Mediterranean Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Herb Drizzle
These Mediterranean-inspired stuffed sweet potatoes are hearty, nutritious, and full of flavor. The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with a creamy spinach and ricotta filling, while the herb drizzle adds a fresh, zesty finish. It’s a balanced dish that works equally well as a vegetarian main or a flavorful side for grilled meats or fish.
Total Time: 55–65 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes
4 medium sweet potatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Spinach & Ricotta Filling
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 oz (150 g) fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed & squeezed dry)
1 cup ricotta cheese
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Herb Drizzle (optional, but recommended)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or cilantro), finely chopped
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, then pierce them several times with a fork.
Rub lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and place on a baking sheet.
Roast for 40–50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
Prepare the Filling:
While the sweet potatoes roast, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add spinach and cook until wilted (or warmed through if using frozen).
Transfer to a bowl, let cool slightly, then stir in ricotta, Parmesan, nutmeg (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Make the Herb Drizzle:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Assemble:
Once sweet potatoes are roasted, let them cool slightly.
Slice each one open lengthwise and gently mash the inside with a fork to make space for the filling.
Spoon the spinach-ricotta mixture into each sweet potato.
Finish & Serve:
Drizzle with the herb sauce just before serving.
Serve warm as a vegetarian main or a hearty side dish.
Tips & Variations
Cheese Swap: Replace ricotta with goat cheese for a tangier, creamier filling, or with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
Add Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds on top for extra texture and Mediterranean flair.
Extra Veggies: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers with the spinach filling.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the filling for a subtle kick.
Make It Vegan: Use a dairy-free ricotta (almond or cashew-based) and skip the Parmesan, or replace with nutritional yeast.
Meal Prep Friendly: Roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the filling in advance. Assemble just before serving and reheat.
Protein Boost: Add chickpeas or white beans to the filling to make the dish even more filling.
Herb Variations: Swap parsley for dill, mint, or basil in the drizzle, depending on the flavor profile you prefer.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the filling a day ahead. Store separately, then reheat and assemble before serving.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Definitely. Just thaw it fully and squeeze out excess water so the filling doesn’t become watery.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
A: Yes, you can use part-skim ricotta and reduce the Parmesan, or swap in cottage cheese for a lower-fat option.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: It works well as a vegetarian main with a side salad, or as a side dish for grilled chicken, lamb, or fish.
Q: Can I skip the herb drizzle?
A: You can, but the drizzle really brightens the dish. If you prefer, a simple squeeze of lemon juice over the top is a quick alternative.
Nutrition
(per serving, 4 servings)
Approximate values:
Calories: 280–320
Protein: 10–12 g
Carbohydrates: 36–40 g
Fiber: 6–7 g
Sugars: 9–11 g
Fat: 11–13 g
Saturated Fat: 4–5 g
Sodium: 280–330 mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Herb Drizzle is a wholesome, balanced dish that brings together creamy, savory filling with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. The herb drizzle ties everything together with a fresh, zesty finish. It’s versatile enough to serve as a vegetarian main course, a flavorful side, or even part of a mezze spread. Nutritious, hearty, and Mediterranean at its core, this recipe is both comforting and elegant.