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29 Mediterranean Recipes That Taste Like Sunshine, Seabreeze, and the Life You Wish You Were Living

Mediterranean food isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about how it makes you feel. These 29 recipes bring the kind of flavors that belong on a sun-soaked terrace with an ocean view, even if the closest thing to the Mediterranean in your life is a blue bath mat. Fresh, bold, and built on simple techniques, this lineup covers everything from quick bites to slow-simmered classics.

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mediterranean Cod

Mediterranean cod on a rectangular platter.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Whether you’re having it for lunch or dinner, this cod will make you forget you were ever waiting for something more complicated. Mediterranean Cod is a meal that tastes like a vacation on a plate. With its light and delicate flavors, this dish brings an air of the sea and the sun straight into your kitchen. It’s one of those meals that just makes sense no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Horiatiki Salad

Horiatiki Salad with feta cheese on top served on a plate.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

There’s no better way to make a simple salad exciting than by going Mediterranean. Horiatiki Salad takes the basics and gives them a boost of flavor and freshness that will have you coming back for more. It’s a great side that’s just as at home on a summer picnic as it is alongside dinner. Crisp, refreshing, and surprisingly filling, it’s the kind of salad that tastes like sunshine in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Mediterranean Chicken Bake with herbs, cheese and tomatoes in a platter.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You’re not just baking chicken; you’re making a dish that reminds you of summer. Mediterranean Chicken Bake brings a blend of bold flavors and simple ingredients together for a meal that’s both satisfying and full of life. A meal that can go from oven to table in no time, this dish feels like the kind of thing you could enjoy with a sea breeze and good company.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes.
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Light but packed with flavor, it’s a great way to bring the Mediterranean vibe to any meal. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is a twist on a classic, adding a bit of smoky depth to the bright, fresh flavors of tabouli. It’s the perfect balance of freshness and boldness, making it a great side or light main. The smoky tomatoes elevate this salad to something that feels a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Greek Meatballs

Greek Meatballs on a plate with tomatoes.
Greek Meatballs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Meatballs, but make them Mediterranean. Greek Meatballs turn an everyday dish into something more flavorful and exciting. Packed with a range of tastes and textures, they come together to create a dish that’s hearty, yet light enough for any time of day. Simple, satisfying, and perfect for a crowd, these meatballs are a must-try for anyone looking to bring a little Mediterranean flair to the table.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatballs

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Quick to whip up, this salad is proof that you don’t need to overcomplicate things to make a meal that’s both delicious and refreshing. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is like a little sunshine in a bowl. It’s the dish you turn to when you need something light, yet full of flavor. The combination of orzo and shrimp gives it a great balance of texture, making it perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Kabobs with a dipping sauce.
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Who says you need a grill to enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean? Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs are the perfect meal to bring a little taste of summer to your weeknight dinner. The zesty lemon and savory oregano come together to make this dish feel like a beach vacation. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s the kind of dish that gets better with each bite.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You can enjoy it warm or cold, making it a versatile dish that always hits the spot. Pesto Orzo Salad is the perfect dish when you want something hearty without feeling weighed down. With its fresh, vibrant pesto and bite-sized orzo, it’s both satisfying and light. This salad is ideal for meal prep, picnics, or serving as a side to a larger meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Kefta Beef Kabobs

Kefta Beef Kabobs stacked on a white platter.
Kefta Beef Kabobs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Quick to cook and full of flavor, these kabobs are a great choice for a delicious dinner without the fuss. Kefta Beef Kabobs bring all the savory, smoky goodness you expect from a Mediterranean feast. These kabobs are perfect for grilling, but they’re just as satisfying when cooked on the stovetop or in the oven. With their rich flavor and satisfying texture, they’ll be the star of any meal.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Beef Kabobs

Authentic Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki Sauce with pita dipped in a black bowl.
Authentic Tzatziki Sauce. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

No Mediterranean dish is complete without a side of Authentic Tzatziki Sauce. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly spiced, this sauce pairs well with everything from grilled meats to fresh vegetables. It’s the kind of dip you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. Simple to make and packed with flavor, tzatziki is a must-have for any Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Tzatziki Sauce

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a fresh, crunchy side that complements just about anything, Cucumber Salad with Feta is the answer. This simple salad takes crisp cucumbers and pairs them with feta for a burst of flavor and texture. It’s the perfect way to balance out heavier dishes or enjoy on its own as a light snack. Whether it’s a hot summer day or a chilly evening, this salad will transport you to a sunny Mediterranean patio.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwich served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

You can’t go wrong with a pita stuffed with Greek meatballs. Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches bring all the best Mediterranean flavors together for an easy and satisfying meal. Wrapped up in pita, these meatballs offer the perfect combination of juicy, tender meat with just the right amount of spice. Quick to assemble and packed with flavor, it’s a great choice when you want something casual but delicious.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Grilled Feta

Grilled Feta with Herbs in a black serving dish with toasted bread and a lemon wedge.
Grilled Feta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine grilled cheese, but make it Mediterranean. Grilled Feta is the kind of dish that combines the richness of cheese with the smoky char from the grill, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether served as an appetizer or alongside other dishes, it’s a simple yet satisfying addition to any meal. This easy-to-make dish packs a punch without taking up too much of your time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta

Greek Salad

Greek Salad with a round block of feta in the middle.
Greek Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

You don’t need to be at a beachside café to enjoy the bright flavors of Greek Salad. This dish brings the best of the Mediterranean into one simple and satisfying salad. Crisp veggies and creamy feta are the foundation of this crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of salad that never goes out of style and always delivers on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta on a platter.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a twist on traditional pasta, Baked Feta Pasta delivers a creamy, cheesy dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy. The feta bakes up into a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. This dish is easy to make and full of flavor, with minimal ingredients that make it a simple yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or enjoying it solo, it’s a great way to bring a little Mediterranean magic into your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops

Three Ninja Woodfire Grill Mediterranean Lamb Chops topped with gremolata on a white plate.
Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

It’s the kind of meal that feels special without requiring a lot of work. Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops bring the rich flavors of lamb together with the perfect seasoning to create a meal that feels like an event. These chops are tender and juicy, with a smoky finish that can only come from grilling. Whether served with a side of vegetables or a Mediterranean salad, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops

Pastitsio

A square piece of pastitsio dish served on a stack of black plates.
Pastitsio. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Great for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers for later, it’s a guaranteed winner. Pastitsio is a hearty, Mediterranean take on baked pasta that combines rich layers of flavor in every bite. With its layers of pasta, meat sauce, and creamy béchamel, this dish is both filling and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish you want to make when you’re craving something comforting but with a Mediterranean twist.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Four Mediterranean Tuna Salad stuffed avocados on a white plate.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Fresh, flavorful, and perfect for lunch, Mediterranean Tuna Salad turns a simple can of tuna into something exciting. It’s the kind of salad that doesn’t feel heavy but still fills you up. Packed with Mediterranean flavors, it’s great on its own or as a side. This salad proves that quick meals don’t have to be boring or bland.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

A bowl of Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce, alongside cherry tomatoes and garlic.
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fresh, vibrant, and full of life, Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is a simple dish that never gets old. The tomatoes burst with flavor, creating a light but satisfying sauce for the pasta. Quick to prepare, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels like a leisurely lunch by the Mediterranean coast. Sometimes the best meals are the simplest, and this dish proves it.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Whether served with a salad, rice, or on their own, these shrimp are always a crowd-pleaser. Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp brings bold, smoky flavors with just a few ingredients and a hot grill. These shrimp are perfect for a quick dinner or a summer BBQ. They’re light yet full of flavor, making them an ideal dish when you want something fast but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Fasolakia Lathera

Greek Green Beans served on a white rectangular plate.
Fasolakia Lathera. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

A great side or stand-alone dish, this meal brings the essence of Mediterranean cooking straight to your table. Fasolakia Lathera is a Mediterranean classic that’s all about fresh ingredients and simple flavors. This dish highlights vegetables at their best, stewed until tender and full of flavor. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a light, satisfying meal without the need for heavy ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera

Mediterranean Salmon

Mediterranean Salmon on a white rectangular plate.
Mediterranean Salmon. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Whether served with rice, vegetables, or on its own, this salmon is always a winner. Mediterranean Salmon is a light and healthy dish that’s packed with flavor. The salmon is tender and juicy, perfectly complemented by the bold Mediterranean seasoning. This dish is perfect when you want something that feels indulgent but is still good for you.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon

Crab Spanakopita

Crab Spanakopita triangles on a cutting board.
Crab Spanakopita. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. Crab Spanakopita takes the classic Greek spanakopita and gives it a coastal twist with crab. The flaky phyllo dough wraps around a delicious filling that’s both savory and satisfying. It’s a perfect appetizer or light meal that combines all the best flavors of the Mediterranean.
Get the Recipe: Crab Spanakopita

Mediterranean Rice

Mediterranean Rice in a black bowl on concrete.
Mediterranean Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simple yet full of flavor, it’s a dish that can easily become a favorite in your regular rotation. Mediterranean Rice is the kind of dish that turns a simple side into something worth talking about. This rice is tender, flavorful, and the perfect addition to any meal. Whether paired with grilled meats or served as a stand-alone dish, it brings the flavors of the Mediterranean into every bite.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Round black dish filled with seasoned roasted potato wedges, placed on a white wooden surface alongside a white and yellow striped cloth napkin.
Greek Lemon Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Light yet full of flavor, they’re the kind of potatoes that can stand on their own or pair with any dish. Greek Lemon Potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with just the right balance of seasoning. These potatoes are simple, but their flavor makes them unforgettable. Whether served as a side or enjoyed on their own, they’re a perfect complement to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fresh, crisp, and full of flavor, Mediterranean Chopped Salad is the perfect way to add a burst of freshness to any meal. This salad is easy to make, yet offers complex flavors with each bite. It’s light but filling, making it the perfect side to any Mediterranean-inspired dish. Whether served with grilled meats or enjoyed on its own, this salad always hits the mark.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Classic Pork Souvlaki

Three pieces of Pork Souvlaki with a bowl of white sauce and pieces of flatbread on a black slate serving board.
Classic Pork Souvlaki. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Whether served with pita or as part of a larger spread, these souvlaki are always a hit. Classic Pork Souvlaki brings all the smoky, savory flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your grill. These tender pieces of pork are marinated to perfection and grilled until juicy and full of flavor. They’re quick to cook, but the flavors linger long after the meal is over.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pork Souvlaki

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives.
Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A Mediterranean twist on an Italian classic, Greek Spaghetti brings together fresh flavors and hearty pasta for a meal that’s both simple and satisfying. The bright flavors make it feel like a light meal, but it’s hearty enough to fill you up. This is the pasta dish you turn to when you want something familiar but with a bit more character. Quick and easy, it’s the perfect dinner when you want something comforting without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A refreshing dish that does its best to bring sunshine into every bite, Shirazi Salad is the kind of side you’ll wish you had all summer long. Crisp and bright, this salad is built to complement anything you put it next to. It’s the kind of dish that gets better with each bite, and before you know it, the bowl’s empty. You don’t need to be in the Mediterranean to enjoy it, but it sure does make you feel like you’re there.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

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