Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potato Boats – A Fresh, Flavor-Packed Comfort Meal

Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potato Boats are proof that comfort food and healthy eating don’t have to live in separate worlds. This dish brings together the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with bold Mediterranean flavors—briny olives, creamy feta, hearty chickpeas, fresh herbs, and rich olive oil—creating a meal that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian dinner that’s satisfying, colorful, and easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests, this recipe hits every mark. These sweet potato boats are naturally gluten-free, customizable, and perfect for meal prep, making them a favorite for busy households and health-conscious cooks alike.

Why Mediterranean Flavors Work So Well with Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are mildly sweet, earthy, and creamy once roasted. Mediterranean ingredients thrive on contrast—salty, acidic, herbaceous, and rich. When paired together, the flavors balance beautifully:

• Sweet potato provides warmth and softness
• Feta cheese adds tangy creaminess
• Olives bring salt and depth
• Chickpeas add protein and texture
• Fresh herbs & olive oil tie everything together

The result is a dish that feels vibrant, comforting, and deeply satisfying without being heavy.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potato Boats

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for best flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (canned, drained, and rinsed)
• ¾ cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ⅓ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: lemon juice, red pepper flakes, tahini drizzle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Pat dry and pierce each one several times with a fork.
3. Rub sweet potatoes lightly with olive oil and place on the baking sheet.
4. Roast for 40–45 minutes, or until fork-tender and lightly caramelized.
5. While the sweet potatoes roast, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, tomatoes, olives, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss gently with a drizzle of olive oil.
6. Once sweet potatoes are done, let them cool slightly. Slice each one lengthwise and gently mash the inside with a fork to create space for filling.
7. Spoon the Mediterranean chickpea mixture generously into each sweet potato.
8. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.
9. Return stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven for 8–10 minutes, just until warmed through and slightly golden.
10. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh herbs, and finish with olive oil or lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Boats

• Choose sweet potatoes of similar size for even cooking
• Roast until very tender—this makes stuffing easier
• Don’t overmix the filling; texture matters
• Add feta after stuffing, not before, to keep it creamy

Easy Variations to Try

Vegan Version
Skip feta and add tahini sauce or dairy-free yogurt drizzle.

Protein Boost
Add grilled chicken, tuna, or baked tofu.

Spicy Mediterranean
Add harissa paste or chili flakes.

Greek-Inspired
Add cucumber and red onion after baking for freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potato Boats work beautifully as:

• A complete vegetarian main dish
• A hearty lunch bowl with greens
• A side dish alongside grilled fish or chicken
• A meal-prep option for weekday lunches

Serve with a crisp salad, hummus, or warm pita for a full Mediterranean spread.

Cultural Inspiration Behind the Dish

This recipe isn’t traditional to one Mediterranean country—it’s inspired by the shared food philosophy of the region: simple ingredients, healthy fats, plant-forward meals, and bold natural flavors. Sweet potatoes act as a modern base, while classic Mediterranean staples bring authenticity and depth.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture
• Avoid microwaving too long to prevent sogginess

Why This Recipe Is a Healthy Choice

• High in fiber and complex carbs
• Rich in antioxidants and vitamin A
• Balanced with protein and healthy fats
• Naturally gluten-free

This is comfort food you can feel genuinely good about eating.

Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potato Boats

Roasted sweet potatoes filled with chickpeas, feta, olives, and fresh Mediterranean flavors for a healthy, satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 boats

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 310

Ingredients

  

Sweet Potato Base

• 4 sweet potatoes medium
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Mediterranean Filling

• 1 cup chickpeas cooked, drained
• 0.75 cup cherry tomatoes diced
• 0.5 cup feta cheese crumbled
• 0.33 cup Kalamata olives sliced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wash sweet potatoes, pierce with a fork, rub with olive oil, and place on baking sheet.
3. Roast for 40–45 minutes until fork-tender.
4. In a bowl, mix chickpeas, tomatoes, olives, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Slice roasted sweet potatoes lengthwise and gently mash centers.
6. Fill sweet potatoes with Mediterranean mixture and top with feta.
7. Bake an additional 8–10 minutes until warmed through.

Notes

Delicious with a lemon or tahini drizzle.