When we think of the Mediterranean, we're immediately transported to a pleasant vacation: warm sun, a clear, blue ocean, and plenty of olives to snack on while we make our way through our newest beach read. Aside from the health benefits of Mediterranean diet recipes (a Mediterranean diet can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 70%), the food is just dang good. Trust us, you haven't lived until you've tried a gyro!
Fresh ingredients like feta cheese, tomatoes, and red onions taste the way that summer feels, and even though Mediterranean recipes have a lot of the same comfort food elements of our other favorite cuisines like American + Italian, they leave us feeling a lot less weighed down. It's a lot easier than you might expect to make your own versions of these delicious Mediterranean dishes, and our list of recipes prove it! From dips to entrées to desserts, say hello to your new fave food.
Baked Falafel Recipe
If you've never tried falafel before, it's a filling and flavorful mix of chickpeas, herbs, and spices. It's a little bit spicy, a little bit savory, and very yummy when paired with tzatziki sauce. (via Brit + Co.)
Tzatziki Sauce
Get ready to slather this fresh mix of Greek yogurt, cucumbers, dill, garlic, lemon, and olive oil all over your next salad or wrap. Tzatziki is *the* Mediterranean recipe to know if you're deep into homemade dips and sauces. (via Brit + Co.)
Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
This Mediterranean recipe is all about the color. Serve these skewers with vibrant veggies + herbs to set your tummy right! (via Brit + Co.)
Blistered Shishito Peppers
Paired with creamy burrata and a sweet-tart lemon vinaigrette, these smoky green peppers will become your new go-to snack. Eat them on some toasted bread, or simply right out of the skillet. (via Brit + Co.)
Pastitsio
Don't worry – you can create a Mediterranean recipe and still indulge in your favorite pasta (thank goodness). This warming dish, AKA pastitsio, is ideal for cold evenings and features a yummy béchamel sauce. (via Brit + Co.)
Chickpea and Lentil Soup Recipe
This creamy soup boasts the flavors of tomatoes, garlic, and chili pepper. A big ol' drizzle of heavy cream rounds out the spicy edge perfectly. (via Brit + Co.)
Insanely Easy Vegan Baklava
With maple syrup, cinnamon, and walnuts, this famously flaky dessert will satisfy anyone (vegans included!) with a sweet tooth. (via Brit + Co.)
Traditional Shakshuka
Shakshkua is one of our fave Mediterranean recipes because you can make it from easy-to-find, cheap, and long-lasting canned ingredients like crushed tomatoes and chickpeas. Doctor this one-pot meal up with tahini, lemon, and cilantro for a freakishly fresh bite. (via Brit + Co.)
Green Shakshuka
This great, green take on the OG Mediterranean recipe includes kale, spinach, and tomatillos to boost your morning (or evening) meal. (Brit + Co.)
Eggplant Moussaka
The cool thing about this eggplant moussaka is that it can be eaten cold, room temperature, or warm – it tastes good every time! It's also downright delish as a side dish or an entrée, making it one of the most versatile meals you'll ever make. (via Brit + Co.)
Lebanese Rice Pudding
You just can't forget dessert! Rice pudding is a creamy, cooling mixture of rice and milk, and this recipe also features rosewater, orange blossom water, and pistachios for added flavor. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it. (via Brit + Co.)
Mediterranean Stuffed Mushrooms
You can make all kinds of stuffed mushrooms: sausage and cheese, spinach and artichoke, or these veggie and feta-filled bites that have a marvelous Mediterranean flair. (via Brit + Co.)
Avocado Pasta
A hot day might be a little too warm for your standard spaghetti or lasagna, but never fear – you can reach for this convenient chilled pasta dish when you're craving carbs in the dead of summer. Patio dinners will never be the same! (via Brit + Co.)
Fattoush Greek Salad Recipe
This traditional bread-based salad originates in Northern Lebanon, and the word "fattoush" comes from an Arabic word that means 'break into crumbs.' So, the more pita chips and crusty bread, the better! (via Brit + Co.)
Hummus
It's not a Mediterranean recipe if you don't pile on the hummus! Making your own at home is easier than you may think; plus, it'll save you $$$ from buying new jars over and over again at the grocery store. (via Brit + Co.)
Roasted Chickpea Gyros
Instead of chicken, lamb, or beef, these tasty gyros get a vegetarian remodel with some chickpeas! (via Live Eat Learn)
Easy Greek Style Lamb Meatballs
These meatballs will make for a great finger food at your next get-together, or a delicious lunch that you can take to work. They don't taste like your average Italian meatballs either — these bites are filled with cumin, oregano, and plenty of feta cheese. (via Barley & Sage)
Shawarma Dip
This is the perfect Mediterranean recipe for sharing at a party or movie night. It doesn't require any cooking – just some good, fresh 'gredients and a very strong fervor to mix 'em well together. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Mediterranean Grilled Tofu
Cooking tofu is so fun since it absorbs basically anything you pair it with! Give your fave vegan protein a flavor boost with a Mediterranean mix of spices. (via Crowded Kitchen)
Mediterranean Salad with Hummus + Fried Halloumi
Mediterranean recipes like this veggie-packed salad make excellent contenders for the blue zone diet because they prioritize fresh foods and plant-based ingredients. The fried halloumi cheese and hummus included in this bunch of greens is what'll keep you full and oh-so fulfilled! (via Vikalinka)
Sheet Pan Greek Chicken + Potatoes
Give a go-to meal like chicken and potatoes a Grecian spin when you add a combo of tomatoes, lemon juice, feta, and red onions. The fam won't be able to get enough of this Mediterranean recipe! (via Culinary Hill)
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Couscous is traditionally from North Africa. While it's somewhat comparable to rice or orzo, it's got more vitamins and minerals than white rice. This recipe tastes ahh-mazing with feta and sun-dried tomatoes. (via Feel Good Foodie)
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This post has been updated.
Lead image via Barley & Sage.
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