Mediterranean meals have never been this soul-satisfying until I started mixing things up with popular recipes to get my perfect taste, blend, and color. I found myself adding and subtracting from these popular recipes to get it done the right way.
Honestly, I didn’t make these 25 recipes alone; some are collections from my mom, siblings, and neighbors.
1. Greek Salad
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes ($2)
- Cucumbers ($1.50)
- Red onion ($1)
- Kalamata olives ($3)
- Feta cheese ($4)
- Extra virgin olive oil ($2)
- Red wine vinegar ($1)
- Dried oregano ($0.50)
Instructions
- Chop up those juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers into bite-sized pieces
- Slice that red onion super thin, you don’t want it overpowering everything
- Toss in a handful of those salty Kalamata olives
- Crumble that creamy feta cheese all over the top
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano
- Pour that dressing all over your veggies and cheese
- Give it a good mix, making sure everything’s coated
- Let it chill in the fridge for like 30 minutes to an hour, the longer the better tbh
2. Shakshuka
Ingredients:
- Eggs ($3)
- Tomatoes ($2)
- Bell peppers ($2)
- Onion ($1)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Cumin ($0.50)
- Paprika ($0.50)
- Chili powder ($0.50)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Salt and pepper ($0.25)
Instructions
- Heat up that olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat
- Toss in the chopped onions and bell peppers, and let them get all soft and yummy
- Add the minced garlic and spices, and let that aroma fill your kitchen
- Pour in the canned tomatoes (or fresh if you’re feeling fancy) and let it simmer for like 10 minutes
- Make little wells in the sauce and crack those eggs right in
- Cover the skillet and let it cook until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny
- Sprinkle some salt and pepper on top
- Serve it up with some crusty bread for dipping
Cook time: About 25 to 30 minutes
3. Baklava
Ingredients:
- Phyllo dough ($5)
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pistachios) ($6)
- Butter ($3)
- Sugar ($1)
- Honey ($3)
- Cinnamon ($0.50)
- Lemon juice ($0.50)
- Preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C)
Instructions
- Melt the butter and keep it warm
- Mix the chopped nuts with cinnamon in a bowl
- Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough and brush it with butter
- Repeat this process until you have about 8 layers
- Sprinkle some of that nut mixture over the top
- Add more layers of buttered phyllo, then more nuts, and keep going until you run out
- Cut the baklava into diamond shapes before baking
- Pop it in the oven for about 50 minutes until it’s golden brown
- While it’s baking, make the syrup by boiling sugar, honey, and a little lemon juice
- When the baklava comes out, pour that syrup all over it
- Let it cool completely before serving (I know it’s hard, but trust me)
Cook time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes, including prep
4. Falafel
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
Ingredients:
- Dried chickpeas ($2)
- Fresh parsley ($1)
- Fresh cilantro ($1)
- Onion ($1)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Cumin ($0.50)
- Coriander ($0.50)
- Baking powder ($0.25)
- Salt ($0.25)
- Vegetable oil for frying ($2)
Instructions
- Soak those chickpeas overnight, don’t cheat with canned ones
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then toss them in a food processor
- Add the herbs, onion, garlic, and spices to the processor
- Pulse until you get a coarse mixture, not too smooth
- Stir in the baking powder and let the mixture chill for an hour
- Form the mixture into little balls or patties
- Heat up that oil in a deep pot or fryer
- Fry the falafels until they’re golden brown and crispy
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with tahini sauce
Cook time: 30 minutes (plus overnight soaking and chilling time)
5. Spanakopita
Ingredients:
- Phyllo dough ($5)
- Spinach ($3)
- Feta cheese ($4)
- Onion ($1)
- Eggs ($2)
- Dill ($1)
- Butter ($3)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Salt and pepper ($0.25)
Instructions
- Sauté that onion in olive oil until it’s soft and translucent
- Add the spinach and cook until it’s wilted, then let it cool
- Mix the spinach with crumbled feta, beaten eggs, and chopped dill
- Melt the butter and get ready to layer that phyllo
- Brush each sheet of phyllo with butter and stack about 8 layers
- Spread the spinach mixture over the phyllo
- Top with more buttered phyllo layers
- Cut into squares before baking
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes until golden and crispy
Cook time: 1 hour, including prep
6. Moussaka
Rich, hearty layers of eggplant and spiced meat topped with a creamy béchamel
Ingredients:
- Eggplants ($4)
- Ground lamb or beef ($6)
- Onion ($1)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Tomatoes ($2)
- Red wine ($3)
- Cinnamon ($0.50)
- Allspice ($0.50)
- Flour ($1)
- Milk ($2)
- Butter ($2)
- Eggs ($2)
- Parmesan cheese ($3)
- Olive oil ($1)
Instructions
- Slice and salt those eggplants, let them sit for 30 minutes
- Rinse and pat dry the eggplant, then fry or roast until golden
- Make the meat sauce: brown the meat, add onions, garlic, tomatoes, wine, and spices
- Let that simmer until it’s thick and delicious
- For the béchamel, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk
- Cook until it’s thick, then add beaten eggs and cheese off the heat
- Layer eggplant, meat sauce, and béchamel in a baking dish
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes until bubbly and golden
Cook time: 2 hours, including prep
7. Baba Ganoush
Ingredients:
- Eggplants ($4)
- Tahini ($3)
- Lemon juice ($1)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Cumin ($0.50)
- Salt ($0.25)
Instructions
- Prick those eggplants and roast them whole until they’re super soft
- Let them cool, then scoop out the flesh
- Mash the eggplant with tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and cumin
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with some paprika to make it look fancy
- Serve with warm pita or veggies for dipping
Cook time: 1 hour, mostly hands-off roasting time
8. Tzatziki
Cool, creamy, and refreshing with a garlicky kick
Ingredients:
- Greek yogurt ($3)
- Cucumber ($1.50)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Lemon juice ($1)
- Fresh dill ($1)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Salt ($0.25)
Instructions
- Grate that cucumber and squeeze out all the excess water
- Mix the cucumber with thick Greek yogurt
- Add minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped dill
- Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt
- Let it chill for at least an hour before serving
Cook time: 15 minutes prep, plus chilling time
9. Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Ingredients:
- Grape leaves (jarred) ($5)
- Rice ($2)
- Onion ($1)
- Fresh herbs (mint, dill, parsley) ($3)
- Lemon juice ($1)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Pine nuts ($3)
- Salt and pepper ($0.25)
Instructions
- Rinse those grape leaves to get rid of the brine
- Cook the rice halfway, then mix with sautéed onions, herbs, and pine nuts
- Place a spoonful of the mixture on each leaf and roll it up tight
- Pack the rolls snugly in a pot, layering them carefully
- Pour in some water or broth, add lemon juice and olive oil
- Simmer for about 45 minutes until the rice is fully cooked
- Let them cool a bit before serving – they’re great hot or cold!
Cook time: 1 hour and 30 minutes, including prep
10. Pita Bread
Soft, slightly chewy, with that irresistible freshly baked aroma
Ingredients:
- Flour ($1)
- Yeast ($1)
- Sugar ($0.25)
- Salt ($0.25)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Warm water
Instructions
- Mix the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl
- Add olive oil and warm water, mix until you get a soft dough
- Knead that dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic
- Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour
- Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into circles
- Heat up a skillet or griddle until it’s super hot
- Cook each pita for a couple minutes on each side until it puffs up
- Wrap them in a clean towel to keep warm and soft
Cook time: 2 hours, including rising time
11. Souvlaki
Ingredients:
- Pork or chicken ($6)
- Lemon juice ($1)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Oregano ($0.50)
- Thyme ($0.50)
- Salt and pepper ($0.25)
- Wooden skewers ($1)
Instructions
- Cut the meat into cubes and toss it in a bowl with all the marinade ingredients
- Let that sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, overnight if you can
- Soak those wooden skewers in water so they don’t burn
- Thread the marinated meat onto the skewers
- Grill over high heat, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through
- Serve hot with pita bread and tzatziki
Cook time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
12. Ratatouille
Ingredients:
- Eggplant ($2)
- Zucchini ($2)
- Bell peppers ($2)
- Tomatoes ($2)
- Onion ($1)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Fresh basil ($1)
- Thyme ($0.50)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Salt and pepper ($0.25)
Instructions;
- Chop all those veggies into similar-sized pieces
- Sauté the onions and garlic in a big pot with olive oil
- Add the eggplant and cook until it starts to soften
- Toss in the zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes
- Add the herbs and let it all simmer until the veggies are tender but not mushy
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Serve hot, room temp, or cold – it’s all good!
Cook time: 45 minutes
13. Fattoush
Ingredients:
- Pita bread ($2)
- Romaine lettuce ($2)
- Tomatoes ($2)
- Cucumber ($1.50)
- Radishes ($1)
- Green onions ($1)
- Fresh mint ($1)
- Fresh parsley ($1)
- Sumac ($2)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Lemon juice ($1)
- Pomegranate molasses ($3)
- Salt ($0.25)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
Instructions
- Cut that pita into small squares and toss with olive oil and salt
- Bake those pita pieces until they’re golden and crispy, about 10-15 minutes
- Chop up all your veggies and herbs, throw them in a big bowl
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, and pomegranate molasses
- Toss the veggies with the dressing
- Add those crispy pita chips right before serving so they stay crunchy
- Sprinkle extra sumac on top for that authentic touch
Cook time: 30 minutes, including baking time for pita chips
14. Mediterranean Grilled Chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs or breasts ($6)
- Greek yogurt ($2)
- Lemon juice ($1)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Oregano ($0.50)
- Rosemary ($0.50)
- Thyme ($0.50)
- Paprika ($0.50)
- Salt and pepper ($0.25)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and all those herbs and spices
- Slather that marinade all over your chicken pieces
- Cover and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, overnight is even better
- Take the chicken out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking
- Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat
- Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving
- Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy
Cook time: 20 to 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
15. Couscous
Ingredients:
- Couscous ($3)
- Vegetable or chicken broth ($2)
- Butter ($1)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Onion ($1)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Turmeric ($0.50)
- Cumin ($0.50)
- Cinnamon ($0.50)
- Raisins or dried apricots ($2)
- Sliced almonds ($2)
- Fresh parsley ($1)
- Salt ($0.25)
Instructions
- Heat up some olive oil in a pot and sauté diced onion and minced garlic
- Add your spices and toast them for a minute to wake up those flavors
- Pour in your broth and bring it to a boil
- Stir in the couscous, turn off the heat, and cover the pot
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed
- Fluff it up with a fork and stir in a pat of butter
- Mix in the dried fruit, toasted almonds, and chopped parsley
- Season with salt to taste and maybe a squeeze of lemon juice
Cook time: 15 to 20 minutes
16. Paella
Ingredients:
- Short-grain rice ($3)
- Saffron threads ($5)
- Chicken thighs ($4)
- Chorizo ($3)
- Shrimp ($6)
- Mussels ($4)
- Bell peppers ($2)
- Onion ($1)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Tomatoes ($2)
- Peas ($1)
- Chicken broth ($2)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Paprika ($0.50)
- Salt ($0.25)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet
- Brown the chicken and chorizo, then set aside
- Sauté onions, garlic, and peppers until soft
- Add rice, paprika, and saffron, stirring to coat
- Pour in broth and tomatoes, then add the meat back in
- Simmer for about 15 minutes without stirring
- Add shrimp, mussels, and peas on top
- Cook until the seafood is done and rice is tender
- Let it sit for 5 minutes to develop that crispy bottom
Cook time: About 45 minutes
17. Bouillabaisse
Ingredients:
- Assorted fish (cod, halibut, sea bass) ($10)
- Shellfish (mussels, clams) ($6)
- Fennel ($2)
- Leeks ($2)
- Onion ($1)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Tomatoes ($2)
- Orange zest ($0.50)
- Saffron ($5)
- Fish stock ($3)
- White wine ($3)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Herbs (thyme, parsley, bay leaf) ($2)
- Salt and pepper ($0.25)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot and sauté fennel, leeks, and onion
- Add garlic, tomatoes, orange zest, and herbs
- Pour in wine and fish stock, add saffron
- Simmer for about 10 minutes
- Add firm fish pieces and cook for 5 minutes
- Toss in shellfish and more delicate fish
- Cook until shellfish open and fish is cooked through
- Season to taste and serve with crusty bread
Cook time: About 40 minutes
18. Caprese Salad
Ingredients:
- Fresh mozzarella ($5)
- Ripe tomatoes ($3)
- Fresh basil leaves ($2)
- Extra virgin olive oil ($2)
- Balsamic glaze ($3)
- Salt and pepper ($0.25)
Instructions
- Slice mozzarella and tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices
- Arrange them alternately on a platter
- Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze
- Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving
Cook time: 10 minutes
19. Lamb Kebabs
Ingredients:
- Lamb, cubed ($8)
- Red onion ($1)
- Bell peppers ($2)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Lemon juice ($1)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Oregano ($0.50)
- Rosemary ($0.50)
- Cumin ($0.50)
- Paprika ($0.50)
- Salt and pepper ($0.25)
Instructions
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and spices
- Marinate lamb cubes for at least 2 hours
- Cut veggies into kebab-sized pieces
- Thread marinated lamb and veggies onto skewers
- Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving
Cook time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
20. Gazpacho
Ingredients:
- Ripe tomatoes ($3)
- Cucumber ($1.50)
- Red bell pepper ($1)
- Red onion ($1)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Bread, day-old ($1)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Sherry vinegar ($2)
- Salt ($0.25)
Instructions
- Roughly chop all veggies
- Soak bread in water, then squeeze dry
- Blend everything until smooth
- Chill for at least 2 hours
- Serve cold with a drizzle of olive oil on top
Cook time: 15 minutes prep, plus chilling time
21. Olive Tapenade
Ingredients:
- Kalamata olives ($4)
- Capers ($2)
- Anchovies ($2)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme) ($1)
- Lemon juice ($1)
- Olive oil ($1)
Instructions
- Pit the olives if necessary
- Throw everything in a food processor
- Pulse until you get a coarse paste
- Adjust seasoning to taste
- Serve with crusty bread or use as a spread
Cook time: 10 minutes
22. Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Ingredients:
- Red bell peppers ($3)
- Walnuts ($3)
- Bread crumbs ($1)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Lemon juice ($1)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Paprika ($0.50)
- Salt ($0.25)
Instructions
- Roast peppers until skin is charred
- Let cool, then peel and seed
- Toast walnuts in a dry pan
- Blend peppers, walnuts, garlic, bread crumbs
- Add lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, and salt
- Blend until smooth
- Chill before serving
Cook time: 30 minutes, including roasting time
23. Pasta Puttanesca
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti ($2)
- Canned tomatoes ($2)
- Kalamata olives ($3)
- Capers ($2)
- Anchovies ($2)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Red pepper flakes ($0.50)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Fresh parsley ($1)
- Salt ($0.25)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente
- In a large pan, sauté garlic and anchovies in olive oil
- Add tomatoes, olives, capers, and red pepper flakes
- Simmer for about 10 minutes
- Toss cooked pasta with the sauce
- Garnish with chopped parsley
Cook time: 20 minutes
24. Grilled Octopus
Ingredients:
- Octopus ($10)
- Olive oil ($1)
- Lemon juice ($1)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Oregano ($0.50)
- Red wine vinegar ($1)
- Salt and pepper ($0.25)
Instructions
- Clean and tenderize the octopus
- Simmer in water with a wine cork for about an hour
- Let cool, then cut into pieces
- Marinate in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano
- Grill on high heat for a few minutes per side
- Drizzle with vinaigrette before serving
Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes, including simmering and cooling time
25. Baklava
Ingredients:
- Phyllo dough ($5)
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pistachios) ($6)
- Butter, melted ($3)
- Sugar ($1)
- Honey ($3)
- Cinnamon ($0.50)
- Lemon juice ($0.50)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Instructions
- Mix nuts with cinnamon
- Layer phyllo sheets, brushing each with melted butter
- Sprinkle nut mixture between every few layers
- Cut into diamond shapes before baking
- Bake for about 50 minutes until golden brown
- Meanwhile, make syrup with sugar, honey, water, lemon juice
- Pour hot syrup over baked baklava
- Let cool completely before serving
Cook time: 1 hour, plus cooling time
Conclusion
I can guarantee that it’s 100 percent worth your time and cravings.
