If you’re craving something fresh and satisfying, these 19 Mediterranean dishes are exactly what you need. They’re light yet bursting with flavor, making them a go-to choice for any day of the week. Whether you’re in the mood for something quick or a leisurely meal, these recipes have got you covered. Perfect for keeping things wholesome and delicious, they’re sure to become your new favorites.
Shirazi Salad
Originating from the ancient city of Shiraz in Iran, Shirazi Salad is a refreshing choice for any meal. It is primarily made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, all finely chopped and dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. This salad’s crisp texture and refreshing taste make it an excellent side dish to heavier main courses. Its simplicity makes it popular in Mediterranean cuisine and easy to prepare at home.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad
Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Bring together the delicious flavors of the region in one dish with Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Ingredients like olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese blend with chicken thighs, creating a wholesome meal rich in nutrients. This dish is oven-baked, which allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. It works well for a family dinner or when you need a comforting meal that is also healthy.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Mediterranean Cod
Mediterranean Cod is a light dish featuring the lean protein of cod fish, combined with herbs and spices typical of Mediterranean cuisine. This fish is baked with a mixture of tomatoes, olives, and capers, offering a dish rich in flavor yet light in calories. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for a healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Serve it with a side of fresh greens for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod
Baked Feta Pasta
For a quick and delicious meal, try Baked Feta Pasta. It combines cherry tomatoes and a block of feta cheese, all baked to create a creamy, rich sauce, tossed with your choice of pasta. This dish epitomizes comfort food with a gourmet twist, offering a rich, fulfilling meal that’s both hearty and comforting. Its popularity lies in the harmonious fusion of flavors and textures, making each forkful a delicious experience.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
Greek Lemon Potatoes
Greek Lemon Potatoes offer a flavorful twist on the classic roasted potato. Infused with lemon, garlic, and herbs, these potatoes become tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. They pair well with almost any main dish, especially grilled meats or fish. This dish is a staple in Greek cuisine, showing how simple ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes
Pesto Orzo Salad
Give a try to Pesto Orzo Salad, which is a vibrant mix of orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and pesto sauce. The pesto adds a rich basil and pine nut flavor that complements the softer textures of the pasta and veggies. It’s a suitable choice for a light lunch or as a side dish for gatherings. The freshness of the ingredients ensures a fulfilling yet not overly heavy meal experience.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Mediterranean Rice
Broaden your culinary horizons with Mediterranean Rice, often enhanced with pine nuts, currants, and a hint of cinnamon. This dish is commonly served alongside meats or incorporated into stuffing. Its versatility and rich flavor profile make it a satisfying staple in many Mediterranean households. Often adorned with colorful vegetables, creating a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp merges succulent shrimp with orzo, dressed in a light lemon-olive oil dressing. The addition of fresh herbs and feta cheese adds depth of flavor to the dish. It’s suitable for a refreshing summer meal or a light dinner option. The combination of seafood and pasta provides a balanced dish, both in nutrition and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Greek Meatballs
Referred to as Keftedes in Greek cuisine, Greek Meatballs are typically seasoned with mint and oregano, distinguishing them from other meatball varieties. They are enjoyed either as an appetizer or as part of a main course served with tzatziki or a hearty tomato sauce. These meatballs offer a delicious way to explore traditional Greek flavors. They can be a hit at any dining table.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatballs
Kefta Beef Kabobs
Feature ground beef mixed with herbs and spices then grilled to perfection with Kefta Beef Kabobs. This dish is common in various forms across Mediterranean regions and is celebrated for its robust flavor and simple preparation. Serve them with a side of freshly made tzatziki or a simple salad for a fulfilling meal. They are particularly ideal for outdoor grilling sessions.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Beef Kabobs
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Mediterranean Tuna Salad is distinguished by its lack of mayonnaise, instead using olive oil as a healthier dressing. The addition of fresh vegetables, black olives, and herbs makes it a refreshing alternative to traditional tuna salads. This salad is excellent for a nutritious lunch that doesn’t feel heavy. It also serves well as a side for dinner or as part of a larger Mediterranean feast.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs
Indulge in marinated lemon juice, oregano, and garlic, bringing subtle yet distinct flavors to the fore with Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs. Grilled until perfectly charred, these kabobs are both juicy and aromatic. Often served with a side of fresh vegetables or over a bed of rice, these kabobs are not only flavorful but also visually appealing, showcasing the art of simplicity and taste in skewered form. Accompany with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs
Greek Salad
Characterized by its crisp ingredients including cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and kalamata olives, topped with a block of feta cheese with Greek Salad. This salad is often seasoned with salt, and oregano, and drizzled with olive oil. It serves as a cool, crisp starting dish or a perfect accompaniment to heartier meals. The fresh flavors mirror the simplicity and healthfulness of the Mediterranean diet.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad
Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops
Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops are marinated in a mixture of garlic, herbs, and lemon juice, which infuses them with flavor. Grilled to your liking, these lamb chops are both tender and rich in taste. Ideal for a celebratory meal or a special weekend dinner, they pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables. This dish highlights the rustic and robust flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Experience a delicious, crisp salad combining slices of cucumber with feta cheese, dill, and a light dressing of lemon and olive oil with Cucumber Salad with Feta. This combination creates a refreshing side dish that complements any meal, especially during warmer weather. It’s exceptionally easy to prepare, making it perfect for quick gatherings. The bright flavors offer a palate-cleansing effect.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Fasolakia Lathera
A staple in Greek homes, Fasolakia Lathera involves braised green beans cooked in olive oil and tomatoes, often with a hint of cinnamon. This dish embodies the principles of Greek cooking, focusing on a few quality ingredients cooked slowly to bring out their flavors. It is commonly eaten as a main vegetarian dish or as a side. Its heartiness makes it comforting, yet it is surprisingly light.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera
Grilled Feta
Enjoy a simple yet impactful dish where the cheese is grilled to achieve a soft, slightly charred exterior while remaining creamy inside of Grilled Feta. It is often accompanied by a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs. This dish can be enjoyed as a unique appetizer or added to salads for extra flavor. Grilling the feta enhances its natural salty flavor and creamy texture. This dish epitomizes the beauty of simplicity, showcasing how minimal preparation can yield maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta
Greek Spaghetti
Incorporates a tomato-based sauce seasoned with cinnamon and cloves, mixed with pasta with Greek Spaghetti. This dish is an excellent way to enjoy a Mediterranean take on a familiar favorite. Typically served with a generous portion of grated cheese, it brings a comforting warmth to any meal. Its preparation encourages experimentation with flavors, leading to a versatile meal that can range from simple weeknight dinners to lavish gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti
Whipped Feta
Whipped Feta blends feta cheese with olive oil and sometimes yogurt to create a smooth, spreadable treat. This versatile spread can be used on bread, mixed into salads, or served alongside grilled vegetables. The creamy texture and tangy flavor make it a favorite in Mediterranean spreads. Whether it’s garnished with herbs or drizzled with olive oil, whipped feta promises a memorable taste experience.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta
