10+ Mediterranean Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Mediterranean recipes are a celebration of flavors, health, and culture. These dishes emphasize fresh ingredients, vibrant spices, and a lifestyle that encourages enjoyment of food and shared experiences.

Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering, Mediterranean cooking offers a variety of options for every occasion.

From light salads to hearty meals, Mediterranean recipes can accommodate any dietary preference.

You’ll find plenty of options that highlight vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, making it easy to enjoy delicious food while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Get ready to explore a world of taste that transports you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.

1) Grilled Greek Souvlaki

Grilled Greek souvlaki is a tasty and simple dish you can make at home. It features marinated chicken threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. The bright flavors come from the lemon and garlic marinade.

To start, cut your chicken into chunks. Then, mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for the marinade. Let the chicken soak in this mix for at least an hour.

Preheat your grill to medium-high, about 375°F (190°C).

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.

Serve your souvlaki with fresh tzatziki sauce and pita bread for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut chicken into chunks.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate chicken for 1 hour.
4. Preheat the grill to 375°F (190°C).
5. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
6. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.

2) Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is fresh and vibrant. You’ll love how easy it is to make. Packed with colorful veggies and a zesty dressing, it’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Start with canned chickpeas. Rinse and drain them, then add diced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion. Feta cheese adds a creamy touch. Toss everything together with a simple lemon vinaigrette.

Feel free to include fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra flavor. Serve your salad cold for a refreshing meal. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas (15 oz or 425 g)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and drain the chickpeas.
2. In a bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion.
3. Add feta cheese and parsley.
4. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.

3) Farinata (Herbed Chickpea Pancake)

Farinata is a delicious pancake made from chickpea flour. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and very easy to prepare. You’ll love how simple the ingredients are: just chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt.

To add flavor, you can throw in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. The texture is custardy on the inside and crispy on the outside, making it a perfect snack or side dish.

You can bake it in the oven or cook it on the stove. Either way, it’s tasty served hot or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpea flour
• 3 cups water
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. In a bowl, mix chickpea flour, water, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
4. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

4) Spanakorizo (Spinach and Rice)

Spanakorizo is a delicious Greek dish made with spinach and rice. It is light, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. The dish often includes fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of lemon for added brightness.

You can make Spanakorizo easily at home. It’s a perfect side dish or a simple vegetarian meal. Most people enjoy it with a drizzle of olive oil on top.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) fresh spinach, rinsed
• 1 cup (200 g) medium-grain rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• Juice of half a lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add spinach, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Pour in 2 cups water (about 475 ml) and the lemon juice.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
7. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked.

5) Roasted Cod with Burst Tomatoes and Olives

This dish is a simple and delightful way to enjoy cod. The soft, flaky fish pairs perfectly with juicy tomatoes and savory olives. You can make this in just one skillet.

Start by warming olive oil in a pan. Add the cod fillets and cook until they turn golden. Then, add burst cherry tomatoes and olives for flavor.

Let everything cook together until the tomatoes soften. This creates a delicious, rich sauce. Finish with fresh herbs to brighten the dish.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup olives (green or black)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add cod fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.
3. Stir in cherry tomatoes and olives.
4. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until tomatoes burst.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs before serving.

6) Shish Kebab

Shish kebabs are a delicious way to enjoy grilled meats and vegetables. You can use beef, chicken, or even vegetables, depending on your preference. The key to great shish kebabs is a tasty marinade that brings out the flavors.

A simple marinade might include olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices. After marinating, the meat gets skewered with colorful veggies like bell peppers and onions.

Grill them over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C) for a few minutes on each side. This gives you juicy, flavorful kebabs perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) of meat (beef, chicken, or lamb)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, onions, etc.)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the meat to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Skewer the meat and vegetables alternately.
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F or 190°C).
6. Grill the kebabs for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.

7) Greek Lentil Salad with Pomegranate

Greek lentil salad with pomegranate is a tasty and healthy choice. The combination of lentils and fresh vegetables makes it satisfying. You will love the burst of sweetness from the pomegranate.

This salad is not only colorful but also packed with nutrients. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a side. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

To make it, gather the right ingredients and follow some simple steps. The bright flavors will excite your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 1 cup black beluga lentils (dry/uncooked)
• 3 cups water
• 3 cups chopped baby spinach
• ½ medium red onion, chopped
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup pomegranate arils
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water.
2. In a pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
3. Add the lentils and cook for about 20 minutes until tender.
4. Drain and allow to cool.
5. In a bowl, mix the cooked lentils, spinach, onion, and pomegranate arils.
6. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Serve fresh!

8) Giant Beans in Tomato Sauce

Giant beans in tomato sauce is a delicious Mediterranean dish that is both hearty and satisfying. These beans, often butter or lima beans, are cooked in a rich tomato sauce infused with herbs and spices.

You can serve this dish as a main course or as a side. The creamy texture of the beans pairs well with the tangy sauce. It’s perfect for dipping bread or enjoying with rice.

Ingredients

• 1 pound giant butter or lima beans
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Herbs (like oregano or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the beans overnight in water.
2. Drain and rinse the beans.
3. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes and beans. Stir well.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
6. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until beans are tender.

9) Hot Cheese Olives

Hot cheese olives are a delightful treat. They are perfect for parties or a cozy snack at home.

The mix of cheeses and olives creates a rich flavor.

To make these, you’ll need butter, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and olives. The combination makes every bite delicious and savory.

Ingredients

• 8 tbsp. (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
• 8 oz. extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated
• Olives (your choice)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
3. Add the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
4. Wrap the cheese dough around each olive.
5. Place the olives on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Enjoy your warm hot cheese olives!

10) Classic Greek Salad with Feta

A Classic Greek Salad with feta is a refreshing dish you can enjoy any time. It features fresh ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and bell peppers. The salty feta cheese adds great flavor and texture.

To make this salad, start by chopping your veggies. Mix everything in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. You can add herbs like oregano for extra taste.

This salad is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. It can be served as a light meal or a side dish at your gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cucumbers, diced
• 2 cups tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh oregano (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Chop cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and bell peppers.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped veggies.
3. Add crumbled feta cheese on top.
4. Drizzle olive oil and vinegar over the salad.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
6. Toss gently and serve fresh.