10+ Mediterranean Food Recipes to Elevate Your Home Cooking

Mediterranean food is known for its rich flavors and healthy ingredients. From fresh vegetables to aromatic herbs and spices, this cuisine offers a delightful mix of tastes that can brighten up any meal. Prepare Mediterranean recipes at home with ease and joy.

Embracing the Mediterranean diet brings not only delicious meals but also numerous health benefits. You can explore a variety of recipes that highlight the best of this vibrant culinary tradition. Whether you are looking for appetizers, main dishes, or desserts, Mediterranean food has something to satisfy every palate.

Horiatiki Salad

Horiatiki, also known as Greek salad, is a fresh and simple dish. It includes ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell peppers, onions, olives, and feta cheese. The colors and textures make it look vibrant on any table.

A complicated dressing is unnecessary for this salad. Just drizzle some good olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar over the top. Sprinkle with dried oregano for added flavor.

This salad is perfect as an appetizer or a light meal. It pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the tasty juices that form at the bottom of the bowl.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 small onion
• 1 cup Kalamata olives
• 200 g feta cheese
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the tomatoes into wedges and place them in a large bowl.
2. Slice the cucumber, bell pepper, and onion and add them to the bowl.
3. Stir in the olives and crumble the feta cheese on top.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
5. Sprinkle with oregano and salt before serving.

2) Spanakopita

Spanakopita is a classic Greek dish that brings together the flavors of spinach, feta cheese, and crispy phyllo dough. It’s a savory pie that can be enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal.

To make spanakopita, you start by preparing a filling with spinach, ricotta, feta, eggs, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley. The combination creates a rich and tasty mixture.

Next, you layer sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with olive oil to achieve that delightful crunch. Then, you place the filling in the center and fold the dough to form triangles or a pie shape.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown. The result is a deliciously flaky and cheesy dish that is sure to impress your guests or family.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of phyllo dough
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 eggs
• Fresh dill, chopped
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix spinach, feta, ricotta, eggs, and herbs.
3. Layer phyllo sheets, brushing with olive oil.
4. Place filling on sheets and fold into triangles or shape.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.

3) Moussaka

Moussaka is a delicious Mediterranean dish that comes from Greece. It features layers of roasted eggplant, creamy potatoes, and a flavorful meat sauce. The dish is often topped with a rich béchamel sauce.

To make it, you can roast or grill eggplant slices until they’re tender. You will also need to cook ground meat with onions and spices for the sauce. Layer the vegetables and meat in a baking dish, finishing with béchamel on top.

Baking at 350°F (175°C) gives you a golden brown crust. This dish is perfect for gatherings and is sure to have everyone asking for more!

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 2 large potatoes
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups béchamel sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the eggplants and potatoes.
3. Roast the eggplants until golden.
4. Cook the ground meat with onions, salt, and pepper.
5. Layer potatoes and eggplants in a baking dish.
6. Add the meat sauce, then pour béchamel on top.
7. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden.

4) Baba Ganoush

Baba Ganoush is a delicious eggplant dip that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. It has a creamy texture and a smoky flavor, perfect for dipping or spreading.

To make it, you need a few simple ingredients: eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Roasting the eggplant gives it that smoky flavor that makes this dip special.

Once your eggplant is roasted and cool, scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mix in the tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir until smooth and creamy.

You can serve it with pita bread, fresh veggies, or even use it as a sandwich spread. It’s great for parties or just for a tasty snack at home!

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the eggplant for 30-40 minutes until tender.
3. Let it cool, then scoop the flesh into a bowl.
4. Add tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil to the bowl.
5. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Season with salt to taste. Enjoy!

Tabbouleh

Tabbouleh is a refreshing salad that’s popular in Mediterranean cuisine. It’s mostly made with bulgur wheat, fresh herbs, and vegetables. This dish is light and healthy, making it perfect for a warm day.

To make tabbouleh, you need ingredients like parsley, tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, and lemon juice. The fresh herbs really give it a bright flavor.

You can easily customize tabbouleh to your taste. Some people add mint or switch bulgur for quinoa to make it gluten-free.

Ingredients

• 1 cup bulgur wheat
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup finely chopped parsley
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and soak the bulgur wheat in water for 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain the bulgur and squeeze out excess water.
3. In a large bowl, combine parsley, tomatoes, and cucumber.
4. Add the bulgur, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
5. Mix well and serve chilled.

6) Falafel

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas. It’s often seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, making it flavorful and nutritious.

You can enjoy falafel in a pita, on a salad, or as a snack. The crispy texture and unique taste make it a favorite for many.

Making falafel at home is easier than you might think. You simply need chickpeas, garlic, onions, and herbs. Blend them together and form small balls or patties.

You can fry or bake them for a healthier option. If you choose to bake, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) for a nice golden finish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• 1 small onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup parsley
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for frying or baking

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the chickpeas overnight in water.
2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
3. In a food processor, blend the chickpeas, onion, garlic, and herbs.
4. Add cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
5. Form the mixture into small balls.
6. Fry in hot oil or bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden.

7) Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki sauce is a refreshing and creamy mix perfect for many dishes. Made with yogurt, cucumbers, and a few simple ingredients, it adds a burst of flavor to your meals. This sauce is ideal as a dip for veggies or pita bread.

To make tzatziki, you’ll start by grating the cucumber. After that, sprinkle it with a little salt and let it sit to drain excess water. This step helps keep your sauce from getting too watery.

Next, combine the drained cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill. Mix everything well and taste to adjust the seasoning. You might want to add more salt or garlic based on your preference.

Chill the tzatziki in the fridge before serving for the best flavor. Enjoy this healthy sauce with grilled meats or as a veggie dip!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Grate the cucumber and sprinkle with salt. Let it drain for 10 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and dill.
3. Add the drained cucumber and stir well.
4. Adjust seasoning with salt.
5. Chill in the fridge before serving.

Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken souvlaki is a delicious and popular dish from Mediterranean cuisine. It consists of marinated chicken pieces grilled on skewers. The marinade usually includes olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices like oregano.

To make it, you’ll want to cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb all the tasty flavors.

Grill the skewers on a hot grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You want the chicken to be golden-brown and cooked through without being dry. Serve it with tzatziki sauce for a refreshing touch.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and oregano.
3. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread the chicken onto skewers.
5. Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 375°F or 190°C).
6. Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning until cooked through.

9) Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Roasted red pepper hummus is a delightful twist on the classic recipe. It combines the creaminess of chickpeas with the sweet and smoky flavor of roasted red peppers. This dip is perfect for snacking or as part of a Mediterranean spread.

You will need just a few simple ingredients to make this dish. It works well with pita chips, fresh vegetables, or even as a sandwich spread.

The smoky flavor comes from roasted red peppers and a hint of smoked paprika. You can adjust the spiciness by adding garlic or jalapeno.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
• 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Roast the red peppers at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until skins blister.
2. In a blender, combine chickpeas, roasted red peppers, tahini, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, and salt.
3. Blend until smooth. Then, add lemon juice to taste and water if needed for consistency.
4. Serve with pita, veggies, or enjoy as a spread.

10) Stuffed Grape Leaves

Stuffed grape leaves, or dolmas, are a delicious Mediterranean dish. They often contain a mix of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. These little rolls pack in a lot of flavor.

To make stuffed grape leaves, start with fresh or jarred grape leaves. Rinse them well to remove any brine or salt.

Prepare your filling by mixing rice with herbs like dill and parsley. Once the filling is ready, place a spoonful on each leaf, fold the sides in, and roll them up tightly. You can use chives or kitchen twine to tie them for a nice presentation.

Cook them gently in a pot with lemon juice and water. They should simmer for about an hour.

Enjoy stuffed grape leaves warm or at room temperature as a delightful appetizer or side dish!

Ingredients:

• Grape leaves
• Rice
• Fresh herbs (dill, parsley)
• Ground meat (optional)
• Lemon juice
• Water
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the grape leaves.
2. Prepare the filling with rice and herbs.
3. Spoon filling onto each leaf and roll up.
4. Tie with chives if desired.
5. Place in a pot with lemon juice and water.
6. Simmer for about 60 minutes (140°F / 60°C).