🍠 Mediterranean Layered Beet, Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin with Walnuts

This vibrant layered gratin is earthy, slightly sweet, creamy, and beautifully balanced. Tender slices of roasted beets and sweet potatoes are layered with tangy feta, toasted walnuts, fresh herbs, and a light garlic-yogurt drizzle. It’s colorful enough for a holiday table yet wholesome enough for a weeknight dinner.

Inspired by the principles of the Mediterranean diet, this dish focuses on vegetables, olive oil, nuts, and moderate cheese for flavor without heaviness.

🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Naturally gluten-free
✔ Rich in antioxidants & fiber
✔ Beautiful layered presentation
✔ Sweet & savory balance
✔ Perfect vegetarian main or side

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 6)

Vegetables:

• 3 medium beets, peeled & thinly sliced

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled & thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• Salt & black pepper

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp thyme

Cheese & Nuts:

• ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ½ cup walnuts, toasted & roughly chopped

Garlic Yogurt Drizzle:

• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 small clove garlic, grated

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Pinch salt

Optional garnish:

• Fresh parsley or thyme

• Pomegranate seeds

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

2️⃣ Season the Vegetables

In a bowl, toss sliced beets and sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.

3️⃣ Layer

Arrange a layer of sweet potatoes in the dish.
Add a layer of beets.
Sprinkle feta and walnuts.

Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with a light sprinkle of feta and walnuts on top.

4️⃣ Bake

Cover with foil and bake 35 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until tender and lightly golden.

5️⃣ Make Yogurt Drizzle

Mix Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth.

6️⃣ Serve

Let gratin rest 10 minutes before serving.
Drizzle with garlic yogurt and garnish with herbs.

🥗 Mediterranean Serving Ideas

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish

• Pair with a simple arugula salad

• Add lentils for extra protein

• Serve as a vegetarian holiday centerpiece

🥦 Nutritional Benefits

• Beets support heart health

• Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A

• Walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids

• Olive oil supports healthy fats

• Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Replace feta with dairy-free feta and yogurt with plant-based yogurt.

Q2: Can I prepare ahead?

Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q3: Can I add protein?

Absolutely. Add cooked lentils or chickpeas between layers.

Q4: How thin should I slice the vegetables?

About ⅛-inch (3mm) thick for even cooking.

Q5: Can I use goat cheese instead of feta?

Yes, goat cheese works beautifully for a creamier texture.

Q6: Can I freeze it?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze baked portions up to 1 month.

🌞 Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Layered Beet, Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin with Walnuts is earthy, nourishing, and visually stunning. It celebrates natural sweetness, tangy cheese, and crunchy nuts—all hallmarks of balanced Mediterranean cooking.