Zucchini Feta Chickpea Skillet

Name: Zucchini Feta Chickpea Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchinis, diced; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making the Zucchini Feta Chickpea Skillet because it's one of those dishes that feels both hearty and healthy. Combining the freshness of zucchini with the creaminess of feta creates a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. I often throw it together on busy weeknights, and it never fails to impress. The great thing is that it’s not just quick to prepare, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients. It's truly a go-to recipe for satisfying my cravings in a wholesome way.

Created by

Charity Bowen

Last updated on 2026-01-15T14:25:14.563Z

When I first tried this Zucchini Feta Chickpea Skillet, I couldn’t believe how something so simple could taste so delicious. I decided to experiment with a combination of spices, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. The earthy flavor of chickpeas, paired with the fresh zucchini and tangy feta, created a wonderful melody of tastes that left me craving more.

One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite herbs or vegetables, making each preparation unique. I recommend sprinkling some fresh dill or parsley on top before serving for that extra layer of flavor. Trust me, it's a game changer!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Bright, fresh flavors that awaken your palate
High-protein, healthy ingredients that keep you full
Versatile and easily adaptable to seasonal vegetables

      

The Role of Zucchini and Chickpeas

Zucchini is a fantastic base for this dish, adding both moisture and a subtle sweetness. When sautéed, it becomes tender and develops a slightly caramelized exterior, enhancing its flavor. Always choose medium zucchinis as they have a more balanced texture compared to larger ones, which can be overly watery. For a delightful twist, try grating some zucchini for a different texture, but be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a soggy skillet.

Chickpeas bring a hearty protein component to the Zucchini Feta Chickpea Skillet, making it a satisfying meal. The fiber in chickpeas also helps keep you feeling full longer. For convenience, using canned chickpeas is perfectly fine, but if you have dried ones, soak and cook them beforehand for an even tastier result. Just remember, this will add around an hour to your prep time.

Incorporating Feta Cheese

Feta cheese really elevates this dish with its creamy texture and tangy flavor. The saltiness of the feta complements the freshness of the zucchini perfectly. When folding the feta into the skillet, reduce the heat to low to prevent it from melting too much and losing its shape. You want the feta to warm through while still maintaining its crumbly texture, which adds an appealing contrast to the soft vegetables.

If you're looking for alternatives, goat cheese can be substituted for feta to introduce a different flavor profile. Alternatively, for a non-dairy option, try using nutritional yeast or a store-bought vegan feta. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary slightly, so adjust your salt levels accordingly, as these substitutes can be less salty than traditional feta.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Zucchini Feta Chickpea Skillet can be served on its own or as a flavorful side dish. I love serving it over a bed of quinoa or couscous to absorb the delicious juices. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal. For added crunch, consider topping it with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds, which will introduce a delightful texture contrast.

Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables based on what’s available. Adding bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes can enhance the flavor and color, making it visually appealing. If you want a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice heat, balancing the creamy feta perfectly. This flexibility makes the recipe an excellent choice for using up what you have in the fridge.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Zucchini Feta Chickpea Skillet

2 medium zucchinis, diced
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Zucchini

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced zucchini and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Add the Chickpeas and Spices

Stir in the chickpeas, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Incorporate the Feta

Reduce the heat to low and fold in the crumbled feta cheese. Allow it to heat through for about 2 minutes.

Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious skillet!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the zucchini. This adds a delightful warmth to the dish.

Make-Ahead and Storage

The Zucchini Feta Chickpea Skillet is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness. When reheating, do it gently over low heat to retain the texture of the vegetables and cheese; a splash of water or broth can help rehydrate it.

If you plan on freezing leftovers, consider leaving out the feta until you're ready to serve. The feta can become grainy once frozen and thawed. If you do freeze the dish, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months and reheat directly from frozen, adding a little additional liquid to ensure it stays moist.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your zucchini releases too much moisture while cooking, causing the dish to become soupy, drain any excess liquid before adding the chickpeas and feta. To avoid this, ensure your heat is high enough initially to sauté the zucchini well before adding other ingredients. This step promotes evaporating excess moisture, contributing to better flavor concentration and texture.

Another common issue is overcooking the chickpeas, leading to a mushy texture. If using canned chickpeas, minimal cooking is needed as they are already cooked; just warm them through. If using dried chickpeas, ensure they are tender but still firm after cooking, allowing them to hold their shape in the skillet.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. To serve more people, simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or divide between two skillets to ensure even cooking. Just be mindful to adjust seasoning accordingly, as flavors can become diluted when increasing the quantities.

On the other hand, if you need to halve the recipe, it's just as easy! Reducing the chickpeas and feta while keeping the zucchini the same ensures you maintain the dish's integrity. Just be cautious while adjusting spices; incrementally add salt, pepper, and oregano to taste, as it's easier to add than to remove.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure to soak and cook them beforehand for best results.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

You can use goat cheese or even a dairy-free feta alternative for a similar taste and texture.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this Zucchini Feta Chickpea Skillet is naturally gluten-free.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply replace the feta with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it altogether.