre-roast four potatoes on the weekend. Assemble the filling and portion it into jars. Each meal takes minutes to finish for a great meal prep plan.

Print
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Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes topped with chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, herbs, and feta, creating a healthy and flavorful meal.

  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prick the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until fork-tender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour the dressing over the filling mixture and toss to coat.
  6. After sweet potatoes cool slightly, slice them lengthwise, fluffing the flesh with a fork.
  7. Fill each sweet potato with the Mediterranean mixture and serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftover filling and baked potatoes separately. The filling keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge. Freeze plain sweet potatoes for up to 3 months.

  • Author: miguel-santiago
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 medium stuffed potato
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: sweet potatoes, Mediterranean diet, healthy meals, vegan, gluten free