If there’s one cuisine that consistently combines incredible flavor with wholesome ingredients, it’s Mediterranean. Rooted in the culinary traditions of countries like Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Lebanon, the Mediterranean diet is more than a trend—it’s a lifestyle. It’s about savoring simple ingredients, eating fresh, and taking the time to enjoy your meals.
But here’s the real magic: these dishes don’t have to be complicated. In fact, many of the best Mediterranean recipes require just a handful of ingredients and very little prep. Whether you’re looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation or want to explore the sun-kissed flavors of the Mediterranean coast, this list of 27+ easy recipes has something for everyone.
Let’s dive in.
1. Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
A true Greek salad doesn’t use lettuce—just the freshest ingredients in their raw, unprocessed form. Think ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, thin slices of red onion, Kalamata olives, and thick slabs of creamy feta cheese. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, a splash of red wine vinegar, and sprinkle with dried oregano. It’s simple, rustic, and bursting with flavor. Serve it as a side or enjoy it with a piece of crusty bread as a light meal.
2. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This salad is a protein-packed powerhouse, perfect for quick lunches or as a potluck favorite. Canned chickpeas are tossed with chopped red bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, parsley, red onion, and crumbled feta. The dressing is a zesty mix of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of cumin. It’s hearty, satisfying, and keeps well for a few days in the fridge.
3. Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki is the cool, creamy cucumber and yogurt dip that adds a refreshing element to grilled meats and pita bread. It’s made with Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (drained to remove excess water), minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and olive oil. Make it ahead and let it chill for a few hours to let the flavors meld. You’ll want to put it on everything.
4. Baba Ganoush
This rich, smoky eggplant dip is a staple of Middle Eastern tables. Start by charring whole eggplants over an open flame or in the oven until the skin is blackened and the flesh is soft. Scoop out the flesh and blend it with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of olive oil. It’s creamy, earthy, and perfect with warm flatbread.
5. Shakshuka (Poached Eggs in Spiced Tomato Sauce)
This North African and Middle Eastern favorite is comfort food at its finest. It starts with a base of sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers simmered with tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne. Crack a few eggs on top and cover until they’re gently poached. Serve straight from the skillet with crusty bread to scoop up every bit of sauce.
6. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
Marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, these chicken skewers are juicy and full of flavor. Grill them and serve with warm pita, tzatziki, and a simple salad for a complete meal that feels both light and indulgent.
7. Caprese Salad
This Italian classic relies entirely on ingredient quality. Use ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella (buffalo if you can find it), fresh basil, sea salt, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze or good olive oil. It’s perfect as a starter or a light lunch.
8. Mediterranean Lentil Soup
Earthy lentils, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and a hint of cumin and coriander simmered in vegetable broth make this soup hearty and healthy. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley for a comforting bowl you’ll want again and again.
9. Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie)
This Greek pastry combines sautéed spinach, leeks, dill, and feta cheese wrapped in layers of buttery phyllo dough. It’s crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside. Make a large pan and serve it warm or at room temperature—it also makes a great portable lunch.
10. Pasta Puttanesca
A bold, briny pasta dish from Southern Italy, made with pantry staples like olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, and crushed tomatoes. It’s salty, spicy, and deeply flavorful. Use spaghetti or linguine and finish with a generous splash of olive oil.
11. Falafel with Tahini Sauce
These crispy chickpea fritters are a favorite across the Middle East. Blend soaked chickpeas (not canned) with onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, and coriander, then shape into balls and fry until golden. Serve them in pita with veggies and tahini sauce.
12. Grilled Halloumi with Honey and Herbs
Halloumi is a firm, salty cheese that holds its shape when grilled. Slice and grill it until golden brown, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. It’s sweet, salty, and absolutely addictive.
13. Ratatouille
This French Provençal vegetable dish is perfect for late summer when eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes are at their peak. Slowly simmered with garlic, onions, and olive oil, it’s a humble dish that celebrates vegetables in all their glory.
14. Tabbouleh Salad
This fresh and zesty Lebanese salad uses bulgur wheat as its base, combined with finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, lemon juice, and olive oil. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect as a side or stuffed into pita pockets.
15. Hummus (Traditional & Variations)
Blend cooked chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for a smooth, creamy dip that’s miles better than store-bought. Try variations like roasted red pepper, beet, or spicy harissa hummus for a twist.
16. Grilled Mediterranean Sea Bass
Whole sea bass or fillets marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, then grilled until flaky and charred. Serve with a simple arugula salad and lemon wedges for a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
17. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)
Grape leaves are stuffed with a fragrant mixture of rice, pine nuts, dill, and lemon juice. Often served cold with a drizzle of olive oil and yogurt sauce, they’re a delightful appetizer or side dish.
18. Panzanella Salad
A rustic Tuscan bread salad that transforms stale bread into a masterpiece. Toss chunks of bread with juicy tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, basil, and a garlicky vinaigrette. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak up all the flavors.
19. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
This bowl features cooked quinoa, roasted chickpeas, chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a lemon-tahini dressing. It’s protein-rich and perfect for meal prepping.
20. Turkish Menemen
A close cousin of shakshuka, menemen is a Turkish breakfast dish made with eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and spices. It’s typically scrambled instead of poached, and served with soft bread to scoop up the flavorful mixture.
21. Mujadara (Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions)
A staple in Middle Eastern households, mujadara is simple comfort food. Cooked lentils and rice are topped with deeply caramelized onions and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s earthy, hearty, and budget-friendly.
22. Eggplant Parmesan (Melanzane alla Parmigiana)
Thin slices of eggplant are breaded, fried or baked, layered with marinara and mozzarella, then baked until bubbly. It’s a classic Italian comfort dish that’s meatless but ultra-satisfying.
23. Orzo with Roasted Vegetables
Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes are tossed with cooked orzo pasta, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley. It’s a beautiful side dish or light main course.
24. Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Skip the mayo and make a light tuna salad with olive oil, lemon, capers, chopped red onion, olives, and herbs. Serve it on toast, in lettuce cups, or with crackers for a protein-packed snack.
25. Baked Feta with Tomatoes and Olives
Place a block of feta in a baking dish with cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, and herbs. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until everything is melty and bubbling. Scoop it up with warm bread or toss with pasta.
26. Moroccan Chickpea Stew
This warm, spiced stew features chickpeas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and Moroccan spices like cumin, cinnamon, and paprika. Simmer until everything is tender, and serve over couscous or rice.
27. Lamb Kofta with Yogurt Sauce
Ground lamb (or beef) is mixed with spices, herbs, and garlic, shaped into skewers, and grilled to perfection. Serve with a tangy yogurt sauce and flatbread for a full meal.
28. Olive Tapenade
A spread made with finely chopped olives, capers, garlic, anchovies (optional), and olive oil. Serve with crostini or use it to top grilled chicken or fish for a punch of salty, umami flavor.
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean cooking is all about simplicity, balance, and flavor. These 27+ recipes aren’t just easy—they’re a celebration of fresh ingredients and timeless traditions. Whether you’re making a quick weekday dinner or hosting friends for a weekend feast, Mediterranean dishes always bring something special to the table.
So grab that bottle of extra virgin olive oil, stock up on garlic, herbs, and lemon, and start cooking your way through this delicious list. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you.
