Feeling a bit landlocked this fall? Don’t worry! These 29 Mediterranean recipes are here to rescue you from your Greek island cravings. You might not be able to feel the sand between your toes, but you can certainly enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean in the comfort of your own home. So, put on your favorite Greek music, do a little dance, and let these recipes transport you to a place where the sun always shines, and the food is always delicious.
Classic Pork Souvlaki
Bringing the flavors of Greece to your kitchen, Classic Pork Souvlaki offers a quick and easy meal option. This dish features tender chunks of marinated pork, skewered and grilled to perfection. Served with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce, it’s a complete meal in itself. The combination of herbs and spices used in the marinade gives the pork a distinctive Mediterranean flavor. It’s an ideal choice for both casual family dinners and outdoor gatherings with friends.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pork Souvlaki
Pastitsio
Often referred to as Greek lasagna, Pastitsio is a hearty and comforting dish. It consists of layers of pasta, seasoned ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. The pasta used is typically bucatini or penne, which holds up well to the rich sauce and meat. Baked until golden brown, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a popular choice for family gatherings and potlucks, as it can easily feed a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio
Horiatiki Salad
Horiatiki Salad, also known as Greek village salad, is a refreshing and colorful dish. It combines crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, red onions, and kalamata olives with chunks of feta cheese. Unlike many salads, it doesn’t use lettuce as a base, allowing the individual flavors of each ingredient to shine. Dressed simply with olive oil and a sprinkle of dried oregano, this salad is both light and fulfilling. It’s an excellent side dish or a light meal on its own, especially on warm days.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad
Tzatziki Sauce
A staple in Greek cuisine, Tzatziki Sauce is a versatile condiment that enhances many dishes. Made from strained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs, it offers a cool and tangy flavor profile. This sauce pairs well with grilled meats, vegetables, and pita bread. It can also be used as a dip for raw vegetables or a spread for sandwiches. The creamy texture and refreshing taste of tzatziki make it a favorite among those who enjoy Mediterranean flavors.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki Sauce
Greek Green Beans
Greek Green Beans, known as Fasolakia in Greece, are a flavorful vegetable dish. The beans are slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, and olive oil until tender. This cooking method allows the beans to absorb all the flavors, resulting in a rich and comforting side dish. Often served at room temperature, these green beans can be a main course for vegetarians when paired with feta cheese and bread. They’re a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying Mediterranean flavors.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans
Mediterranean Salmon
Mediterranean Salmon offers a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy this popular fish. The salmon is typically seasoned with a blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices before being grilled or baked. It’s often served with a side of lemon and fresh herbs, enhancing its natural flavors. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It’s a great option for those looking to incorporate more fish into their diet while enjoying Mediterranean cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes puts a unique spin on a classic Middle Eastern dish. The addition of smoked tomatoes brings a depth of flavor to the traditional mix of bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, and lemon juice. This salad is light yet filling, making it perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish. The smoky flavor of the tomatoes complements the fresh herbs and tangy lemon dressing. It’s a great way to enjoy a popular Mediterranean dish with an interesting twist.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Greek Spaghetti
Greek Spaghetti combines the comfort of pasta with the bright flavors of Greek cuisine. This dish typically includes spaghetti tossed with olive oil, feta cheese, olives, and fresh tomatoes. Sometimes spinach or other greens are added for extra nutrition and flavor. The simplicity of this dish allows the quality of each ingredient to shine through. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti
Mediterranean Chopped Salad
A bowl of Mediterranean Chopped Salad is like a vibrant mosaic of flavors and textures. This salad typically includes a mix of crisp vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes, along with protein-rich chickpeas and tangy feta cheese. The ingredients are chopped into small, uniform pieces, allowing for a perfect bite every time. Dressed with a simple vinaigrette, this salad is both refreshing and filling. It’s an excellent option for meal prep as it holds up well in the refrigerator.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Grilled Feta
Grilled Feta is a simple yet impressive appetizer that showcases the versatility of this Greek cheese. The feta is typically wrapped in foil with olive oil and herbs before being grilled until warm and slightly softened. This cooking method intensifies the flavor of the cheese and gives it a creamy texture. Served with warm bread or crackers, grilled feta makes for a crowd-pleasing starter. It’s also a great addition to salads or as a topping for grilled vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp brings the flavors of the Mediterranean Sea to your plate. The shrimp are marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before being quickly grilled. This cooking method ensures that the shrimp remain tender and juicy while picking up a subtle smoky flavor. Served over a bed of rice or alongside a Greek salad, these shrimps make for a light yet delicious meal. They’re also great as an appetizer or added to pasta dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches offer a handheld version of classic Greek flavors. The meatballs, or keftedes, are typically made with a mix of ground beef and lamb, seasoned with herbs and spices. They’re nestled in warm pita bread along with fresh vegetables and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. This combination creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures in each bite. These sandwiches are great for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, offering a taste of Greece in a convenient package.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Refreshing and light, Cucumber Salad with Feta is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine. Crisp cucumbers are thinly sliced and combined with crumbled feta cheese, red onions, and fresh dill. A simple dressing of olive oil and vinegar brings all the flavors together. This salad is not only delicious but also hydrating, making it perfect for warm weather. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp combines the best of pasta salad with the flavors of the Mediterranean. The orzo pasta is mixed with grilled or sautéed shrimp, fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, and briny feta cheese. A lemon and olive oil dressing ties all the flavors together. This salad can be served warm or chilled, making it versatile for different seasons and occasions. It’s substantial enough to be a main course but also works well as a side dish for a larger meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Greek Lemon Potatoes
Greek Lemon Potatoes are a tangy and comforting side dish that pairs well with many Mediterranean main courses. The potatoes are cut into wedges and roasted with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The lemon juice gives them a bright, tangy flavor that complements the earthiness of the potatoes. These potatoes are often served alongside grilled meats or fish, but they’re tasty enough to be the star of the meal. They’re a great way to level up a simple weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes
Crab Spanakopita
Crab Spanakopita puts a luxurious twist on the traditional Greek spinach pie. This version combines flaky phyllo dough with a filling of spinach, feta cheese, and succulent crab meat. The addition of crab brings a subtle sweetness and delicate texture to the dish. Baked until golden brown, each bite offers a perfect balance of crispy pastry and creamy filling. This dish is ideal as an appetizer for a dinner party or as a main course when paired with a light salad.
Get the Recipe: Crab Spanakopita
Pesto Orzo Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad combines the best of Italian and Greek cuisines in one dish. The small, rice-shaped orzo pasta is tossed with a vibrant basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. This salad can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for various occasions. The pesto adds a rich, herbal flavor that complements the salty feta and sweet tomatoes. It’s a great option for potlucks or picnics, as it travels well and can be made ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Mediterranean Rice
Mediterranean Rice is a flavorful side dish that can easily become a meal in itself. The rice is typically cooked with aromatic spices, then mixed with colorful vegetables like bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. Sometimes, nuts or dried fruits are added for extra texture and flavor. This versatile dish can be served alongside grilled meats or fish, or topped with a fried egg for a quick vegetarian meal. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and add some Mediterranean flair to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is a simple yet delicious dish that showcases the flavors of summer. The sauce is made by gently cooking cherry tomatoes until they burst, creating a light and fresh topping for the pasta. Garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil are often added to enhance the flavors. This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a great way to enjoy the taste of ripe tomatoes and can be easily customized with additional vegetables or protein.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Mediterranean Cod
Mediterranean Cod offers a light and healthy way to enjoy this versatile fish. The cod is typically baked or pan-seared and topped with a mixture of tomatoes, olives, and capers. This combination of ingredients creates a flavorful sauce that complements the mild taste of the cod. Lemon juice is often added for brightness, while herbs like oregano or parsley add freshness. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a great option for those looking to incorporate more fish into their diet.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod
Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet impressive dish that has gained popularity on social media. It involves baking a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes and olive oil until the cheese is soft and creamy. This mixture is then tossed with cooked pasta, creating a rich and tangy sauce. The heat from the pasta and sauce slightly wilts the tomatoes, releasing their sweet flavor. This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
Shirazi Salad
Shirazi Salad is a refreshing Iranian dish that fits perfectly into the Mediterranean diet. It consists of finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions mixed with a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. Fresh herbs like mint or parsley are often added for extra flavor. This salad is light and crisp, making it an excellent side dish for grilled meats or a cooling accompaniment to spicy foods. It’s also a great way to use up summer vegetables and can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad
Kefta Beef Kabobs
Kefta Beef Kabobs bring the flavors of Middle Eastern street food to your home kitchen. These kabobs are made with ground beef mixed with onions, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. The meat is formed into oblong shapes around skewers and grilled until charred on the outside and juicy on the inside. They’re often served with flatbread, a simple salad, and a yogurt-based sauce for dipping. These kabobs are perfect for outdoor grilling and make a great alternative to standard burgers or hot dogs.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Beef Kabobs
Greek Salad
A classic Greek Salad is a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients. It typically includes crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, red onions, and kalamata olives, all topped with a generous slice of feta cheese. The dressing is usually a simple combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s perfect as a light lunch on its own or as a side dish to grilled meats or fish. The combination of flavors and textures makes every bite interesting and pleasurable.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad
Greek Meatballs
Greek Meatballs, or keftedes, are a beloved dish in Greek cuisine. These flavorful meatballs are typically made with a mixture of ground beef and lamb, seasoned with herbs like mint and oregano. They’re often served as part of a meze platter or as a main course with a side of tzatziki sauce. The meatballs can be fried for a crispy exterior or baked for a healthier option. They’re versatile enough to be served hot as a main dish or at room temperature as an appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatballs
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Mediterranean Tuna Salad offers a fresh take on the classic lunch staple. Instead of mayo, this version uses olive oil as a base, mixed with lemon juice for brightness. The tuna is combined with crunchy vegetables like bell peppers and cucumber, along with briny olives and capers. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill add a pop of flavor. This salad can be served on a bed of greens, stuffed into a pita, or eaten straight out of the bowl. It’s a protein-packed meal that’s perfect for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs bring the flavors of Greece to your grill. Chunks of chicken are marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano, infusing them with bright, herbaceous flavors. The chicken is then skewered, often with vegetables like bell peppers and onions, and grilled until charred and juicy. These kabobs are a lighter alternative to red meat and pair well with a variety of sides like Greek salad or rice pilaf. They’re perfect for summer cookouts or as an easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs
Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops
Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops are a flavorful and elegant main course. The lamb is typically marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before being grilled to perfection. This preparation method enhances the natural flavor of the lamb while keeping it tender and juicy. Served with a side of roasted vegetables or a Greek salad, these lamb chops make for a memorable meal. They’re perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something a bit more luxurious.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops
Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Mediterranean Chicken Bake is a one-pan meal that’s both convenient and full of flavor. Chicken pieces are nestled among a colorful array of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. The dish is seasoned with herbs and spices common in Mediterranean cuisine, such as oregano and rosemary. As it bakes, the chicken becomes tender and the vegetables release their juices, creating a flavorful sauce. This dish is not only tasty but also healthy, showcasing the principles of Mediterranean cooking in one simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake
