I absolutely love Mediterranean cuisine. If are like me, you have come to the right place! I love sharing recipes from all around the world. For today’s post, I am collecting over fifty Mediterranean recipes from GypsyPlate focusing on the shores of that ancient sea.
Whether you are looking to follow the Mediterranean diet or you simply love the bright flavors of Mediterranean food, there is something for everyone on this list of Mediterranean recipes—from delicious Mediterranean dinners to satisfying breakfasts, soups and salads. Go through all these Mediterranean Recipe Ideas and tell us which is your favorite.
Grab a glass of your favorite wine, and make sure you’ve stocked up on olive oil, I know you’re going to find some of your new favorites here!
Mediterranean Cuisine
Spanning many cultures, Mediterranean cuisine is quite varied in nature. The culinary treasures of the region have long histories which have evolved over time into some of the most delicious recipes in the world.
The cuisine of the northern portion of the sea is often said to be based around three core elements: olive oil, bread and wine.
The eastern and southern shores, comprised of the Levantine region and northern Africa, are dominated by interesting blends of spices that may seem exotic to the unfamiliar palate.
Whatever the shore, the region’s food, influenced by it’s warm climate and proximity to the sea, also feature an abundance of fresh vegetables and a delectable assortment of seafood.
The Mediterranean Diet
The concept of the Mediterranean diet arose in the 1960’s and was based on the perceived health benefits of the diets of Greece, Italy and Spain. It emphasizes fruits and veggies, olive oil, unrefined grains, legumes and fish, with other things in moderation.
For clarity, these recipes are based on the cuisine of the entire Mediterranean region, rather than the diet. That being said, many of them share the same principles of the diet.
1. Gambas al Ajillo
Gambas al Ajillo, or Spanish Garlic Shrimp, is a quick and decadent appetizer. Similar to scampi, it replaces butter with olive oil and a splash of sherry.
2. Harissa Shrimp
This Harissa Shrimp is a quick dinner that’s bursting with smoky, zesty, exotic flavors.
It’s easy enough to go in your regular rotation, but unique and special enough to impress guests with. The next time you’re looking for a culinary journey, take your taste buds to the lands of North Africa…
3. Mediterranean Fish with Tapenade
Here is one of my favorite Mediterranean seafood recipes. This Mediterranean fish is perfectly baked and topped with an olive and tomato tapenade. Perfection!
4. Clam Linguine (Linguine alle Vongole)
Clam Linguine, or Linguine alle Vongole, is an elegant restaurant quality dish. But don’t be intimidated, it’s super easy to make.
It’s a gorgeous, yet light, pasta in a lemony, garlicky wine sauce. This is one of those dishes that is easy enough for any weeknight, yet impressive enough for special occasions. Just one look and there’s no doubt this is how they eat on the Mediterranean coast!
5. Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a dish of tender eggs poached in a perfectly spiced tomato based sauce. It is most commonly associated with Northern Africa, specifically Morocco and Tunisia, but is starting to gain fame around the world as an exotic and tasty breakfast option.
6. Espinacas con Garbanzos
Another famous tapas hailing from Spain is Espinacas con Garbanzos, or spinach with chick peas. As simple as that may sound, with the addition of bacon, warm seasonings and a nice drizzle of olive oil this one is sure to impress guests.
7. Olive Tapenade
Perhaps no single food better represents Mediterranean food than the olive. This tapenade is packed with three different varieties along with a good dose of olive oil. Add in a few other flavor enhancers and you have one great spread or dip.
8. Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish, where chicken is braised to tender perfection in a well seasoned tomato based sauce.
It is a rustic dish with plenty of fresh herbs, veggies, and usually a good splash of wine. The next time those Italian cravings hit, make this restaurant quality dish in your own kitchen…
9. Tzatziki
This Greek cucumber yogurt sauce may be most well known as a gyro condiment, but it is one of my favorite dips for crackers and veggies.
10. Caponata – Sicilian Eggplant Relish
This Sicilian recipe consists of chopped eggplant, veggies and seasonings, and our good friend olive oil. It can be used as a side dish for seafood, but I love it as a dip on my appetizer table.
11. Moutabal
While we’re cooking with eggplant, this moutabal from the Levantine region is another great dip. It’s similar to baba ganoush, but has less variety of veggies, allowing the eggplant to really shine.
12. Hummus
Wrapping up our favorite appetizers, who doesn’t love a good hummus? Though you can find a huge assortment in the grocery store, nothing beats the freshness and customization of homemade.
13. Fasolada
Who says bean soup has to be boring? This Greek white bean soup is packed with flavors from a nice amount of great herbs and a generous dousing of olive oil. Olive oil… see the pattern yet?
14. Beef Tagine (Moroccan Beef Stew)
Beef Tagine is a popular stew from Morocco with amazing flavors thanks to the earthy and exotic spices. It’s an alluring labor of love that takes hours to slowly cook and simmer. It’s not your regular stew by any standard.
15. Spanish Clams with Chorizo
These Spanish Clams are simmered with cannellini beans, chorizo sausage and great flavor enhancers. It’s an amazing tapas dish perfect for guests or special occasions!
16. Moroccan Lentil Soup
If you thought lentil soup was boring, think again! This soup beautifully combines an exotic array of spices that will make you think your dining in a café on the southwest coast of the Med.
17. Keftedes (Greek Meatballs)
Keftedes are beautifully flavored Greek meatballs that are slightly crispy, and totally delicious!
They’re often served as part of a mezze platter with pita bread, cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives and tzatziki sauce.
18. Chicken Provençal
Chicken Provençal is a classic recipe from the south of France. Tender, melt in your mouth chicken braised in wine with olives and fresh herbs. Oh là là.
19. Portuguese Mussels
Did I mention they eat a lot of seafood around the Med? These Portuguese mussels are cooked in the most amazing sauce. As fancy as they look, you can whip this treat up in under 30 minutes!
20. Soutzukakia
Who doesn’t love a good meatball? This Greek recipe takes your basic meatballs in tomato sauce recipe to a new level with a the help of exotic spices and a nice splash of red wine.
21. Greek Chicken Souvlaki
These Greek kebabs feature tender, perfectly marinated chicken and an array of fresh veggies. They go great in pita bread or make a complete low carb meal on a stick!
22. Mediterranean Zucchini Boats
Imagine your favorite stuffed zucchini with a light and fresh Mediterranean twist. A perfect amount of herbs, feta cheese and pine nuts give great flavors to this easy and low carb recipe.
23. Greek Moussaka
Moussaka is an iconic layered eggplant casserole eaten in the eastern Mediterranean region. The most famous version, which we are cooking today, comes from Greece.
24. Psari Plaki
While we’re on the topic of Greek food, this psari plaki, or baked fish, is sure to be a hit. The tomato based sauce is so flavorful that my onionphobic husband doesn’t even mind picking around the onions!
25. Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
Have you ever thought how roast chicken will look in a Mediterranean avatar? Here it is… One skillet Mediterranean Chicken Roast. Fresh, healthy and jam packed with amazing flavors!
This is a one skillet meal from stovetop-to oven-to table. You can’t beat the ease and convenience of this one pot meal, as you literally throw everything in a skillet and let the oven do the work for most of the cook time.
26. Pesto Bruschetta Chicken
Liven up that chicken breast with this amazing recipe. Fresh mozzarella, pesto sauce, pine nuts, cherry tomatoes and fresh basil atop a perfectly baked chicken cutlet. Only 10 minutes hands on time and your oven does the rest. Plus, it’s a great keto friendly option.
27. Loaded Layered Hummus Dip
Dress up your hummus like never before… Get that scooping going with this beautiful, bright and colorful Layered Hummus Dip. This luscious loaded hummus is perfect for your party or potluck appetizer.
28. Harissa Chicken
Harissa Chicken is a hugely flavorful dish using my new favorite flavor bomb, North African harissa.
This recipe is a one pot wonder with chicken, potatoes, carrots and chickpeas, and it takes only a few minutes of your hands on time. If you love big flavors, put harissa chicken on this week’s menu!
29. Mediterranean Braised Chicken
This Mediterranean style chicken is braised in a red wine based sauce until it’s fall off the bone tender. It’s like coq au vin taken to the next level with an abundance of herbs and the unique sweetness of apricots.
30. Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers
These colorful stuffed peppers are packed with ground beef, pearled cous cous, veggies and that perfect trio of Med flavors: kalamata olives, feta cheese and toasted pine nuts!
31. Ribollita (Tuscan White Bean Soup)
Zuppa Ribollita is for all the bread lovers out there looking for a soul warming bowl of comfort. This hearty rustic soup is a classic Tuscan dish that has been cooked in peasants’ kitchens for centuries, all over Tuscany.
32. Greek Steak Salad Bowl
When you’re feeling bowly, this Greek steak salad bowl is the perfect solution. It’s packed with veggies, protein and healthy grains.
33. Pipirrana
This humble Spanish summer salad is packed with flavor and freshness. If you happen upon some nice vine ripened tomatoes, be sure to give this one a try!
34. Tortellini Pasta Salad
This loaded tortellini pasta salad is so hearty it could easily pass for a main, but I love it alongside some nice grilled meats or fresh fish. Make a big batch, as leftovers make for great lunches.
35. Mediterranean Pasta
This Mediterranean Pasta is your new weeknight best friend. It’s super quick, like 20 minutes quick, and has great flavors the whole family will love.
With just a few simple ingredients, this easy dinner will be on the table in no time. And it’s also versatile. Missing an ingredient? No problem!
36. Batata Harra
Give your humble potatoes an exotic makeover. This tasty Lebanese side dish is loaded with inviting spices and fresh herbs.
37. Cherry Tomato Gratin
This gorgeous cherry tomato gratin is a light yet delicious casserole that only takes five minutes of hands on time. This one makes a tasty side dish but also looks great on an appetizer spread.
38. Israeli Couscous Salad
This Israeli couscous salad is packed with light and fresh flavors. It goes especially well with grilled or baked chicken or fish dishes and makes a great make ahead potluck dish.
39. Pesto Sauce
Of all the famous Italian sauces, pesto may be the most versatile. It’s great in pasta, as a marinade or dressing, as a crostini dipper, and so many more ways… Skip the store bought, this fresh homemade sauce only takes 5 minutes!
40. Harira (Moroccan Lentil & Chickpea Soup)
Have you tried Harira? If not, you are about to learn of a culinary flavor bomb, all the way from Africa. Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup brimming with layers of flavors and textures.
41. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is the light and tasty side dish you need this summer. A simple mix of quinoa, a few veggies, some Mediterranean staples, and a zesty lemon dressing is all it takes.
42. Moroccan Couscous
Give regular couscous a colorful makeover by adding a bunch of veggies and earthy Moroccan spices.
This Moroccan Couscous is not only an ideal dish next to any of your chicken, beef or fish dishes, but it can be a stand alone light vegetarian lunch option.
43. Sicilian Pasta
Sicilian Pasta – If you’ve been on the lookout for a tasty new pasta recipe, here it is! This Sicilian Pasta is bursting with flavor from mixed olives, capers, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes and some great flavor enhancers!
44. Green Beans Almondine
Grean Beans Almondine!! Doesn’t it sound fancy? Green Beans À la Française… Try saying that to your guests this holiday season instead of regular green bean casserole.
45. Ham and Swiss Quiche
Quiche is a famous French egg casserole with many different fillings and variations. This recipe uses ham and Swiss cheese as it’s flavorings and has a unique twist: it’s crustless!
46. Avgolemono Soup
Meet your new go to comfort food. This Avgolemono Soup is your chicken noodle soup taken to the next level. It’s silky and smooth and oh so delicious.
This classic Greek lemon soup uses egg and lemon (avgo-lemono) to create a creamy, velvety broth with a refreshing lemony hint.
47. Mediterranean Omelette
Add some Mediterranean flair to your breakfast rotation with this easy and tasty Mediterranean Omelette! Beautiful in its simplicity and fresh flavors, this is a breakfast you’ll keep coming back to!
48. Kleftiko (Greek Lamb Cooked in Parchment)
Here is one special centerpiece of Greek cuisine… Kleftiko!! Kleftiko is not just a dish – it’s a centuries-old legacy and history served on a platter, transporting you to the heart of Greece with each bite.
49. Albondigas (Spanish Meatballs)
These Albondigas, or Spanish Meatballs, are a famous tapas dish, where succulent meatballs simmer in the most delicious tomato sauce. They’re so good!
50. Pasta alla Norma
Pasta alla Norma is a famous Sicilian dish with a chunky, herb infused eggplant and tomato sauce. And it’s just too good!
It’s a light, meatless pasta meal, yet the firm, buttery eggplant gives it a heartiness that will keep your appetite satisfied.
51. Greek Lemon Rice
Looking for a way to take your plain white rice to the next level? Try out this simple and delicious Greek Lemon Rice recipe!
A touch of refreshing lemon juice brings all the flavors together for a side dish that is anything but boring. It’s the perfect side for many of your favorite Mediterranean dishes, boosting your meal’s flavor profile to another level!
52. Mediterranean Charcuterie Board (Mezze Platter)
Mediterranean Charcuterie Board or Mezze Platter – a lavish spread that is not just a treat for your taste buds, but a feast for your eyes as well!
We will tell you how to make a Mezze Platter that will wow your guests the next time you have a get together…
We hope you enjoy this collection of great Mediterranean recipes and find some new favorites. What are you going to try first?
Be sure to bookmark or pin this post, as there are plenty of great dishes here to try. Still hungry for more? We have plenty more coming your way, so be sure to subscribe. Until next time…
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
Get griddling! Try these Blackstone Recipes!
Never miss a recipe!
Join the GypsyPlate mailing list and get easy dinner recipes right in your mailbox. From homestyle comfort food to exotic dishes from around the world.
Thanks a million!!!very healthy recipes!!.love them all.!!!