10+ Mediterranean Recipes You’ll Love to Try at Home

Mediterranean recipes pull together fresh ingredients and simple methods for meals that are both tasty and pretty healthy.

You’ll find lots of vegetables, grains, fish, and olive oil in these dishes. They’re easy to make and honestly, just fun to eat.

These recipes are great for anyone who wants to enjoy flavorful food while keeping a balanced diet. You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen, and most of these are quick enough for busy days.

Ingredients

• Fresh vegetables
• Olive oil
• Whole grains
• Fish or lean proteins
• Herbs and spices

Cooking Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Wash and chop the vegetables.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
4. Cook proteins and veggies until done.
5. Season with herbs and spices as you like.

1) Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

You can throw together a fresh Greek salad in no time. It’s got cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions.

Kalamata olives and feta cheese bring a salty, tangy kick. The salad gets a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing—nothing heavy, just light and crisp.

No cooking needed, which is always a bonus. It’s colorful, healthy, and honestly just hits the spot.

Eat it solo or next to some grilled meat if you’re feeling extra.

Ingredients

• 1 cucumber
• 2-3 tomatoes
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1/2 red onion
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion.
2. Toss chopped veggies and olives in a bowl.
3. Add crumbled feta on top.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar.
5. Gently toss everything together.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve right away or chill for 30 minutes.

You can check out more details here.

2) Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet

If you want a quick, healthy meal, this Mediterranean chickpea skillet is a solid pick. It’s got fresh veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

Chickpeas bring the protein, so it actually fills you up. Everything cooks in one pan, which means less mess—always a win.

The spices add a cozy, warming flavor. You’ll have this ready in about 20 to 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium.
2. Toss in garlic and sauté for a minute.
3. Add zucchini, bell pepper, and carrot—cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring now and then.
6. Serve warm.

3) Traditional Gyro Meat

Gyro meat is a flavorful mix of ground lamb and beef, loaded with garlic, oregano, and onion. You mold it into a loaf and let it cook slowly so the flavors really blend.

Once it’s done, slice it thin. Pile it in fresh pita with tomatoes and tzatziki for a classic Mediterranean meal.

It’s great for sandwiches or a plate with sides. You don’t need fancy tools—just some basic ingredients and your oven.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 4-5 garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blend onion and garlic until smooth.
3. Mix lamb, beef, onion blend, and spices in a bowl.
4. Shape into a loaf and set in a baking dish.
5. Bake for about 1 hour, or until cooked through.
6. Let it cool a bit, then slice thin.

4) Lemony Mediterranean Chicken

This lemony chicken is super simple but packs a fresh punch. Marinate chicken breasts in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for juicy, tender results.

Garlic and lemon really brighten up the flavor. You can cook it on the stove or bake it, and it’s ready in about 20 minutes.

Perfect for weeknights when you want something easy and healthy. The lemon just makes everything pop.

Ingredients:

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 large garlic cloves, pressed
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Coat chicken in the marinade and let it rest for 15 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium and cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side, or until done.
4. Or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
5. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

For more, check out the lemony Mediterranean chicken recipe on Allrecipes.

5) Mediterranean Salmon with Herbs

This salmon recipe is all about fresh herbs and straightforward flavors. Season the fish with oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Lemon juice and olive oil keep the salmon juicy and add a bit of brightness. You can bake or grill it—just about 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) does the trick.

It’s light, earthy, and honestly feels good to eat.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub salmon with olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Sprinkle the herb mix on both sides.
5. Place fillets on a baking sheet.
6. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until salmon flakes.

6) Hummus with Olive Oil Drizzle

Hummus is one of those Mediterranean staples you can whip up at home. Blend chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and salt for a smooth dip.

Add olive oil as you blend for that creamy texture. When it’s ready, drizzle more olive oil on top for flavor and a little shine.

Sprinkle with paprika, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Serve with pita, veggies, or crackers.

It’s a snack, a side, or honestly whatever you want it to be.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas (about 15 oz)
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain and rinse chickpeas.
2. In a food processor, blend chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Slowly add 3 tablespoons olive oil while blending until smooth.
4. Scoop into a bowl.
5. Drizzle with more olive oil before serving.

7) Spanakorizo (Spinach and Rice)

Spanakorizo is a Greek classic—spinach and rice with a fresh, lemony twist.

You’ll cook onions and garlic in olive oil, then add rice and spinach. Let it all simmer until tender.

It’s light, healthy, and you can eat it warm or at room temp. Super easy and packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh spinach, rinsed
• 1 ½ cups medium-grain white rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of half a lemon
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Stir in rice to coat with oil.
4. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Pour in water or broth, add salt, and bring to a boil.
6. Lower heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes.
7. Stir in lemon juice, season with pepper, and serve.

For more, check this Greek spinach and rice recipe.

8) Roasted Cod with Burst Tomatoes and Olives

This roasted cod is as easy as it gets. The fish cooks quickly and stays tender, while burst tomatoes add a juicy, fresh flavor.

Pan-roast the cod in butter for a golden crust. Finish it in the oven with tomatoes and olives—the heat makes the tomatoes burst and creates a simple sauce.

It’s a healthy dinner that goes great with rice or crusty bread to soak up all the goodness.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup olives (Kalamata or black)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

3. Toss in the garlic and let it cook for about a minute—it should smell amazing.

4. Lay the cod fillets in the skillet and sear both sides for 2-3 minutes each.

5. Scatter cherry tomatoes and olives around the fish.

6. Move the skillet to the oven. Roast everything for 8-10 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily.

7. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley before serving.

For more tips, see Mediterranean cod recipes with tomatoes and olives.

9) Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Mediterranean couscous salad is one of those dishes that’s just light and fresh, but also super easy to whip up. You cook up tiny couscous grains, then toss them with bright veggies—think cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers.

Salty olives and creamy feta cheese add a punch of flavor.

You’ll toss everything with a lemon-herb dressing for that zesty kick.

Fresh parsley and mint make it taste even brighter.

It works great as a side, or honestly, it can stand alone as a light main dish.

If you’re short on time or ingredients, just swap in whatever veggies you have.

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous (Israeli or regular)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the couscous as the package says. Let it cool off a bit; you don’t want it steaming hot.

2. In a big bowl, mix couscous, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, feta, onion, parsley, and mint.

3. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything’s coated.

5. Chill for about 30 minutes if you can—flavors get even better.

For more ideas, check out this Mediterranean couscous salad recipe.

10) Farinata (Chickpea Flour Pancake)

Farinata is a simple, tasty Italian pancake made from chickpea flour. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, so if you’re looking for a healthy, light dish, this one’s a winner.

You can eat it as a snack or pair it with Mediterranean meals.

The pancake comes out crispy on the edges but stays soft inside.

You just need chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and a bit of salt.

Some folks like to toss in rosemary or even a pinch of black pepper for extra flavor.

Just bake it in a hot oven until it turns golden brown.

It’s quick, doesn’t need fancy ingredients, and honestly, it’s hard to mess up.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpea flour
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Optional: fresh rosemary or black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Grab some chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt. Mix everything together until the batter looks smooth.

2. Let the batter hang out for about 30 minutes.

3. Crank your oven up to 450°F (230°C).

4. Pour the batter into a baking pan that you’ve already oiled.

5. Bake it for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for that golden, crispy top.

6. Slice it up and serve while it’s still warm.

Want more details? Check out this Farinata recipe.