Flavorful and Fast Mediterranean Dishes to Savor
The Mediterranean diet is known for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and simple preparations. Here’s an easy recipe that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table quickly, perfect for beginner cooks and ideal for using an air fryer to save time.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 200g (7 oz) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Feta cheese crumbles (optional)
Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle olive oil over the ingredients, then sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything to coat evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Place the chicken and vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be cooked through and vegetables tender.
- Once done, transfer to a serving dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and garnish with parsley and feta if using.
- Serve immediately with warm pita bread or over a bed of couscous for a complete meal.
Tips or Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or firm tofu to create different protein options.
- Use other Mediterranean vegetables like eggplant or asparagus depending on what you have available.
- Adjust seasoning by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin for a slightly different taste.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, this dish can be roasted in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway.
