There's no denying the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet [1], and the fact that the dishes taste so delicious is a major bonus. You might not be able to travel to the waters of Greece or Italy, but you can still get the yum factor right at home with these recipes rich in nuts, vegetables, beans, olive oil, and fish. From tzatziki to tahini, here are 37 recipes that will help you master Mediterranean cuisine.
— Additional reporting by Brinton Parker
Mediterranean Layered Dip
If seven-layer dip isn't your thing but you're looking for a similar alternative, then check out this tangy Mediterranean dip [2]. It calls for garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and a whole lot more for what we like to call eight layers of gold.
Artichoke and Mushroom Salad
This artichoke and mushroom salad [3] has all the makings of a Mediterranean pleaser: a base bed of spinach, parmesan shavings, a drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Mediterranean Quiche
One of the best parts about this vegetarian Mediterranean quiche [4] is that you can enjoy it no matter what time of day. Sautéed onions, courgette, red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes mix with gruyère and goat cheese for a richness that will be hard to put down.
Spaghetti With Garlic and Olive Oil
Garlic and olive oil are arguably two of the most popular ingredients in the Mediterranean diet. Enjoy both of them when you cook up this simple but savory spaghetti recipe [5] that also incorporates chili flakes.
Greek Salad Bites
The easiest, freshest, and most flavourful app we can think of? Greek salad skewers [6]. All it takes is a fast chop of the ingredients (cucumber, feta, tomatoes, and olives), making sure you have the right portion of each, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Pesto Pasta Salad
This pasta salad [7] can be prepared and tossed into the fridge for later in the week, and the recipe is a veritable blank canvas — add in the fresh ingredients that make your tastebuds happiest!
Cod With Asparagus in Parchment
Fish, unsurprisingly, is a mainstay of the Mediterranean diet. Don't be intimidated by a dish like cod and asparagus en papillote [8], though — the recipe that calls for basil, spring onion, and soy sauce is easier than you think.
Walnut Pesto
There's no denying the important role pesto plays in Mediterranean dishes. For a simple twist on the Genovese pesto that calls for pine nuts, try this zesty version made from walnuts [9] instead.
Warm Feta With Honey and Pine Nuts
Bold ingredients, including salty feta, floral honey, mint, and orange zest, play together in perfect harmony in this stunning nibble [10].
Marinated Olives
Olives are a pretty divisive food, but even the haters will want to convert after they try these spicy marinated olives [11]. The great thing is that the recipe, infused with chili flakes, doesn't require much to put together.
Cinnamon-Spiced Eggs
We like to call this one a Mediterranean twist on eggs in purgatory. The result? Savory cinnamon-spiced eggs [12] that are prepared in a slow-simmered clove, onion, and tomato sauce.
Spiced Carrot Soup With Chickpeas and Tahini
Tahini and chickpeas may not be the stars of this spiced carrot soup [13], but the Mediterranean staples sure provide loads of textural and flavour kicks.
Mezze Platter
Put together a mezze platter [14] for your next party and prepare for the flood of compliments.
Minty Spring Pea Salad
It's the first lady's very own recipe, and one that's perfect for the season. The Spring salad [15] calls for many Mediterranean favourites: we're talking fresh green peas (only in season until the Summer), shallots, leeks, mint leaves, and olive oil.
Burrata-Stuffed Squash Blossom Recipe
Forget squash blossoms that are stuffed with creamy cheese and deep fried. This lighter version of burrata-stuffed squash blossoms [16] with olive tapenade is ideal for a Mediterranean-themed dinner — or any dinner party, for that matter.
Lemon and Lavender Chicken
A French-inspired lemon and lavender chicken [17] hits all the right sweet and savory notes, providing just enough floral flavour and herbaceousness to perk you up on a blustery night.
Sesame Tahini
Spread on toast or used in sauces, homemade tahini [18] is a Meditarranean favourite no one should go without. Aside from its versatility, another plus is that the sesame seed paste is easier to make than you'd think.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This orzo salad recipe [19] calls for a variety of Mediterranean-influenced ingredients: fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives. Take one bite, and it's almost like you're vacationing on a Grecian isle. Almost.
Easy Baba Ghanoush
This traditional Mediterranean aubergine dip [20] might not be much to look at, but it more than makes up for it in rich, smoky flavour.
Classic Tabbouleh
When made in a classic manner, traditional tabbouleh [21] is a salad that's light, refreshing, and completely acceptable to pig out on, without incurring a nasty stomachache.
Leeks Vinaigrette With Herbed Quail Eggs
Quail eggs aren't easy to track down, but this tasty leek and egg salad [22] makes the hunt for ingredients worthwhile.
Moules à la Marinière
There's no better authority on how to cook seafood than Julia Child [23], and this mussels recipe [24] uses her expertise to create the perfect dish.
Crostini With Courgette Pesto
Think homemade salsa meets rich Italian food, and you've got the idea of this scrumptiously fresh Mediterranean spread [25].
Italian Sausage, White Bean, and Kale Soup
Miniature meatballs made from Italian sausage, white beans, and kale bulk up this brothy Italian soup [26].
Easy Mediterranean Lamb Kebabs
With drool-worthy ingredients like pomegranate molasses, crème fraîche, and shallots, you really can't go wrong with this lamb kebab recipe [27].
Smooth and Creamy Hummus
Once you try this smooth, creamy hummus recipe [28], you'll have a hard time going back to store-bought!
Greek Salad With Feta Cheese
You can't beat the classics! This traditional Greek salad [29] has all the usual ingredients: red onion, brined feta, and fresh tomatoes.
Quinoa Tabbouleh
Traditional tabbouleh uses barley, but this gluten-free take on the dish [30] replaces the grain with scrumptious quinoa.
Caprese Salad Skewers
Turn your favourite salad into a party-ready favourite by creating portable tomato, basil, and mozzarella skewers [31].
Marinated Aubergine With Tahini and Oregano
Find out why this aubergine recipe [32] is mouthwatering enough for a POPSUGAR food editor to devour entirely by herself — one taste will tell you!
Tzatziki
This cooling sauce is a flavourful staple in Mediterranean cuisine, and you can make it yourself [33] with ease.
