Pan-Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables with Manchego Cheese

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-23 · Updated 2026-05-23

Colorful vegetables pan-roasted with garlic and herbs, finished with nutty Manchego cheese for a vibrant side dish. This Spanish-inspired vegetarian recipe (mediterranean), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds, red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces, eggplant, diced into 1/2-inch cubes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 small eggplant, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup Manchego cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add 1 medium sliced zucchini, 1 diced small eggplant, and 1 chopped red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir well to coat the vegetables with oil and garlic.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle 1 tsp dried oregano, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper over the vegetables. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized around the edges.
4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Manchego cheese evenly over the vegetables. Let sit for 2 minutes to allow the cheese to soften.
5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil and serve warm as a vibrant Mediterranean side.